Today, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, met the Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See, Monsignor Dominique Mamberti, who is visiting Slovenia.

(Photo: Nebojša Tejić/Salomon 2000)

Mr Janša and Msgr Mamberti agreed that relations between Slovenia and the Holy See were positive. The Slovenian PM took the opportunity to stress that this year marked the 15th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He also thanked his guest for the support of the Holy See during Slovenia's efforts to gain independence and international recognition.

Msgr Mamberti congratulated the Slovenian PM on the overall progress which Slovenia has achieved as an independent country, stressing the accession to the EU and the adoption of the euro. He also welcomed the recent adoption of the Religious Freedom Act in the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia.

The host and his guest exchanged views on current European issues. Mr Janša presented the priorities of the Slovenian presidency of the EU in the first half of 2008, while Msgr Mamberti stressed the significance of Christian values for the historical and further development of European integration processes.