The President receives the German Chancellor Angela Merkel
Ljubljana, 30.8.2011 | press release
The President of the Republic, Dr. Danilo Türk, received the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Angela Merkel, who was on a working visit in Slovenia. Both heads of state discussed primarily the significance of reforms in the European Union and in individual member states. They agreed that reforms are urgently needed for the existence and further development of the Union and its member states, pointing out that they should be accepted and supported by all political stakeholders, both governmental and opposition. In this respect they especially pointed out the importance of reforming the pension system.
The Slovenian President and German Chancellor also discussed the Euro Crisis and measures to stabilize the Eurozone. Chancellor Angela Merkel took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of solidarity and fulfilling the Stability Pact criteria as well as related obligations of countries. Regarding economical issues, President Türk expressed a wish for a closer cooperation of Slovenia and Germany in the field of green technologies, and pointed out that this involves not only German experiences in the field of technology, but also legal advice referring to encouraging and regulating this perspective orientation.
When discussing external policy problems, they tackled the Palestinian question, both agreeing that it is necessary to act towards finding common language within the European Union. President Türk emphasized the importance of establishing clear priorities of common foreign policy of the EU. In this context both speakers agreed about the priority value of the Eastern Partnership and cooperation of the European Union with the Russian Federation. Chancellor Angela Merkel also thanked Slovenia for its positive role in the Western Balkans.