 | The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, and his wife Barbara Miklič Türk today hosted the President of the Republic of Poland, Lech Kaczyński, and his wife Maria Kaczyński, who are on an official visit to Slovenia. At the press conference following his talks with the Polish President, President Türk expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to welcome the President of Poland to Ljubljana. He emphasised that bilateral relations are excellent and friendly, and that the countries are engaging in regular political consultations, which include high-level visits. He noted that there are currently no outstanding issues between the two countries that need to be resolved, and in addition to excellent political relations, Dr Türk also highlighted very positive trends in mutual trade.
The two statesmen primarily discussed security issues in certain regions, prospects of the European Union, and views of the two states on their neighbouring areas. The Slovenian President presented Slovenia’s view regarding the situation in the Balkans and various countries in this area that are striving to become members of the European Union. The Polish President in turn presented the views of Poland concerning the development of relations in the part of Europe in which Poland plays an important role. Hence they generally focused on EU neighbourhood issues, and President Kaczyński stated his views on relations in this area as well as relations with Russia and the related security issues. They also discussed the options for Ukraine in gaining a European perspective. Both presidents expressed support for further expansion of the European Union as regards countries in South Eastern Europe and further to the east. The two presidents also spoke about the UN reform proposals and the need to define a new role for the OSCE after the Cold War era.
The presidents' wives, Barbara Miklič Türk and Maria Kaczyńska, took part in the Ladies’ Programme and visited the Institute for Rehabilitation - SOČA and the exhibition Slovene Impressionists and their Time 1890–1920, as well as permanent collections in the National Gallery. |