NEWS

Prime Minister Borut Pahor meets Croatian President Ivo Josipović

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, today met with the President of the Republic of Croatia, Dr Ivo Josipović, who is on official visit to the Republic of Slovenia.The meeting primarily focused on the continuation of dialogue which could provide further enhancement of bilateral and multilateral cooperation and the consolidation of friendship between the two countries in all areas, in particular in the economic area.

     

(Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA)

       

Mr Pahor and Mr Josipović began their meeting by touching upon the importance of the upcoming Western Balkans Conference to be hosted by the Slovenian Prime Minister and his Croatian counterpart, Jadranka Kosor, on 20 March 2010 at Brdo pri Kranju.  Prime Minister Pahor emphasized that this conference is of utmost importance to the entire region, as it is sending an important signal and message to the European Union and the region in question.

     

During their talks, the two dignitaries highlighted the importance of the joined commission established at the working meeting in Kranjska Gora on 13 January 2010. The purpose of the commission is to examine all outstanding issues between the two countries and suggest relevant solutions.  Within the framework of enhancing economic cooperation they particularly highlighted transport and tourism, while also reviewing the opportunities for further intensification of trade and investment cooperation, since Croatia is Slovenia’s fifth, and Slovenia in turn Croatia’s third foreign trading partner.

    

Prime Minister Pahor and President Josipović also exchanged views on key international topics, the negotiations between the Republic of Croatia and the European Union and on the Western Balkan region.  During the talks between the respective delegations, the Slovenian Prime Minister pointed out that the Arbitration Agreement had made it possible to overcome one of the most important open issues, i.e. the border dispute.  He expressed his strong belief that this issue would be resolved in an equitable manner so as to satisfy the vital interests of both parties.   Prime Minister Pahor also noted that it is in the interest of Slovenia that the Republic of Croatia becomes a full member of the European Union as soon as possible.

   

The two dignitaries also agreed that the relations between the two countries have improved and expressed their expectation that the current level of bilateral cooperation will further strengthen in all areas, in particular in the economic area.   According to Mr Pahor and Mr Josipović, enhanced mutual trust and the continuation of active political dialogue may also lead to the resolution of other remaining open issues between the two countries.