NEWS
Slovenian Prime Minister continues his working visit to People's Republic of China in Shanghai
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, today continued his visit to China in Shanghai, where he met the town's Vice Mayor, Mr Tu Guangshao. The two agreed that the World Expo 2010 represents an excellent place for people from all over the world to meet and communicate, which is of extreme importance today. Mr Pahor said that visiting Expo 2010 is a fine conclusion of his working visit to China, a country, which is the motor of the world's economic development and will retain this leading position also in the future. Vice Mayor Tu Guangshao agreed with Mr Pahor's observation regarding the rapid growth of the Chinese economy. This can also be clearly seen in Shanghai, where significant funds have been invested in the development and construction of infrastructure, which is currently exploited to great advantage by Expo 2010.
Later on, Prime Minister Pahor attended the opening of the Slovenian consulate in Shanghai and briefly addressed the participants of the ceremony. He said that Slovenia finds it highly important to have friends all over the world. "The opening of the consulate will additionally enhance economic ties between the two countries", emphasised Mr Pahor. China wants to cooperate with Slovenia, as it considers our country as a place of numerous business opportunities, while it is up to us to use them to our advantage. Following the official opening of the consulate, the Slovenian Prime Minister visited the World Expo 2010, where he met with the State Councillor of the People's Republic of China, Ma Kai. Mr Pahor thanked his host for a warm welcome and praised the organisation of the exhibition. He expressed his satisfaction with his visit to Beijing and Shanghai considering it a new chapter in the relations between the two countries. "I am convinced that this bilateral cooperation will yield great results," added the Slovenian Prime Minister. In his address at the official reception and flag hoisting marking the Slovenian Statehood Day, Prime Minister Pahor emphasised that the reason for Slovenia's presence at Expo 2010 is to introduce our relatively small, but open community, which is striving to build up a robust economy, to achieve a high standard of living and to create a society open to foreign investment. "The purpose of coming to Shanghai was also to visit Expo 2010, as well as to deepen the relations with Chinese political and business representatives," added the Prime Minister. He closed his address by inviting the guests assembled for this event to visit Slovenia, where they will be able "to enjoy this beautiful country and friendly people and to see how a small country can realise its dreams."
Mr Pahor wrapped up his visit by touring the Slovenian pavilion, where he expressed his satisfaction with Slovenia's appearance at Expo 2010 and added that he is proud of the work done. "The Slovenian pavilion and the concept of the exhibition reflect the image of Slovenia as a small, successful, ambitious and well-managed country." The reason for Slovenia's presence at Expo 2010 is to introduce our relatively small, but open community, which is striving to build up a robust economy, to achieve a high standard of living and to create a society open to foreign investment, added Mr Pahor. He also visited the Chinese, the Croatian, the Saudi Arabian and the United States pavilions, thus concluding his working visit to China.