The Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia continued his official visit to the Russian Federation today, accompanied by a 132 member business delegation. At the Alexander Park in front of the Kremlin, he placed a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, afterwards met with Alexey II, the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, and opened a Slovenian-Russian business conference. He later also met with Dmitry F. Mezentsev, Vice Chairman of the Federation Council, and attended the opening of the restored 'Peter I' hotel in the centre of Moscow.

 

The Prime Minister places a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (PHOTO: BOBO)

 

Prime Minister Janša informed the Patriarch of preparations for commemorative ceremonies at the Russian Chapel on Mt Vršič, which will take place in July 2006. He stressed the great symbolic value of the annual ceremonies which connect both nations. The PM also emphasised the significance of the historical ties of both nations with the Christian tradition, which was reflected through the veneration of brothers Cyril and Methodius, and still lives on today. The PM also greeted positive developments in ecumenicism and the re-discovery of Europe's Christian roots, and added that this was a good starting point for furthering cooperation and promoting partnership between Europe and Russia.

 

The PM meets the Patriarch Alexey II (PHOTO: BOBO)

 

Prime Minister Janša said that Slovenia would also endeavour to continue the successful cultural cooperation with Russia, also through the Forum of Slavic Cultures, which aims to promote cultural exchange between all 'Slavic-speaking' countries. The PM and his host both agreed that today's official visit gave new impetus to strengthening relations between both countries and nations in all areas.

 

In the afternoon the PM opened a Slovenian-Russian business conference, where he stressed that Slovenia would like to see more investments from Russian companies and was also interested in securing long-term contracts for the supply of natural gas. The PM said the second wave of privatisation of Slovenia's state-owned companies in the steel industry, telecommunications, energy and the financial sectors would prove interesting to Russian investors. According to Mr Janša, there are also ample opportunities for investment in logistics, steel manufacturing and electronics, and in commercialising scientific and technological projects. The PM believes that joint projects can be carried out within the framework of programmes supported by the EU.

 

The Prime Minister meets Boris N. Pastuhov, Acting Senior Vice President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHOTO: BOBO)

 

''For decades, Russia has been a reliable supplier of energy products to Slovenia. We wish to nurture this relationship and strengthen business cooperation in the future,'' said the Prime Minister in his speech to Slovenian and Russian business representatives. ''Slovenia is interested in signing long-term contracts for the supply of natural gas, and possibly cooperating in energy and infrastructure projects,'' added the PM.

 

The Prime Minister meets Dmitry F. Mezentsev, Vice Chairman of the Federation Council. (PHOTO: BOBO)

 

Afterwards, the PM met Dmitry F. Mezentsev, Vice Chairman of the Federation Council of Russia. They assessed that bilateral relations between the countries were excellent. They emphasised the significance of the Russian Chapel on Mt Vršič, where every year Slovenian and Russian political, economic, and religious representatives commemorate Russian prisoners of war who died under an avalanche in 1916. The PM Janša outlined the preparations for the ceremony on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of this unfortunate event, which will take place at the end of July. Both men agreed that parliamentary friendship groups in both countries have an important role in strengthening all-round cooperation between Slovenia and Russia. The Russian side commended Slovenia on successful development and accession to the EU and emphasised the importance of our country, which is the first Slavic country to preside over the EU.

 

In the evening the Prime Minister and the Mayor of Moscow, Yuri M. Luzkhov, jointly opened the restored 'Peter I' hotel in the centre of Moscow. A number of Slovenian companies have been involved in the restoration. The PM will end his three-day official visit to the Russian Federation tomorrow, when he will meet the Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov, and Speaker of the Duma Boris Gryzlov.