NEWS
Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta praised efforts of the Slovenian Government to overcome the crisis: "Slovenia's efforts should also be recognised by Europe"
Slovenia's Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek today at a press conference following the meeting with her Italian counterpart Enrico Letta thanked her guest for his visit and participation in this year's Bled Strategic Forum, which is another indicator of continuously strengthening friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries. She announced that talks with Prime Minister Letta would continue on 12 September in Venice, where they would be joined by Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanović. In a statement to the press, the Italian Prime Minister expressed his support for the courage of the Slovenian Government on the path of reforms. "Italy will support Slovenia's efforts," added the distinguished guest, stressing that Italy believes in the power of trilateral initiative of the three neighbouring Adriatic countries, sharing a number of common interests.
As part of today's talks held at the Bled Strategic Forum, the two Prime Ministers touched upon a number of common topics, including the planned construction of the gas terminal in Žavlje. They both agreed that a possible solution to the issue should also be discussed by the relevant ministers who are expected to meet soon. The Italian counterpart listened to all arguments put forward by the Slovenian side. The Slovenian Prime Minister and her Italian counterpart stressed the importance of fiscal consolidation in the two countries and also devoted attention to Italy's great interest in Slovenia's privatisation scheme. At the press conference, Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta praised substantial efforts of the Slovenian Government to overcome the crisis, adding that these efforts should also be recognised by Europe. He emphasised that after the June meeting with Slovenian Prime Minister Bratušek in Rome, a number of concrete measures are being prepared to attract Italian companies to the Slovenian privatisation project. He expressed his belief that Italian companies are eager to participate in this process, which will be for the mutual benefit. With regard to the privatisation process of Slovenian companies, Slovenian Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek said that the Slovenian Government was preparing a detailed time schedule for each company, which is expected to be ready by the end of September. She also ensured that all procedures would be carried out with maximum transparency.
The two leaders also talked about the crisis in Syria, calling for a joint political solution and a peace conference to be organised in Geneva as soon as possible. The Slovenian Prime Minister expressed the hope that a prompt solution to the Syrian crisis would be reached and that EU would adopt a common position on this issue.