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Prime Minister Pahor attends Bled Strategic Forum

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, today attended the Bled Strategic Forum, where in the role of the Chair he addressed the participants assembled at this event. In his address, Prime Minister Pahor focused on the topic of this year's Forum and spoke about the economic crisis and its various manifestations. "These include crisis-generated challenges for our economic and financial system, existing geopolitical and security measures, energy supply, regional cooperation and development," emphasised Mr Pahor.
 

(Foto: Tamino Petelinšek/STA)

 
According to the Prime Minister there are a number of global challenges the significance of which has further increased during the crisis. It is imperative that the international community respond to the crisis without delay, as what we need are "small, yet continuous steps towards a solution". Mr Pahor emphasised a very important fact that the "economic crisis was not caused by common citizens", who have no choice but to face its consequences. "Therefore, it is our duty to protect them as much as possible."

 

(Foto: Bor Slana/Bobo)

 
Prime Minister Pahor went on by pointing out the importance of the stability and welfare of the Western Balkans, being of key interest to the EU and, in particular, to Slovenia. "Slovenia is and remains committed to EU enlargement to the Western Balkans," said Mr Pahor and added that "it is important to support initiatives which will make the lives of people in this region easier. Therefore, we strongly advocate visa liberalisation for the Western Balkans." All countries and regions bordering Eastern Europe and the Caspian region are striving to achieve the same goal – long-term security, stability and welfare. "This, however, can only be achieved by promoting political and economic development," concluded Prime Minister Pahor.

 

(Foto: Bor Slana/Bobo)

 
On the margins of the Forum, Mr Pahor received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Dr Ahmet Davutoğlu. Both dignitaries agreed that bilateral relations between their two countries were excellent. Mr Pahor and Mr Davutoğlu particularly mentioned the Agreement on Defence Cooperation, which is now being finalised. This Agreement will facilitate better cooperation in the areas of defence and trade in the relevant equipment and material. The Turkish Foreign Minister also proposed joint actions by both countries in the Western Balkans.  Turkey would in particular appreciate Slovenia's support in Bosnia and Kosovo, as in Dr Davutoğlu's opinion, Slovenia is the only EU Member State with in-depth knowledge of this region. Prime Minister Pahor reiterated that Slovenia has always been in favour of EU enlargement and that the country would do its utmost to accelerate the dynamics of this enlargement.
 

(Foto: Bor Slana/Bobo)

 
At a bilateral meeting, the Slovenian Prime Minister also received OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut. They exchanged views on the consequences of the financial crisis and established that it has so far not jeopardised the global security situation. Secretary General de Brichambaut commended Slovenia's role in the OSCE.

 
Finally, Prime Minister Pahor received the Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi. The two interlocutors agreed that relations between the two countries were very good, but that trade in goods could be further enhanced. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi said that the United Arab Emirates consider Slovenia a highly attractive country for investment, particularly in the area of transport. At the end of the meeting, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade expressed her wish that the Slovenian Prime Minister, together with a sizeable business delegation, would visit her country at the end of this year.