The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia and President of the European Council, Mr Janez Janša, after last night offering his congratulations to the winner of the presidential elections in Russia, Mr Dmitry Medvedev, on his election success, today had a telephone conversation with the Russian President-elect, in which the two leaders exchanged views on cooperation in both the bilateral and the European context.

 

The incoming Russian President stressed that he was committed to advancing dialogue between the European Union and the Russian Federation and was looking forward to the EU–Russian Federation Summit to be held in Hanti-Mansiisk in June. The Slovenian Prime Minister and the Russian President-elect agreed that, given the strategic importance of partnership between the European Union and Russia, a stable legal framework for cooperation was essential. The Slovenian Prime Minister gave assurances that he would strive to ensure that the European Union’s negotiation positions were coordinated at the earliest possible opportunity.

 

PM Janša and Mr Medvedev agreed, furthermore, that bilateral relations between Slovenia and Russia were excellent, with trade between the two countries increasing every year, and that, with joint efforts, further opportunities for enhancing cooperation could be identified. Mr Medvedev emphasised the importance of keeping alive the memory of the Russian soldiers fallen during the First World War by holding the annual memorial ceremonies at the Russian Chapel under Vršič. The Slovenian Prime Minister also stressed the importance of cooperation under the aegis of the Forum of Slavic Cultures.

 

The Prime Minister, Janez Janša, highlighted the opportunities offered during the period of Slovenia's EU Council Presidency. PM Janša and Mr Medvedev concurred in their opinion that the current EU Presidency, being held as it is for the first time by a Slavic Member State, constitutes an opportunity to further strengthen relations between the European Union and Russia.