NEWS
Prime Minister Pahor hosts his Macedonian counterpart in Slovenia
"The Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Macedonia have always maintained friendly relations. The purpose of this official visit is to intensify this cooperation in the political and economic fields. There are ample opportunities; some remain unexploited, and we do not want to miss these opportunities in the coming years," said the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, commenting on the ties between Slovenia and Macedonia at today's press conference following his meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia, Nikola Gruevski.
(Photo: Srdjan Živulovič/Bobo)
With respect to its integration into Euro-Atlantic structures, Macedonia can rely on Slovenia's support, assured the Slovenian Prime Minister. "I feel it is my duty to express gratitude to the Macedonian Government for supporting Slovenia's ambitions to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the beginning of the next decade," added Prime Minister Pahor.
(Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)
In his words, the conference of businessmen from the two countries, which aimed at deepening their economic cooperation, represents one of the highlights of this visit. "With today's visit of the Macedonian Prime Minister, Slovenian politicians have launched a more ambitious policy for an economic presence in the Western Balkans," stressed the Slovenian Prime Minister, who together with his Macedonian counterpart also attended the conference.
(Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)
Economic cooperation has been increasing in recent years. In the first nine months of 2008, trade in goods amounted to EUR 172 million, rising by 15% compared to the same period of 2007. At the end of 2007, Slovenian investment in Macedonia amounted to a little less than EUR 200 million, which is a 66% increase compared to 2006.
(Photo: Srdjan Živulovič/Bobo)
The Slovenian Prime Minister said that, in these precarious times, the economy expected the Government to play its role effectively and to justify the responsibility and trust placed in it. He informed his Macedonian counterpart of certain problems arising in connection with Slovenian businessmen's ambitions in the Macedonian market. "We have agreed that we will, within our respective powers, do our utmost to enable that investment," maintained Prime Minister Pahor, adding that Macedonia and Slovenia are important allies in many respects and will continue their political and economic cooperation. "Expectations are high, and it is our responsibility to meet them," he stressed at the close of his address at today's Slovenian-Macedonian business conference.
(Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)
As part of his official visit, Macedonian Prime Minister Gruevski also had a meeting with the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, and the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Pavel Gantar. The distinguished guest also addressed members of the Committee on Foreign Policy and the Committee on EU Affairs in the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, and had a meeting with the President of the largest opposition party. He concluded his visit by attending the opening of the honorary consulate of the Republic of Macedonia in the Republic of Slovenia, and by holding a meeting with representatives of the Macedonian community living in Slovenia.