LATVIAN PRESIDENT ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO SLOVENIA

Ljubljana, 10 April 2002


The President of the Republic of Latvia, Dr Vaira Vike-Freiberga and spouse, are to arrive for an official visit to the Republic of Slovenia on 16 and 17 April 2002 on invitation from the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr Milan Kucan. Accompanying the President will be Latvian senior officials, including the Minister of Defence Girts Valdis Kristovskis, who is also scheduled to hold separate talks with his Slovenian counterpart. President Dr Vike-Freiberga is to hold talks with her host and other top officials, the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia Mr Borut Pahor, the Prime Minister Dr Janez Drnov¹ek, and is also to deliver a speech for the International Relations Association entitled "New Challenges and Opportunities in Europe".

Alongside bilateral issues the talks between the Presidents will also focus on EU and NATO enlargement and the future shape of Europe. The interlocutors are also to exchange views on other topical international issues. This first official visit of the President of Latvia, Dr Vaira Vike-Freiberga, to the Republic of Slovenia represents a confirmation of the good relations between the two states and offers new momentum for the deepening and strengthening of these relations.

During the official visit the Republic of Latvia and the Republic of Slovenia are also to sign two bilateral agreements: on defence cooperation between the Ministries of Defence, and a convention on the prevention of double taxation and prevention of income and property tax evasion.