The Prime Minister of Ireland, Mr Bertie Ahern, paid a working visit to Slovenia today at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia and President of the European Council, Mr Janez Janša. The meeting focused mainly on bilateral relations and an exchange of views on the common issues which are at the forefront of the Slovenian EU Council Presidency concerns. Both leaders paid special attention to the situation in the Western Balkans and to the preparations for summits between the European Union and other countries.
(Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)
The Prime Ministers agreed that bilateral relations between the two countries are excellent, with no unresolved issues. They also expressed satisfaction with trade in goods and services which has been increasing in recent years on average by 10% a year. In their opinion, however, there is still considerable potential in tourism and business services. The Slovenian Prime Minister said that Ireland is a country of good practices well worth adopting in Slovenia, too. He highlighted in particular their use of European funds, success in attracting foreign direct investment in high-tech activities, and innovation in development.
(Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)
Prime Minister Janez Janša outlined to the Irish Taoiseach the priorities of the Slovenian EU Council Presidency. He took this opportunity to thank him for his support in some of the key steps already taken or still to be taken by Slovenia by the end of June this year. In this connection, both Prime Ministers also discussed the preparations for the spring European Council, when the European Union will address the challenges of implementing the second cycle of the Lisbon Strategy, the energy and climate package, and developments in financial markets. The Irish Taoiseach also said that the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty in Ireland was scheduled for June 2008.
(Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)
The evening’s talks also focused on developments in the Western Balkans following Kosovo’s declaration of independence. The Slovenian Prime Minister and his Irish counterpart expressed their satisfaction that the European Union had adopted its decisions in due time and, in particular, that it was united on the matter. The Slovenian Prime Minister said that a European Security and Defence Policy mission would take the initiative in Kosovo with tangible action in the coming months. Both Prime Ministers also discussed the situation in Chad. “We are delighted to see some real steps being taken on this front, which will help to alleviate and deal with the consequences of the humanitarian disaster caused by developments in neighbouring Darfur,” said PM Janez Janša.
Furthermore, both Prime Ministers exchanged views on the European Union’s preparations for meetings with other countries, especially the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Taoiseach of Ireland, Mr Bertie Ahern, also signed the Book of Condolences for the late former President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Janez Drnovšek (Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)
