 The Slovenian President, Dr Danilo Türk, received the President of the Republic of Croatia, Dr Ivo Josipoviĉ, who had arrived on his first official visit to Slovenia. After a reception with military honours, the two presidents had a brief one-to-one meeting, followed by plenary talks between the Slovenian delegation and the Croatian delegation, led by the respective presidents.
Dr Türk wished Dr Josipoviĉ successful work as the President of the Republic of Croatia. The two then examined bilateral relations between the countries, the situation in the region and the progress of the Republic of Croatia towards membership of the European Union. |
 In his statement following the meeting, President Türk noted that Slovenia and Croatia were at the beginning of a new chapter in their mutual relations. This chapter opens the possibilities of resolving a number of open issues, including the border issue, and progress towards the general deepening and development of bilateral relations. He stressed that this new phase of relations has brought major progress in the strengthening of mutual respect and trust. Due credit for this development must go to both governments, to which President Türk expressed his public thanks.
Dr Türk added that he and President Josipoviĉ had expressed their support to the two governments in the establishment of a joint commission to examine all practical open issues, and in the re-launch of the joint commission for economic co-operation. In the view of both presidents, these forums will help to resolve all remaining open issues between the countries. |
 The two presidents also addressed the situation in the Western Balkans, where Slovenia and Croatia are making every effort to strengthen stability and co-operation. Both countries advocate close collaboration in this area, efficient resolution of all open issues and co-operation based on the self-initiative of the countries in the region. President Türk especially stressed that the process initiated by Slovenia and Croatia has strengthened the self-initiative of the successor states of former Yugoslavia and marked the beginning of an important period in the resolution of issues in this area. Faced with a press question on the principles of such a resolution, President Türk particularly stressed the principle of equity built into the arbitration agreement for the resolution of border issues between Slovenia and Croatia.
Dr Türk went on to stress that Slovenia supports Croatia's efforts towards joining the European Union. As he explained, progress of this kind is not only within the national interest of Croatia, but also of Slovenia, and of Europe as a whole. Thus he expressed his wish for the process to be as short and as successful as possible. |
 In his press statement, President Josipoviĉ said that it was not a coincidence that his first official visit was to the Republic of Slovenia. He stressed that the friendship between Croatia and Slovenia had lasted for centuries, and it was precisely because the two countries would be joined in the European Union in the near future that he had wanted to begin his external activity in Slovenia. He stressed that accession to the European Union was the basic goal of Croatian foreign policy, and thanked Slovenia and President Türk for their support to Croatia on this matter.
He further personally thanked the governments of both countries for their efforts towards the resolution of open issues, which had previously burdened relations between the countries. He underlined the importance of the law, including international law, and stressed that the two presidents had addressed a number of issues whose resolution would improve the life of the inhabitants of both countries. |
 In the words of President Josipoviĉ , it is extremely important to regulate relations in the region in a European manner; in this respect, he stressed the significance of the joint Slovenian and Croatian initiative. He said that both presidents had expressed their positive views about the recent initiative of the Serbian President, Boris Tadiĉ, the Croatian Prime Minister, Jadranka Kosor and the Slovenian Prime Minister, Borut Pahor. They also discussed the strengthening of economic co-operation, which is not only important for economic reasons and for development, but also in support of all other aspects of good relations.
Dr Josipoviĉ said that Slovenia and Croatia could advocate common ideas within the European Union, since they are two countries compatible in many respects – in terms of their economies, cultures, values and histories. He expressed his belief that his meeting with President Türk would be an excellent beginning for a new, highly positive trend in the relations between Slovenia and Croatia. |
 In the afternoon, the two presidents took part in the Slovenian and Croatian Business Forum, attended by about 150 Slovenian and 70 Croatian business people. In his address, President Türk emphasised that future development must be based on knowledge, environmental sustainability and social inclusion. He added that these notions do not have much content if not based on successful business co-operation, which can be provided only by business people. President Josipoviĉ pointed out the importance of optimism, which must also be stimulated by politicians. In his view, optimism must be related to responsibility, so the duty of politicians is to resolve the issues directly influencing both the economy and people. |