The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, and the Chancellor of the Republic of Austria, Dr Alfred Gusenbauer, who arrived on a working visit to Slovenia today, discussed bilateral cooperation and issues of the common European future.
(Photo: Primož Lavre/Salomon 2000)
The Slovenian PM and his guest agreed that relations between Slovenia and Austria are excellent. "Cooperation is good in virtually all areas, while we are particularly pleased with the outstanding business results relating to trade between the two countries," said Mr Janša. Last year, trade amounted to €3.69 billion, and according to the PM, trends have been very positive following Slovenia's accession to the EU and the elimination of certain administrative obstacles. In 2006, Slovenia's exports to Austria increased by 26 per cent, while imports grew by 15 per cent. Mr Janša and Mr Gusenbauer also discussed opportunities for strengthening economic cooperation, agreeing that there were possibilities for collaboration in the markets of the Western Balkans. "In this regard, both countries would like to see the region attain the greatest possible stability, and are therefore doing their best to help secure it as soon as possible," said the Slovenian PM.
(Photo: Primož Lavre/Salomon 2000)
Prime Minister Janša and Chancellor Gusenbauer also discussed the future of the EU, focusing on what has become the most burning issue, namely that of a new treaty designed to improve the current situation in Europe. According to the PM, both countries share the same opinion with regard to the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, and the question of how far the countries which have ratified it are prepared to compromise. "We would like to see most of what has been agreed upon, but sadly not implemented, remain," said the PM.
(Photo: Primož Lavre/Salomon 2000)
With regard to the status of the Slovenian minority in Austrian Carinthia, the PM said that prospects were promising, although it was too early to discuss the final result. "I greatly welcome the efforts of the Chancellor and the government to resolve the issue of bilingual topography. The Slovenian government will contribute to the solution as far as possible and will support constructive solutions. It is time the issues were resolved," said the PM, adding that Slovenia realises the complexity of the problem.
(Photo: Primož Lavre/Salomon 2000)
The Slovenian PM informed the Chancellor that Slovenia's Resolution on National Development Projects included projects addressing the supply of energy, one of which focuses on renewable sources of energy "This is one of the major projects in the Resolution, which will try to secure a sufficient supply of energy for Slovenia. We are aware of the concerns of the Austrian public connected to the use of nuclear energy and the operation of the Krško Nuclear Plant. Only if new technologies cannot provide a solution, might Slovenia build a new unit of the nuclear power plant," said the PM, adding that much time would pass before a decision is taken. "During this time, Slovenia will continue to use traditional ways of supplying energy without increasing the capacity of the plant." Slovenia will take care to have a minimal effect on the environment and secure energy at the lowest possible cost.
On this occasion Mr Janša also thanked Mr Gusenbauer for Austria's support in Slovenia's endeavours to join the OECD and the UN Human Rights Council.
