ECONOMIC COOPERATION TOPIC OF TALKS WITH PRIME MINISTER OF NEW SOUTH WALES

Ljubljana, 15 September 2000


The President of the Republic Milan Kucan met with the Prime Minister of New South Wales Bob Carr today in Sydney. The leaders discussed the good yet still underdeveloped relations and the multiple opportunities for cooperation, particularly economic cooperation. Slovenia has advantages which the Australian economy could use well in gaining access to the markets of Central and Eastern Europe. President Kucan underlined that in view of its geopolitical position, familiarity with local markets and practices as well as its maritime connections through the Port of Koper, the Slovenian economy could be an excellent partner for Australia. In light of the anticipated EU accession, the present strategic partners will thus also gain direct access to the EU market. The interlocutors also pointed out the importance of