Slovenian President on Official Visit to the Principality of Monaco

Monaco, 11.1.2011  |  press release

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, arrived on an official visit to the Principality of Monaco, where he was received by his host, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. After a reception ceremony with military honours, the two heads of state had a face-to-face meeting followed by a working meeting between the delegations of the Principality of Monaco and the Republic of Slovenia.

In his opening address, Prince Albert welcomed President Türk and stressed the good and friendly relations between Monaco and Slovenia, with the two countries linked by a common Mediterranean and Alpine identity. President Türk added that the two countries share a number of common views and, at the international level, promote peace, respect for human rights, humanitarian and development assistance, and environmental protection.

The two statesmen focused on opportunities for strengthening economic cooperation, in particular in the field of spa and gaming tourism, banking, pharmaceuticals, advanced technology and construction. President Türk pointed out the geo-strategic advantages of Slovenia’s position as an entry point for the markets of south eastern Europe, which are economically, historically and culturally linked to Slovenia.

Prince Albert and President Türk also focused on mutual cooperation on environmental protection and the fight against climate change. President Türk thanked Prince Albert for support in a number of specific projects aimed at environmental protection and biodiversity conservation in Slovenia. He also drew attention to the close cooperation of the two countries within the Conference of the Parties to the Alpine Convention, the presidency of which Slovenia currently holds.

The two statesmen also touched upon the activities of their countries in the field of international humanitarian and development aid. Prince Albert emphasised the importance of the support of Slovenia and Monaco for the projects of the Madagascar-based Slovenian missionary Pedro Opeka in his Akamasoa centre. President Türk took this opportunity to present the humanitarian initiative by which Slovenia has enabled rehabilitation of Palestinian children who suffered serious physical injuries in the clashes in the Gaza Strip.

President Türk informed Prince Albert of Slovenia’s preparations for border arbitration with Croatia, while Prince Albert described Monaco’s experience regarding its sea border convention with France. The two underlined that Slovenia and Monaco have geographically comparable coastal positions.

Among the global challenges discussed, significant attention was devoted to efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and to mitigate the effects of global warming. They agreed that current commitments of countries in this area are insufficient and that developed countries, along with the most advanced developing countries, will have to commit to more ambitious goals.

While on his official visit, President Türk was awarded the rank of Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Charles by Prince Albert. In the afternoon, President Türk visited the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco; he concluded his visit by meeting Monaco’s Minister of State, Michel Roger.