On the second day of his official visit to Macedonia, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, met the President of the Republic of Macedonia, the President of the Macedonian Assembly, and representatives of the Slovenian community in Macedonia. Before his return, Mr Janša laid a wreath at the grave of the revolutionary and freedom fighter Gotse Delchev.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, and the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Ljubisha Georgievski. (Photo: Kristina Kosec/BOBO)

During his talks with the Macedonian President, Branko Crvenkovski, and the President of the Macedonian Assembly, Ljubisha Georgievski, Mr Janša stressed the good relations between the two countries, which are evident in many areas, and expressed the wish to intensify economic cooperation. He congratulated his hosts on the implementation of recent reforms, and recommended that Macedonia continue its reform policies. He also said that the reasons for the reforms should be seen not only in terms of Macedonia's joining the EU and NATO, but also in terms of advancing the interests of its people.

The PM reiterated his view that Macedonia was one of the most serious candidates for NATO and EU membership, and that Slovenia was willing to assist the country with its efforts to join these organisations. He took the opportunity to present Slovenia's experience, emphasising the collaboration of its parliamentary political parties during negotiations and the accession of Slovenia to Euro-Atlantic institutions. Both Presidents thanked Mr Janša for Slovenia's support and assistance to the Republic of Macedonia in the process of approaching European integration.

Prime Minister Janez Janša and the President of Macedonia Branko Crvenkovski (Photo: Kristina Kosec/BOBO)

Mr Janša and Mr Crvenkovski also discussed the situation in the region and exchanged views on the future status of Kosovo.

At a meeting with representatives of the France Prešeren Slovene Association, which was attended by as many as seventy Slovenes living and working in Macedonia, the PM stressed that there was a high level of national awareness among Slovenes in Macedonia. "We who live in the homeland are very proud of the fact that you, Slovenes living in Macedonia, are keeping alive the memory of your roots," said the PM, expressing the conviction that recently, when the region was facing tensions and numerous political and economic issues, this had not been easy. He also acknowledged the community's care for the Slovenian library, and the effort it invests in running the school for Slovenian language and culture, adding that the Government of the Republic of Slovenia would continue to support their endeavours.

Prime Minister Janez Janša meets Slovenes living and working in Macedonia. (Photo: Kristina Kosec/BOBO)

Mr Janša also said that this year the Slovenian government would assess the conditions for granting citizenship, and introduce changes that will enable its expatriates to obtain Slovenian citizenship more easily, after representatives of the Slovenian community in Macedonia informed him about the problems they encounter when applying for Slovenian citizenship. He emphasised the significance of the recently passed Act on Slovenians Abroad, which will be the basis for a more efficient resolution of this and other similar issues.

Before returning to Ljubljana, Prime Minister Janez Janša lays a wreath at the grave of Gotse Delchev. (Photo: Kristina Kosec/BOBO)

To conclude his official visit to Macedonia, where he was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Dimitrij Rupel, the Minister of the Economy, Andrej Vizjak, and an over 100-strong business delegation, the Prime Minister laid a wreath at the grave of Gotse Delchev.