In order to ensure the highest quality of our services, we use small files called cookies. When using our website, the cookie files are downloaded onto your device. You can change the settings of your browser at any time. In addition, your use of our website is tantamount to your consent to the processing of your personal data provided by electronic means.

Back

Minister Jacek Czaputowicz holds video conference with Slovenia’s Foreign Minister Anže Logar

11.05.2020

“We hope that Poland’s bilateral relations with Slovenia, our close partner and ally in the EU and NATO, will go from strength to strength. Poland’s upcoming presidency of the Visegrad Group and preparations for Slovenia’s presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2021 will give us many opportunities to cooperate,” Minister Jacek Czaputowicz said during today’s video conference with Anže Logar, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Slovenia. This was their first talk since the new Slovenian government took office on 13 March 2020.

2020.05.11 Warszawa . Minister Jacek Czaputowicz . Wideokonferencja minister SZ Slowenia . Fot. Tymon Markowski / MSZ

The ministers focused on the development of Polish-Slovenian cooperation. They agreed that there is enormous potential for cooperation on the most important items on the EU agenda, regional cooperation, and relations with European neighbourhood. The diplomats also stressed that Poland and Slovenia need to tap into the potential for the growth of bilateral economic relations.  

The ministers discussed preparations for the Polish presidency of the Visegrad Group, which is due to begin on 1 July 2020, and for the Slovenian presidency of the European Union Council in the second half of 2021. One of Slovenia’s top priorities during its EU presidency will be the Western Balkans and the EU enlargement policy.  The ministers also agreed that it is necessary to further develop and put into practice the Three Seas Initiative, particularly as regards infrastructural projects. At Minister Logar’s request,  Minister Czaputowicz presented Poland’s assessment of the situation in the EU’s eastern neighbourhood, stressing the region’s importance for Poland’s foreign policy.

The ministers exchanged Poland’s and Slovenia’s experiences in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and its social and economic fallout. Minister Logar asked why, according to current estimates, Poland should be among EU member states with the lowest GDP decrease in 2020. In reply, Minister Jacek Czaputowicz briefed him on actions undertaken by the Polish government to support the economy in times of the pandemic. The ministers went on to talk about the need for all states to act in solidarity to fight COVID-19. Minister Czaputowicz said that within the next few days, Poland plans to donate personal protective equipment to six Western Balkan states. It will be a symbolic gesture confirming our involvement in the Western Balkans. The minister said: “Another important sign of our long-standing engagement was Poland’s support for the Western Balkans during our 2019 presidency of the Berlin Process, an initiative to facilitate the region’s integration with the European Union.”

 

MFA Press Office

Photo: Tymon Markowski/MFA

{"register":{"columns":[]}}