The President of the Republic of Slovenia at the 18th Central European Summit with presidents Zeman, Vujanović and Komorowski

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, is attending the 18^th Central European Summit, hosted by the President of the Slovak Republic, Ivan Gašparovič. The summit is entitled ‘A Growth Strategy for Post-Crisis Recovery’. The discussion will focus on views to overcome the financial crisis and increase the competitiveness of the European economy.


Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA

President Pahor first met his long-time friend, Miloš Zeman, the President of the Czech Republic, with whom he particularly discussed in-depth bilateral cooperation, possibly also within the Visegrad Group. President Zeman congratulated President Pahor on the resolution of the border issue with the Republic of Croatia. The President of the Czech Republic was interested in the announced privatisation in Slovenia. The President of the Republic of Slovenia noted that Czech investments are welcome in Slovenia. They agreed that the countries can further strengthen economic cooperation. The Slovenian President was interested in the experience of the Czech Republic with privatisation, particularly of the banks. The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, invited the President of the Czech Republic to pay an official visit to Slovenia. The latter commented that he had fond memories of Piran.


Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA

President Pahor also met Filip Vujanović, the President of Montenegro. The President of Montenegro first acknowledged the expert assistance that Slovenia has provided in the accession negotiations for Euro-Atlantic integration. President Pahor introduced the initiative of the Brdo Process, which he wishes to revive, and invited the President of Montenegro to take part, since it is of key importance that this initiative include all countries in the region. President Vujanović gratefully accepted the invitation.

The President of the Republic of Slovenia also held a bilateral meeting with Bronisław Komorowski, the President of the Republic of Poland. The presidents agreed that Slovenia and Poland have many things in common. The relations between the countries are good and friendly. Bilateral cooperation has been developing at several levels (in culture, education, science and sport), but could be further enhanced. The presidents also spoke about the future of the European Union, and the President of the Republic of Poland expressed his concern about the continuing decline in economic growth in Europe, because this situation has had an increasing effect on the relatively successful economic situation in Poland, which is still enjoying economic growth. President Pahor confirmed his participation in the Arraiolos Group between 8 and 9 October in Poland and the President of the Republic of Poland was happy to receive his confirmation.

In the evening, the President of the Republic of Slovenia attended a concert and official dinner held in honour of the presidents of states hosted by the President of the Republic of Slovakia and his wife.

President Pahor will attend a working breakfast with the presidents of EU Member States and the President of the Republic of Croatia tomorrow morning and a plenary meeting where he will participate in the discussion in the second part of the Summit.

In addition to the 18^th Central European Summit, President Pahor will have a short bilateral meeting with Rosen Plevneliev, the President of Bulgaria, and will later attend a lunch hosted by Ivan Gašparovič, the President of the Slovak Republic.