Toast by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Janez Drnovšek, at a Formal Dinner in Honour of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Albania, Mr Alfred Moisiu, on the occasion of the Official Visit to the Republic of Slovenia 16-17 Febraury 2004
Ljubljana, 02/16/2004 | speech
Your Excellency Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends,
It is a particular honour for me to welcome in our midst tonight the President of the Republic of Albania, Mr Alfred Moisiu, and his delegation. This official visit carries a special significance for the development of bilateral relations between Slovenia and Albania, as well as for deepening wider regional cooperation.
Today's visit at the highest level only reaffirms the good and friendly relations between our two countries and their commitment to further strengthen that relationship. Over the past decade the distance separating our two countries diminished, we have established important links and grown closer to one another. Although our relations have witnessed a pleasing path of development, opportunities still abound for enhancing that cooperation. I stand convinced that the future will lead us in a common direction of a united Europe, opening new avenues for more profound bilateral and multilateral relations.
As a forthcoming member of the European Union and NATO, Slovenia is desirous of cooperation with Albania and other countries in the region, thus contributing to their economic, political and all-round development. Contributing to the rapid development of countries in this region is and remains one of Slovenia's priorities in regional organisations: from the OSCE and the Central European Initiative to the Adriatic-Ionic Initiative and the Stability Pact, to name but a few. Allow me to take this opportunity to mention the extremely important cooperation in humanitarian relief efforts, including the activities in Albania by the International Trust Fund for Demining and Assistance to Mine Victims, which is based here in Slovenia
Slovenia has no doubt whatsoever that the region which Albania belongs to is indeed a part of Europe, be it by geography, culture or civilisation. This is something that we believe the European Union as well as other leading factors in the international arena have an awareness of. Albania can see in Slovenia, a member of Euro-Atlantic and regional integration structures, a reliable ally and source of support in its efforts for a rapprochement with Euro-Atlantic structures.
Over the past decade Slovenia has achieved important objectives, becoming a politically stable and economically successful state. Our forthcoming memberships of the European Union and NATO both confirm the correctness of our domestic and international endeavours. During the processes of European Union and NATO accession we have gained experience and know-how, which we would be only too happy to exchange with a friendly country. We are hopeful that the time when we will be jointly shaping our lives within the European Union would come as soon as possible.
Distinguished Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen, let us raise a toast to friendship between our two countries and nations, to our common future and to all dear friends gathered here this evening.
Thank you.
