President Pahor stresses the urgency of cooperation for the peace and stability of the neighbouring Western Balkans at an international security conference in Montenegro
Budva, Èrna gora, 13. 5. 2017 | press release
The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, attended the 7th To Be Secure Forum (2BS Forum) in Budva, Montenegro. The main purpose of the attendance of President Pahor at this Forum was to express Slovenia's support for Montenegro’s upcoming membership of the NATO Alliance, which is a significant contribution to security in the Euro-Atlantic Area.
President Pahor attended the opening of the Forum and he joined the President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitaroviæ, and the President of Montenegro, Filip Vujanoviæ, in a discussion titled “A free nation must jealously guard its freedom from the snare of being influenced by other countries.” The panellists discussed the shifting of the global balance of power and the re-introduction of geopolitics into international relations. They also discussed the conditions in the neighbouring Western Balkans region, security challengers, and current international topics.
As a member of the panel, President Pahor congratulated Montenegro on his own behalf and on behalf of the Republic of Slovenia on soon becoming a member of the NATO Alliance. He said that this was a historic moment, not only for Montenegro, but also for this part of the region. “This is a positive signal for the peace and stability in the Western Balkans,” stressed the Slovenian President and added that other countries must also recognise this, as this is proof that progress is possible, regardless of any problems.
The President emphasised that the enlargement of the European Union and the NATO Alliance was very important for the stability and well-being of the neighbouring Western Balkans region. Furthermore, he stated that the enlargement process should not only be a usual technical process, as in reality it is a complex political process, which must also be understood by the European Union and the NATO Alliance. President Pahor added that it is necessary for countries to find internal strength, despite the slowed down enlargement process in the coming period, to mutually encourage one another in resolving disputes and carrying out reforms that would equip countries for membership. “This region and individual countries must find inner strength for reforms and all other measures to provide peace and security,” concluded the President of Slovenia.
President Pahor stated that recently somewhat deteriorated conditions in the Western Balkans region can be noticed, but that the cooperation and dialogue among countries must be supported nonetheless. He added that, in his opinion, it is still possible to use our will and desire to create an atmosphere of cooperation and dialogue.
Following the presidential panel, President Pahor met the President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitaroviæ, and the President of Montenegro, Filip Vujanoviæ, at a working lunch, and tomorrow morning he will meet the President of Croatia for bilateral talks as well.
Photo: UPRS