Borut Pahor, President of the Republic of Slovenia, and Rosen Plevneliev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria, for a stronger and more successful Europe

Rosen Plevneliev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria, is paying an official visit to the Republic of Slovenia at the invitation of Borut Pahor, President of the Republic of Slovenia. The visit will enhance the political dialogue between the countries at the highest level and will confirm the mutual interest in deepening friendly relations between the countries bilaterally and within the framework of the EU and NATO.

Photo: Nebojša Tejič/STA

The official reception with military honours took place at Brdo Castle near Kranj. As the official visit continued, the presidents exchanged decorations; President Pahor decorated President Plevneliev with the Order for Exceptional Services for his contribution to enhancing Slovenian and Bulgarian cooperation on a bilateral and multilateral level and for constructive work in the European Union. President Plevneliev conferred to President Pahor the highest Bulgarian state decoration. The presidents held a private meeting that was followed by plenary discussions between the delegations of the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Bulgaria.

Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA

During their discussion, the presidents confirmed excellent bilateral cooperation; the countries are linked through their heritage of Slavic cultures and an array of common interests in the broader region with the emphasis on supporting the process of stabilisation and European integration of South-Eastern European countries. Further efforts are directed towards enhancing cooperation in the economic sphere, where the countries have substantial unexploited potential. President Pahor confirmed his attendance at the meeting of the Arraiolos Group, which will take place in Bulgaria in September.

Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA

Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA

Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA

Following the plenary discussions, Presidents Pahor and Plevneliev held a press conference, where they also spoke about topical issues regarding the European Union and international politics. President Pahor stated that as Member States of the European Union and NATO, Slovenia and Bulgaria have very similar views relating to most issues. They both advocate a solid, closely connected, and unified European Union that would effectively address key challenges and dangers. Slovenia and Bulgaria share their interest in enhancing stability and security in South-Eastern Europe and support further enlargement of the European Union and the integration of countries of the Western Balkans in the Euro-Atlantic structures. As Member States of the European Union, both countries are experiencing the same challenges and security threats, which require an efficient and harmonised response by all Member States of the European Union, and particularly the implementation of an effective control of the external borders of the Union.

Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA

President Pahor and President Plevneliev unveiled a bench of friendship at Medvode Library with a view over the River Sora and the confluence of the rivers Sora and Sava. The bench will be a permanent reminder of good relations between the countries and will provide visitors and passers-by with a place to stop, rest and contemplate. The location of the bench has a symbolic meaning since the village of Vikrče in the Municipality of Medvode was regularly visited by the famous Bulgarian Modernist poet Elisaveta Bagryana in the 1930s.

Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA

The official visit will end today with a formal dinner at Brdo Castle.