NEWS

Prime Minister Pahor starts official visit to the Republic of Turkey

Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, began today in Ankara his two-day official visit to the Republic of Turkey, where he first met with the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the two Prime Ministers had a constructive discussion focusing especially on the strengthening of economic cooperation between the two countries. In this context they signed a Memorandum on Strategic Partnership between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Government of the Republic of Turkey. They agreed that there are many areas where the cooperation between the countries could be strengthened. They pointed out in particular construction and car industries, transport and logistics.  Turkish Prime Minister Erdoğan announced the intention of Turkey to start activities next month to open a business office in Ljubljana, as a measurefor strengthening economic cooperation.

 

(Photo: Daniel Novakovič/SPA)

 

The interlocutors also touched upon the situation in the Western Balkans.  Pahor stressed that the Western Balkans constitutes a strategic interest for Slovenia and is one of Slovenia’s foreign policy priorities. The Turkish Prime Minister expressed his appreciation of Slovenia’s contribution to the stabilisation and development of the region. At the press conference held after the plenary talks between the delegations, Prime Minister Pahor addressed the issue of accession negotiations of Turkey with the European Union and said that “Slovenia has always been and remains in favour of the European perspective for Turkey; it supports both the continuation of Turkey’s accession negotiations and its full membership in the EU. It is understood, however, that the progress in negotiations depends on the fulfilment of conditions.” The Turkish Prime Minister thanked Slovenia for its support in the efforts for the accession to the European Union and said “that Turkey greatly appreciates Slovenia’s support to its accession to the EU.” Prime Minister Pahor replied that it was the interest of both Turkey and the EU that Turkey, which is a leading country in the region and an example to its neighbours, becomes a member of the integration. He went on to commend the achievements of Turkey in the modernisation and democratisation of the country and in its economic development. The Turkish Prime Minister thanked Pahor for the invitation to Slovenia and said that he would be happy to come in the following months.

 

(Photo: Daniel Novakovič/SPA)

 

Tomorrow, on Friday, Slovenian Prime Minister will conclude his visit to Ankara by laying a wreath on the grave of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. He will continue his visit in Istanbul, where he will attend a Slovenian-Turkish business conference with a large economic delegation. The two-day official visit to Turkey will be concluded in the afternoon, when Pahor will be received for a meeting by the  Turkish President Abdullah Gül.