Common position of Portugal and Slovenia: Support for diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Ukrainian crisis and the EU devoting appropriate attention to the management of relations in the Western Balkans

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, is on an official visit to Portugal at the invitation of the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

The Slovenian President began his official visit to Lisbon by laying a wreath at the tomb of Portugal’s greatest poet, Luís de Camões, followed by a tour and presentation of the Church of Santa Maria de Belém and the Jerónimos Monastery, where the Lisbon Treaty was signed in 2007. The protocol ceremony and the arrival of the cavalry were followed by an official reception with military honours in front of the National Palace of Belém. President Pahor and President de Sousa then had a private meeting, followed by plenary talks between the official delegations of the Republic of Slovenia and the Portuguese Republic, headed by their respective presidents.


Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA

During these days, Slovenia and Portugal are celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. President de Sousa recalled his official visit to Slovenia last June and thanked President Pahor in this regard, saying that he was honoured to have the opportunity to host him now as the first foreign statesman in Lisbon since the beginning of the epidemic.

President de Sousa also recalled the joint statement issued by him and President Pahor on 3 February 2022 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary, in which they expressed their conviction that relations between the two countries will continue to strengthen for the benefit of both countries, their people and the wider international community. The two presidents also discussed the current situation in Europe and expressed their commitment to the European idea.

They discussed certain key international challenges, particularly the situation on the border between Russia and Ukraine and in the Western Balkans. With regard to border tensions between Russia and Ukraine, they stressed the importance of constructive and substantive dialogue. They agreed that everything must be done to de-escalate tensions and build trust. In this regard, President Pahor said that Slovenia would like to believe high-level representatives of the Russian Federation that it has no intention of attacking Ukraine and that dialogue and diplomacy should be given an opportunity.

At the press conference following the talks, President Pahor reiterated his sincere thanks for the warm welcome and the excellent programme of the visit. He congratulated Portugal on the successful conducting of its parliamentary elections at such a challenging time.

With regard to the Western Balkans, President Pahor reiterated that it was a top-priority geopolitical and security issue. He said that he advocated a considerably faster enlargement process, as this is crucial for peace and security in the neighbouring region of the Western Balkans.

During the talks, President Pahor and President de Sousa paid considerable attention to bilateral relations. They assessed that bilateral relations between the two countries are very good and friendly and that there are no outstanding issues. They also touched on the possibilities for further strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the area of the green and digital transition and in culture and science.

As part of the official visit, President Pahor will also have a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Portuguese Republic, António Costa, and the President of the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic, Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues.

In the afternoon, President Pahor will visit the Champalimaud Foundation.

Following the example of the benches of friendship, which, on the initiative of President Pahor, are put in place by foreign statesmen together with him in lasting memory of their meetings during their official visits to Slovenia, in the late afternoon, the Slovenian and Portuguese Presidents will unveil the bench of friendship between Slovenia and Portugal in Lisbon.

The first day of the official visit will close with a gala dinner in honour of the President of the Republic of Slovenia hosted by the Portuguese President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

The second day of the official programme will begin with a visit to the University of Lisbon, where President Pahor will be awarded an honorary doctorate at a special ceremony, to be followed by President Pahor giving an address at the Institute of Social and Political Sciences (ISCSP) and by an academic debate with students. The visit will close with a luncheon in honour of President de Sousa hosted by President Pahor.


Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA


Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA