Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar welcomed her Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella in Ljubljana. The two expressed satisfaction with the development of relations between Slovenia and Italy, STA reported, BTA reports.
Pirc Musar and Mattarella stressed the importance of the Italian and Slovenian minorities on both sides of the border for good neighborly relations.
“The visit of the Italian President is a sincere confirmation of the friendship and trust between our countries and of the vision for a shared future“, the Slovenian President said. She added that the two countries are able to turn the difficult past into a basis for a common future.
Mattarella stressed that the volume of trade shows the dynamic development of friendship between Italy and Slovenia and that there are still areas for expanding cooperation.
Minorities - a key factor in relations
The two presidents emphasized the topic of minorities. According to Mattarella, their protection is a sign of the democratic maturity of the countries. Pirc Musar thanked him for the respectful attitude towards Slovenes in Italy, noting the need for further improvements - among them greater autonomy for Slovene schools in Italy and ensuring stable funding.
Regarding the representation of the Slovene minority in the Italian parliament, Mattarella specified that this is within the competence of the government, but the topic is important. Pirc Musar added that a political solution would be needed if Slovenian representatives were to cease to be elected in the future.
European Union and international issues
The presidents supported further EU enlargement and stressed the need to accelerate the process. They expressed solidarity with Ukraine and concern over the entry of Russian drones into Poland.
Both called for a peaceful and just solution to the situation in the Middle East. Mattarella warned: “We are on the brink of a precipice into which we could fall”, and Pirc Musar noted that international law is being put to the test.
Meeting with Prime Minister Golob
In Ljubljana, Mattarella also met with Prime Minister Robert Golob. They stressed that relations between Italy and Slovenia are a good example of cooperation between two neighboring countries in the EU.
Golob thanked the Italian President for his efforts in strengthening bilateral ties - including the political rehabilitation of the heroes of Basovica and the return of the National Hall in Trieste to the Slovenian community.
The two also discussed the EU's enlargement to the Western Balkans. Mattarella stressed that some countries have been waiting for membership for 20 years and that the process must be accelerated in order to guarantee the security and stability of Europe.
Cultural program and official events
As part of his visit, Mattarella will meet with the Speaker of the Slovenian Parliament, Urška Klakočar Župančič. Together with Pirz Musar, he will inaugurate the renovated building of the Italian school in Koper, visit the offices of the Italian minority and attend a ceremonial meeting of the municipal council in the Praetorian Palace. The program also includes a visit to the Koper Cathedral.