The Slovak head of state arrived in Slovenia at the invitation of his counterpart, President Danilo Türk. Both presidents noted that Slovak-Slovenian relations “are those of allies and are at the highest level.”

Slovenian President Danilo Türk said that “a high level of mutual respect and trust exists between Slovenia and Slovakia.” Ivan Gašparovič and Danilo Türk agreed that the priority of bilateral relations is to foster economic and trade cooperation. “Even though last year we registered a 26 percent drop in our trade exchange which, for the most part, resulted from the economic crisis, I am convinced we will manage to reverse the situation,” the Slovenian President said.

Mr. Danilo Türk informed his Slovak counterpart about the developments in Slovenia’s economy which, not unlike other countries, declined due to the crisis. “We understand and we know that the economic potential of the Slovak Republic, and also that of Slovenia, is very good. Therefore it is in our interest to interconnect these potentials,” Türk said.

Both heads of state confirmed a traditionally high level of bilateral cooperation in military and political affairs. “The proof is our close cooperation in NATO and participation in peacemaking missions,” Ivan Gašparovič said.

Ivan Gašparovič also met the President of the National Assembly Pavel Gantar to discuss the activities of national parliaments and their position within the EU. “The European Parliament enjoys a dominant position within the Union, but the position of national parliaments should not be secondary,” the Slovak President said. He added that, in the wake of the Lisbon Treaty, the European Union did not manage to shake off the problems associated with its adoption. “Although this reformed treaty indeed exists, it does not mean that it cannot be revised in the future,” Ivan Gašparovič noted.

Pavel Gantar believes it is necessary to continue the discussion on the role of the European Parliament and the national parliaments vis-à-vis the EU. In addition to taking an ideological and political approach, Gašparovič said the EU should also undertake another reform, one that will make its functioning more effective while cutting the red tape.

During his official visit to Slovenia, the Slovak head of state held talks with Prime Minister Borut Pahor. Both representatives praised a high level of cooperation between both countries. Slovakia and Slovenia are good partners, which translates into new opportunities, particularly in economy and trade. According to Ivan Gašparovič: “Slovakia and Slovenia can learn from the economic crisis and grab the opportunity to intensify economic cooperation.” Both partners also discussed the role of the V4 and the possibilities for Slovenia to cooperate with this regional group. Gašparovič said the V4 group was respected even by strong European countries, which means that its activities are visible: “I am very glad that it keeps on going and gaining on strength, which is also due to the fact that Slovenia is invited to its talks.“

“Our experience has shown that teaming up in regional groups such as the Visegrad Four is beneficial for smaller countries and bringing them tangible results. In the EU, this is how we can promote the interests of our central European region vis-à-vis larger members,” the Slovak President said.

To conclude the first day of his official visit in Slovenia, the Slovak President met with Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković.