NEWS
Prime Minister Pahor hosts the Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Juncker, officially visiting Slovenia
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, today hosted the Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Juncker who is on an official visit to Slovenia. The purpose of his visit is in particular to enhance political dialogue, intensify economic cooperation, exchange opinions on resolving issues related to the global financial and economic crisis and views on the European perspective for the Western Balkans. During the talks, the two Prime Ministers agreed that the relations between the two countries are traditionally good and friendly, that both countries have similar views on international issues and that they cooperate constructively within the European Union and other international organisations, which they both will strive to do also in the future.
During the talks between the two delegations, Prime Minister Pahor and Prime Minister Juncker devoted particular attention to the stability of the euro and the special mechanisms for providing financial assistance to the Member States of the Eurozone. They exchanged views on the situation in the financial sector and the recovery of European countries from the economic and financial crisis. They also stressed the outstanding importance of the future financial perspective in respect of which smaller countries will have to strengthen their cooperation to protect their interests. The two Prime Ministers also exchanged their views on the EU enlargement process in respect of which Prime Minister Pahor particularly emphasized the commitment to further enlargement of the EU to the Western Balkans.
In his statement to the press, the Slovenian Prime Minister first presented his guest as one of the most respected political personalities in the European Union. "My friend Jean-Claude is one of the most authoritative, but also most respected European personalities who with a great sense of dialogue tries to find solutions not only for Luxembourg but also for the entire European Union. He is the personality without whom the leadership of the European Union cannot possibly be imagined." Prime Minister Pahor confirmed that his colleague from Luxembourg whose work he has been following with enthusiasm and whom he is also consulting, is the Prime Minister of the country with the highest GDP in the European Union, the country that strongly invests in high and green technology. He also highlighted some comparisons between the two countries: "We can make some comparisons and despite the fact that today Luxembourg is a successful and competitive economy it also faces problems. We are undergoing structural reforms, pension reforms and for autumn, we are also preparing a health reform. We are doing all this to make Slovenia more competitive and to maintain its level of social cohesion."
During today's talks, the Prime Ministers of both countries agreed to promote cooperation between their respective governments in high technologies and innovation. "Our friends from Luxembourg have committed themselves to take into consideration all our reflections relating to the Western Balkans and offered cooperation in development assistance projects, in particular with respect to the future of the European Union and the future generations, as well as with respect to solidarity and increased competitiveness. All this is of extreme importance for us," added Prime Minister Pahor.
In his statement to the press, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Mr Juncker, commended Prime Minister Pahor and the Slovenian Government in its efforts in the Western Balkans, and also confirmed the words of the Slovenian Prime Minister, namely that most European countries are on their way out of crisis, however, a possibility of certain risks still exists, therefore, caution is still necessary; nevertheless, the exit strategy has proved to be the right way. He commended, in particular, the path Slovenia has travelled since 1991 and all its efforts in joining international organisations, and the Government for tackling the crisis and dealing with the reforms related thereto with all seriousness and responsibility. According to Mr Juncker, such an approach will definitely contribute to the development of Slovenia and consequently strengthen its credibility among the leading countries in the European Union.
Both Prime Ministers also agreed that smaller countries could by intensifying cooperation increase their influence also at the multi-lateral level; however, in the new institutional reality of the EU the protection of interests of smaller Member States is of key importance for both, Slovenia and Luxembourg; therefore, they both advocate the determination of clear procedural rules of EU operation, which are one of the main tools for the position and role of smaller countries against the self-sufficiency of the big ones.