President Drnovšek receives President of the German Bundestag
Ljubljana, 03/26/2003 | press release
The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Janez Drnovšek, today received Wolfgang Thierse, the President of the German Bundestag, who is on a visit to Slovenia at the invitation of the President of the National Assembly, Borut Pahor. At the outset, Mr Thierse congratulated President Drnovšek on the outcome of Sunday’s double referendum. Such a high level of support for EU and NATO entry was a good signal to other candidate countries, as well as an incentive for the old EU members to find consensus in resolving challenges in the international community, said Mr Thierse. President Drnovšek expressed thanks for the congratulations and said that, in the light of Slovenia’s accession to the EU and NATO, Slovenia and Germany may look forward to even more extensive cooperation. Dr Drnovšek noted that the Association Agreements for entry into the EU and NATO had still to be ratified by the Bundestag, to which Mr Thierse answered that no difficulties were expected with the ratification.
Dr Drnovšek and Mr Thierse also exchanged views on EU foreign and security policy, where profound disagreement between EU members has arisen as a result of the Iraqi crisis.
They agreed that efficient transatlantic cooperation was crucial for preserving stability in the world and within international relations. Mr Theirse concluded by saying that Slovenia’s voice would be of great importance in shaping a future common foreign and security policy.