NEWS
Prime Minister Pahor on a working visit to Serbia
At the invitation of the Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, paid an official visit to the Republic of Serbia. In his statement to the press after the meeting, the Slovenian Prime Minister said that he is very satisfied with further progress of economic cooperation with friendly Serbia, a fact demonstrated by today's opening of the company Metal – Cinkaro in Inđija, which is the largest Slovenian investment in the Republic of Serbia this year and, at the same time, the largest zinc works in the Balkans. This visit represents a continuation of regular and intensive dialogue at the political level and underlines mutual interest in enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic area and in resolving open issues.
During their talks held in a constructive and friendly atmosphere, the Slovenian and Serbian Prime Minister particularly focused on bilateral cooperation by emphasising the importance of enhancing economic cooperation. They also touched on Serbia’s efforts to draw closer to the European Union, the establishment of a dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, regional cooperation and, in this context, the continuation of the Brdo Process. Moreover, Mr Pahor and Mr Cvetković exchanged views of the current reforms, particularly the pension reform. Prime Minister Pahor outlined the commitments of the Slovenian Government in adopting and introducing reforms, while the two moreover exchanged views in respect of the situation in the global economy and approaches used by different countries in addressing the reforms and overcoming the crisis. They agreed that while maintaining social cohesion, it is imperative to also increase competitiveness. Furthermore, the Slovenian and Serbian Prime Minister touched on Annex B of the Agreement on Succession Issues, which represents the basis for the restitution of the immovable property of the former SFRY. Accordingly and as the result of the 2006 Zagreb Resolution, Serbia is expected, in September 2011 at the latest, to hand over to Slovenia the residence of the former SFRY in Rome and the general consulate of the former SFRY in Milan.
After the meeting with the Serbian delegation, the Slovenian Prime Minister attended the opening of the company Metal – Cinkaro in Inđija. As the speaker of honour, he emphasised that the politicians are trying hard to resolve political and economic problems. The latter can be demonstrated by major steps, such as today's realisation of the largest Slovenian investment in Serbia this year. On this occasion, Prime Minister Pahor congratulated the investors and stressed that today's opening is a good omen not only for Serbia, but also for Slovenia, which is slowly but surely overcoming the crisis and starting anew. Furthermore, Prime Minister Pahor said that since his last visit to the Republic of Serbia ten months ago, economic cooperation with the host country has increased by 11%, and that he is satisfied with the current results.
Later in his official visit, Mr Pahor and his host, the Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetković, attended the ceremony on the occasion of the opening of the new premises of the Slovenian Embassy in the Republic of Serbia. Within his current visit, the Slovenian Prime Minister will also meet with the President of the Republic of Serbia, Boris Tadić, and the President of the Serbian National Assembly, Slavica Đukić Dejanović.