On his final day at the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, met the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon. They mainly discussed the priorities of Slovenia's Presidency of the Council of the EU, and issues related to the Western Balkans.

 

(Photo: Tina Kosec/Bobo)

 

PM Janez Janša and his host focused particularly on the commitments and the leading role of the EU in combating the negative effects of climate change, and the preparations for the climate change conference in Bali. They also discussed the challenges awaiting both the European Union and the United Nations in 2008, and the Year of Intercultural Dialogue, which is one of Slovenia's priorities. PM Janez Janša and Mr Ban Ki-moon also touched on the Kosovo question, and agreed that in the first half of 2008 the issue will most probably be on the agendas of both the EU and the UN.

 

(Photo: Tina Kosec/Bobo)

 

The Slovenian PM also met the High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, to whom he handed a letter about the situation in the Western Balkans which he has sent to members of the European Council and the European Commission, and the issues which Slovenia believes require priority attention. They agreed that the EU should maintain an active role in resolving these issues, and that positions regarding the development of the situation in the region should be consolidated.

 

(Photo: Tina Kosec/Bobo)

 

PM Janez Janša then met the President of the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly, Dr Srgjan Kerim, to discuss common points between Slovenia's Presidency priorities and Mr Kerim's tenure as President of the 62nd session of the UNGA.

 

The Slovenian Prime Minister concluded his visit to New York in the late afternoon local time by addressing participants at the General Debate of the 62nd session of the UNGA. (more)