German president to visit Slovenia

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will arrive in Slovenia for a two-day official visit on 9 May. The future of the EU and the upcoming elections to the European Parliament will be in the focus of talks between President Borut Pahor and his guest. The presidents will moreover mark the 15th anniversary of Slovenia’s membership in the EU.

Photo: Alliance R Jensen

Pahor’s office said in a press release on Tuesday that the presidents will also discuss the situation on the international community, especially the Western Balkans and the “possibilities and the readiness of countries in the region to join Euro-Atlantic integrations“.

The pair is moreover to talk about Slovenia’s competitive edge and bilateral cooperation in politics, economy, science and culture, the press release added.

The president will also take part in a debate on the future of Europe hosted by the Ljubljana University, Pahor’s office said.

It added that the visit by Steinmeier was the second visit of a German president since Pahor was first elected president in December 2012. In November 2014, Pahor hosted Steinmeier’s predecessor Joachim Gauck.
The visit and accompanying events are considered the continuation of a “very high level of partner relations and the strengthening of political dialogue” based on a declaration on cooperation signed by Chancellor Angela Merkel and Pahor in his capacity as prime minister in 2011, press release added.

Source: Helen Svilan/The President’s Office
Photo: Alliance R Jensen