The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia and current President of the European Council, Mr Janez Janša, today met the President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr Pascal Couchepin. Their talks focused on bilateral relations between the two countries and current affairs in Europe.

 

(Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)

 

Both leaders assessed the development of mutual cooperation, which is very intensive, especially in the fields of economy and science, as favourable. Relations in these fields will be boosted further by the entry into force of the Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology, signed yesterday. Mr Janša expressed thanks to Mr Couchepin for the grants that Slovenia will receive in the next five-year period in the context of Switzerland’s financial contribution to cohesion in the new EU Member States.

 

(Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)

 

PM Janez Janša outlined the current challenges facing Slovenia in its role as holder of the EU Council Presidency. He devoted particular attention to energy and climate issues and the situation in the Western Balkans. Mr Janša and Mr Couchepin agreed that the entry of the Swiss Confederation into the Schengen area, scheduled for November 2008, would significantly contribute towards further strengthening cooperation between the EU Member States and Switzerland.