During his visit to the USA, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, will meet his host, President George W. Bush, and also the Vice President, Dick B. Cheney, the Secretary of State, Dr Condoleeza Rice, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, J. Dennis Hastert, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, Richard G. Lugar, and Senator Tom Harkin.

 

The first part of the visit will focus on Slovenes living in the USA. In Cleveland, home of the largest Slovenian community, the Prime Minister will meet Senator George V. Voinovich, and the city's Mayor Frank G. Jackson, address the representatives of the Slovenian community and institutions, and take part in the largest event organised by the Slovenian community in the US, the 25th Slovenefest, in Enon Valley.

 

Later on during his visit, the Prime Minister will travel to Washington to meet the highest representatives of the US Administration. On Monday, 10 July 2006, he will be received by President George W. Bush to discuss Slovenia's role in the process of democratisation and stability in the region, and participation within Euro-Atlantic alliances. Mr Janša and his host are also expected to touch on the development and Euro-Atlantic integration of the countries of the Western Balkans, and other issues that will be significant during Slovenia's presidency of the EU in the first half of 2008. On the same day, the Prime Minister will also meet the Secretary of State, Dr Condoleeza Rice, and the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, Richard G. Lugar.

 

On Tuesday, 11 July 2006, Mr Janša will give a speech at the US Chamber of Commerce, and meet a Senator of Slovenian descent, Tom Harkin, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, J. Dennis Hastert, and the Vice President of the USA, Richard B. Cheney.

 

The official visit of Prime Minister Janša to the USA reflects the countries’ excellent relations, with no open issues. Slovenia, seeking to continue political dialogue at both high and the highest levels, will reaffirm her commitment to strengthening political and commercial relations between the two countries. Both sides agree that there are still ample opportunities for business cooperation.

 

The Slovenian side will express a strong commitment and support for the Transatlantic Alliance, undertake to devote special attention to this issue during its 2008 EU presidency, and give an outline of its other presidency priorities. In addition, Slovenia will present to the American side several initiatives of the Slovenian Government aimed at providing support to EU candidate countries, potential candidates, and countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy. Slovenia will continue to endeavour to enlarge the stability area, and support the enlargement of the EU and NATO, objectives of common interest to her Trans-Atlantic partners.

 

The visit will also provide an opportunity to exchange views on other important international issues.