NEWS

Joint declaration on enhanced cooperation by the Chancellor Merkel and the Prime Minister Pahor

Upon the visit of Chancellor Angela Merkel in Ljubljana on 30 August 2001, the governments of the Republic of Slovenia and the Federal Republic of Germany wish to augment the friendly relations between the two countries by further enhancing existing levels of cooperation.

Since Slovenia's declaration of independence 20 years ago, the two countries have provided a stable basis for a future-oriented partnership. Germany has always supported Slovenia in its endeavours to become a full member of the international community. Today, Slovenia is a member of NATO, the EU, the Schengen Area, the eurozone, and the OECD.

The governments of Germany and Slovenia are convinced of the importance of the European integration process. Both countries wish, through close cooperation within the framework of the European Union, to contribute to the strengthening of Europe's political and economic unity and to build a Europe of citizens. Together, they seek to reinforce the stability of the eurozone and the EU's member states. All the EU member states — and therefore Europe as a whole — must improve their competitiveness and provide, through strict budgetary discipline, the stable and sustainable funding of their public budgets in accordance with the guidelines set out in the revised Stability and Growth Pact in order to become successful in the globalised world.

Furthermore, both governments confirm the European perspective of the Western Balkans and support the reforms which are necessary in these countries for their participation in the EU accession process. The Brdo Process, which was initiated by Slovenia, plays an important role as a framework for regional dialogue.

The Slovenian and German governments have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation by resolving to undertake the following:
- to encourage regular political dialogue;
- to consult on current European Union affairs and the foreign policies of both countries at the level of their respective competent ministries, inviting the parliaments of both countries to promote the dialogue;
- to pursue and enhance further close mutual economic and political relations, to encourage trade, enhance cultural exchanges, to work together in the areas of science and higher education, and to promote knowledge of the language of the partner country.

The German Chancellor, Dr Angela Merkel, and Prime Minister Borut Pahor will authorise their respective foreign affairs ministries to coordinate the aforementioned actions.