President of Egypt on official visit to Slovenia
Brdo pri Kranju, 15.10.2009 | press release
 | The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, today received the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Muhammad Hosny Mubarak, on his two-day official visit to Slovenia. After a reception ceremony with military honours, the two presidents had a one-to-one discussion, followed by plenary talks between the delegation of the Republic of Slovenia and the delegation of the Arab Republic of Egypt, led by Dr Türk and Mr Mubarak, respectively. The presidents of Slovenia and Egypt called for a boost in comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, in particularly economic ties. |
Press Statement by President Muhammad Hosny Mubarak, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Brdo pri Kranju, 15 October 2009
I would like to extend my thanks to H. E. President Danilo Türk for his warm reception, kind words and also to express how pleased I am with the results of talks we had today on both regional and global issues of mutual concern, as well as on discussion of bilateral relations between our two friendly countries.
Our consultation has covered the current situation in the Middle East, focusing on the Palestinian issue and the efforts to revive the Peace process. I illustrated Egypt's vision to achieve just peace in the Middle East based on the principle of "two states solution" as well as "the Arab peace initiative". Also I briefed President Türk on the latest developments in the ongoing Cairo dialogue to achieve Palestinian national reconciliation in connection with sustaining stability, lifting the siege and starting the reconstruction of Gaza.
Based on our mutual conviction that security in the Middle East is closely related to both Mediterranean and European Security, I reaffirmed that a just peace is the only way to encounter terrorism and its root causes as well as defying its arguments, paving the way for equitable regional security arrangements, and eliminating the risks of proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East. In this context I reiterated the Egyprian initiative to establish in the Middle East a "zone free" of both nuclear and mass destruction weapons.
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between our two friendly countries in 1992, our bilateral relation has shown a consistent progress. Our talks today have reflected our mutual interest to continue political consultations and to promote bliateral cooperation in a multitude of fields, notably trade, investments and energy, whether bilaterally or within the framework of the European Union and Euro-Mediterranean partnership.
Once more I would like to express my gratitude to H. E. President Dr Danilo Türk, and I am looking forward to welcome him in Egypt at the first possible opportunity.
Press Statement by Dr Danilo Türk, President of the Republic of Slovenia
Brdo pri Kranju, 15 October 2009
I would like to express my great satisfaction with the visit of the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H. E. Mohamed Hosny Mubarak. I am very pleased with today's cordial discussions reviewing bilateral co-operation and various issues concerning international peace and security.
Our bilateral relations are developing well in all areas: political, economic and cultural. The two countries have a great number of opportunities for further strengthening of economic co-operation. Slovenia is especially committed to increasing trade and joint investments, as well as our presence in the markets of third states.
Among issues of international peace and security, most attention was devoted to the situation in the Middle East, and in particular to the Palestinian issue. The Republic of Slovenia and the Arab Republic of Egypt both support efforts to reach a just solution to the Palestinian issue and establish a lasting peace in the Middle East. The best way to achieve lasting peace is to take steps towards establishing two states, Israel and Palestine, which will coexist side by side, in peace and security.
Along with political efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East and to solve the Palestinian issue, it is crucial that support for efforts to address all humanitarian issues be strengthened. I acquainted President Mubarak with the rehabilitation programme carried out by the Rehabilitation Centre in Ljubljana and supported by the international community; its aim is to help the largest possible number of disabled children, victims of the armed conflict in Gaza at the beginning of this year.
We have agreed that security in the Middle East is closely related to security in the Mediterranean countries and in Europe, and in this context the establishment of partnerships between all countries in the region is of great importance. As an EU Member State, Slovenia is committed to strengthening its Mediterranean dimension and advocates co-operation in the Mediterranean region to help build peace in the Middle East and ensure development opportunities to all countries of the region.
President Mubarak presented the views of the Arab Republic of Egypt concerning elimination of the risk of proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East and the Egyptian initiative to establish a zone free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction in the region. Slovenia is committed to the principle of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and is further committed to full implementation of the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Slovenia also supports initiatives that aim to achieve a world without nuclear weapons.
In our talks, we have stressed that multilateralism in international relations must be strengthened, along with the strengthening of international institutions, including the UN.
President Mubarak has extended an invitation to me to visit Egypt. I have accepted it with pleasure.