NEWS

Prime Minister Pahor on a working visit to Spain

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, has been on a two-day visit to Spain, the main purpose of which was to become familiarised with the agenda of Spain’s Presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2010. Mr Pahor had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Spain, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, and held a conference at the Madrid Diplomatic Academy on the subject of the "Lisbon Treaty: its implementation during the process of enlargement".

 

In a discussion with the students at the Academy, Mr Pahor highlighted the importance of implementation of the Lisbon Treaty, which is to come into force shortly, and its significance as a basis for further development and enlargement of the European Union. 
 

(Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)

 
Mr Pahor said that enlargement towards the Western Balkans is of great consequence, as the European perspective of this region is paramount for stabilising the situation. In this context the Slovenian Prime Minister also pointed out that resolving the border issue between Slovenia and Croatia is a crucial element which will, on one hand, enable Croatia to continue its process of accession to the European Union, and on the other, protect the vital interests of Slovenia. "The way in which this issue has been tackled may serve as an example and inspiration to other political leaders in the Western Balkans, since it contains two key elements: dialogue based on mutual trust and the active assistance of the European Union," said Mr Pahor, adding that he firmly believed that many outstanding issues in the Western Balkans could be resolved in a similar manner.
 
He continued by pointing out the gravity of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the need for an adequate international engagement in the process of modernising the country and establishing a constitution, as this is, said Mr Pahor, the only way to avoid conflict.

 

Later in the visit, Prime Minister Pahor met with his Spanish counterpart José Luís Rodriguez Zapatero. The two prime ministers focused their talks on Spain's preparations for the imminent holding of the EU presidency, in which Mr Pahor particularly emphasised the expectation of Slovenia to play an active role in the EU, in particular in light of the present economic crisis and the many social challenges the Union and the world are facing. 
 

(Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)

 
During its presidency, Spain will focus on economic recovery in the aftermath of the global economic and financial crisis, implementation of the reformed Lisbon Treaty, the fight against climate change, and energy security. Slovenia supports the agenda of the Spanish Presidency, said Mr Pahor, who, at the same time, reiterated the importance of the Western Balkans issue, as 2010 will be pivotal for the integration of these countries in the EU.  
 
The prime ministers also exchanged views on the current economic and financial situation, and Mr Zapatero acquainted Mr Pahor with certain problems Spain is facing because of the global economic crisis. They also discussed extending economic relations, in particular in the fields of traffic infrastructure and banking. This would boost the exchange of goods between the two countries, which in the last year totalled 869 million euros.
 
At the end of the meeting, Mr Pahor invited the Spanish Prime Minister to visit Slovenia and Mr Zapatero accepted the invitation with pleasure.

On the margins of the visit, Mr Pahor also met with former Spanish Prime Minister Felipe Gonzales.