President Pahor and Polish President Duda confirm excellent relations between Slovenia and Poland

At the invitation of Slovenian President Borut Pahor, Polish President Andrzej Duda and his wife are visiting the Republic of Slovenia. This is an official return visit for President Duda, after last year’s official visit to Poland by President Pahor. The return visit testifies to an understanding of points of view with regard to important foreign policy issues and the need for a regular dialogue at the highest political level.

After an official reception with military honours at Congress Square in Ljubljana and a face-to-face meeting between the two presidents, they held plenary discussions and a press conference featuring both presidents.

Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA


Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA


Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA

In a statement to the media, President Pahor noted that the visit is proof of the very good relations between Slovenia and Poland: “This visit illustrates our good relations in many facets: political, economic, cultural, interpersonal and military. At the end of our official discussions, President Duda and I established that it is in the mutual interest of both Slovenia and Poland to deepen these relations so that they are even more sincere and intensive. This is beneficial to both countries and to Europe, and therefore we will make a personal commitment to it within the powers of our offices.”

President Pahor stressed that today’s visit also marks the 25th anniversary of the diplomatic recognition of the Republic of Slovenia by the Republic of Poland. “In this sense as well we have made giant strides in terms of wide-ranging cooperation,” said Pahor, who added that trade between Slovenia and Poland amounts to nearly half a billion euros, which ranks Poland as Slovenia’s seventh largest trading partner.

During their discussions on bilateral cooperation, the presidents also touched on their views of the European Union. They adopted a joint statement which indicates that despite their differences there is a great deal of political will to cooperate with and further strengthen the European Union.

At the end, President Pahor thanked President Duda and Poland, as the country that currently holds the presidency of the Visegrad Group, for promoting cooperation between the Visegrad Group and Slovenia.

Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA

Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA

Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA

In the afternoon the Slovenian and Polish presidents will meet with Slovenian businesspeople and participate in the conclusion of the Polish-Slovenian investment forum.

The official visit will end tonight with a formal dinner at Brdo Castle, hosted by the Slovenian president and Ms Tanja Pečar.

Joint statement by the President of Poland and the President of Slovenia: