The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr Janez Janša, held a separate meeting with the President of the French Republic, Mr Jacques Chirac, while attending the European Council meeting currently in progress in Brussels. They focused on European topics but also touched on bilateral co-operation between the two countries.

 

PHOTO: BOBO

 

Prime Minister Janša thanked President Chirac for invaluable assistance rendered by France to Slovenia in its preparations for the EU Presidency in the first half of 2008. Slovenia is aware of the importance of this responsible task and therefore wishes to prepare itself to the best of its abilities. Mr Janša and Mr Chirac also touched on Slovenia’s forthcoming adoption of the euro which would be of great significance for Slovenia, its citizens and its economy.

 

According to Prime Minister Janša, bilateral co-operation between Slovenia and France, both at the political and economic levels, is positive. Economic co-operation between the two countries has strengthened, the total trade volume in 2005 exceeding 2 billion euros, with Slovenia marking a surplus for the first time in the past ten years.