Following initiatives by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Hungary, Ferenc Gyurcsány, a joint session of both Governments was held in Lendava and Monošter today. After the meeting, the PMs agreed that the first joint session between the two countries was an important step towards expanding bilateral relations. Mr Janša stressed that although relations have been strong, ample opportunities still remain on both sides. With a view to strengthening collaboration, fifteen inter-governmental agreements and other bilateral arrangements were signed.
(Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)
Both PMs saw it as important that the session had been organised on the border between the two countries, in towns where both national minorities have coexisted for centuries. They met representatives of both minorities, who later also participated at the session. Mr Janša said that although cooperation between the two nations had been tried by history on several occasions, they now both enjoy the European perspective in circumstances which are as favourable as ever. "We as politicians must commit ourselves to doing everything we can to ensure that everyone can make the best out of these circumstances – so that members of both minorities can grow, develop, protect their rights, and affirm their national identity with the help of their homelands and of their countries of residence," added Mr Janša.
(Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)
The Slovenian PM expressed satisfaction with current trends in economic and other areas of cooperation. Trade in goods between the two countries has been growing rapidly over recent years, increasing from 20% in 2006 to an estimated 30% in 2007. "All this creates a realistic basis for increasing welfare in both countries and taking good care of both ethnic communities within this framework," said Mr Janša. Agreements on cooperation between the chambers of commerce and agencies to promote foreign investments and entrepreneurship will contribute to strengthening economic cooperation.
(Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)
Both PMs welcomed the willingness of Slovenian and Hungarian universities to foster closer academic cooperation, including in the Euro-Mediterranean university project. Mr Janša expressed satisfaction over the fact that Slovene was being taught at the Budapest University for the second year in the row, which also contributes to better mutual understanding and cooperation. Collaboration in the area of science and technology is also exemplary, as ten meetings of the Slovenian-Hungarian scientific committee and over 150 projects have been carried out. The agreements signed today also facilitate closer cooperation in healthcare and public administration, which will promote faster progress and better services for the people of both countries.
(Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)
Mr Janša and Mr Gyurcsány also discussed European issues, as both countries hope that Europe will create a new institutional basis as soon as possible, thereby enabling faster development. "This is of the utmost significance to all of us who have recently joined the EU, and to all smaller countries, which need clearer rules of the game," said the Slovenian PM.
(Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)
The Slovenian and Hungarian PMs laid the foundation stone of a new road between Zgornji Senik and Verica. Mr Janša took the opportunity to stress that this was a symbolic act, since by the time the project is finished the visible border between Slovenia and Hungary will have disappeared. "This has particular significance to those of you who have been living here in peaceful coexistence and cooperation between two nations."
At the end of the joint session, the Slovenian PM expressed confidence that the meeting had established a benchmark for assessing in one year’s time the realisation of the various commitments made and the implementation of agreements.
Address by the Prime Minister
