NEWS

Prime Minister Pahor: This is a new chapter in relations between our two countries

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, today hosted French Prime Minister François Fillon on his first official visit to Slovenia, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the Illyrian Provinces.
 

(Foto: Bor Slana/Bobo)

After the meeting between the Slovenian and French delegations, the two prime ministers said they were pleased with the meeting and the current state of relations between France and Slovenia. "I am convinced that today’s visit is opening up a new chapter between the two countries," said Mr Pahor. At the meeting, Mr Pahor and Mr Fillon touched on many issues, exchanging views on tackling the global economic and financial crisis, and on the measures adopted by the two countries to that end. Their talks focused on mutual relations, which both prime ministers assessed as excellent. In this regard, Mr Pahor asserted that there were no unresolved issues between Slovenia and France, but that there were still many untapped opportunities for strengthening relations in the economic, cultural, educational and political fields. Both prime ministers expressed the hope that the Lisbon Treaty would be ratified as soon as possible, as the ratification would enable Europe to act as one and tackle the challenges posed by the global crisis more effectively.

 

Mr Pahor and Mr Fillon also touched on the current issue of settling the border dispute between Slovenia and Croatia. Mr Fillon pointed out that in finding a solution to the dispute France took no sides, but hoped for a consensus solution and was willing to offer help on this front.

 

(Foto: Bor Slana/Bobo)

 
As part of the visit, both prime ministers also attended the conference on Franco-Slovenian relations entitled "Europe and national identities: from Napoleon to the European Union", which took place in the National Gallery.  In his address, Mr Pahor recalled the development of relations between Slovenia and France throughout history. In this regard, he highlighted the important role of the Illyrian Provinces, especially in strengthening the Slovenian national identity. In his address, Mr Pahor also pointed to the importance of a united Europe, both in the light of enlargement and institutional deepening of the EU: "With the challenges of the 21st century ahead, we must strengthen this idea and give it new encouragement. Together we are stronger and can look to the future with great hope."

 

(Foto: Bor Slana/Bobo)

 

By way of concluding the visit, Mr Pahor and Mr Fillon attended the opening of the exhibition on the Illyrian Provinces entitled Napoleon rezhe Iliria vstan in the City Museum of Ljubljana. They also took the opportunity to plant a linden tree in French Revolution Square in Ljubljana.