 The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, and his wife Barbara Mikliè Türk arrived on an official visit to the Republic of Estonia, where they were welcomed by the President of the Republic of Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and his wife Evelin Ilves. After being received with military honours, the two presidents had a brief one-on-one meeting, followed by plenary talks between the Estonian and Slovenian delegations, headed by the two presidents.
President Ilves welcomed President Türk as a friend and colleague whom he frequently meets. He pointed out that Estonia and Slovenia were two countries with a good mutual understanding over decades. He explained that the two small countries were the most successful ones in their former wider community of states. After gaining independence, they often surprised with their efficiency and are today both members of the euro area. The Estonian president recalled that thanks to their good results, Estonia and Slovenia were included in the first group of countries to have been invited to start negotiations on EU membership. |
 In his words, the two countries continue to share common visions and views even now. Among them he highlighted the importance of EU policy toward eastern neighbours, which is a priority for both Estonia and Slovenia. He added that both countries desire a functioning common foreign and security policy. According to President Ilves, this policy still requires much work, given the neglect of North Africa and the lack of initiative in addressing problems in the Balkans.
In President Türk’s view, the EU is also facing difficulties in the development of strategic priorities in the common foreign and security policy. He agreed with President Ilves that a focus on the East should be the EU’s first strategic priority. With regard to the Balkans, he made particular mention of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will face serious challenges in the future. In his words, a significant contribution to the search for answers to these challenges could be made by an energetic, responsible and open EU policy toward Bosnia and Herzegovina. |
 President Türk stressed that both Estonia and Slovenia are part of a wider European space between the Baltic and the Adriatic, which he described as a dynamic, creative and optimistic part of Europe. The features of this area include good results in economic development, the responsible management of resources and compliance with common EU policies. The countries of this area could well participate in tackling certain common problems such as new forms of corruption and poor corporate management. The Slovenian president favoured the idea of further development of the identity of this area, which is already specific and positive. |
 The Estonian president said that due to their common outlooks, Estonia and Slovenia often take very similar positions in the EU. Among the possibilities of further strengthening bilateral relations he cited public administration, where the countries could strengthen their cooperation and exchange of experiences in the development of e-government. He also expressed a desire for Slovenia to participate in the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence operating in Tallinn.
The Slovenian president also cited e-government among the prospective fields to be included in the development of bilateral cooperation, in particular the exchange of experience in public procurement, corporate registration and taxation, while stating that IT potential should also be exploited in social services and healthcare. President Türk also committed himself to strengthening economic cooperation in IT, pharmaceuticals and other sectors. In addition, he stressed the need for maintaining a very high level of political consultation between the two countries. |
 The president was accompanied on his official visit to Estonia by the Minister of Economy, Darja Radiæ, the Minister of Public Administration, Irma Pavliniè Krebs, the Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, Dr Roko ®arniæ, and a business delegation consisting of 24 representatives of Slovenian companies. |