NEWS

Prime Minister Pahor on second day of Croatia Summit: 'The Arbitration Agreement is an example of how to settle international disputes'

The Slovenian Prime Minister, Borut Pahor, is attending the second day of the 6th Croatia Summit, an international conference taking place under the title 'A New Decade for South East Europe – Finalizing the Transition'. Organised for the sixth time, the purpose of the Croatia Summit is to facilitate dialogue and the exchange of views between its participants on the integration of South East Europe into Euro-Atlantic structures. The main topics of this year's conference are as follows: problems related to the economic development of the countries in the region, with a special emphasis on the importance of foreign investment, as well as the challenges related to regional and global security in light of the social and political developments in the southern Mediterranean, and the continuation of the EU enlargement process towards the countries of South East Europe.

   

On the second day of the conference, Mr Pahor held a separate bilateral meeting with his Croatian counterpart, Ms Jadranka Kosor. The two continued to focus on enhancing economic cooperation and other open issues, thereby taking advantage of the positive atmosphere and firm mutual trust established during bilateral relations over the past two years. Moreover, they discussed the implementation of the arrangements adopted within the Brdo Process, as well as further initiatives put forward by both countries within this process and through a 'personal trilateral' formation.

   

In their statement to the press following the meeting they said that this year's conference has confirmed, among other things, that the Arbitration Agreement is an example of how international disputes should be resolved and that the Brdo Process should continue within this context. Mr Pahor emphasised that this initiative is aimed at promoting reconciliation in this part of Europe, and that before and during the EU accession process, the relevant countries in this region should resolve the majority of their open bilateral political issues. 'In order to share peace, security, welfare and democracy, on the basis of our experience, with those for whom similar trials are still to come, we must enter a new stage," concluded Prime Minister Pahor.

   

At the margins of the conference, Mr Pahor met with the Austrian Vice Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Michael Spindelegger. The Slovenian Prime Minister again highlighted the importance of the adoption of the federal law amending the law on national communities, which means a step further in the right direction. Moreover, Mr Pahor and Mr Spindelegger discussed the situation in the EU, the eurozone, and Greece. The two went on to exchange views on the situation in the Western Balkans and expressed concern about the lack of governance and the general situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Vice Chancellor Spindelegger thanked Prime Minister Pahor for attending the recent forum in Wachau.

   

Mr Pahor also met with the US Deputy Secretary of State, William Burns. They discussed the Brdo Process and its importance for the region. The two agreed that any regional problem should be resolved promptly. Deputy Secretary of State Burns congratulated the Slovenian Prime Minister on the 20th anniversary of Slovenia's independence and praised its achievements during this period of time. They also discussed the situation in Afghanistan, whereby Mr Pahor reiterated Slovenia's decision that it will slowly start withdrawing its troops from the country. At the end of the meeting, they exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and Libya.

   

At the margins of the conference, Mr Pahor met with certain other world leaders and held a brief bilateral meeting with the Macedonian Prime Minister, Nikola Gruevski.