Visit by the Polish President highlights many new opportunities for the already successful cooperation between Slovenia and Poland

President Pirc Musar first thanked Poland, its citizens and Caritas Poland for the assistance provided during last year's floods. In those difficult conditions, around 50 engineers and members of the Polish Army came to our aid and built two bridges in Mežica and Gornji Grad. Slovenia also received financial aid, raised through people's donations.

Today's Slovenian-Polish meeting is taking place at a symbolic time, as this month marks Poland's (12 March 25 years ago) and Slovenia's (29 March 20 years ago) accession to NATO. President Pirc Musar highlighted that in view of the war in Ukraine, such an alliance is more important than ever before, as evidenced by the recent accessions of Sweden and Finland to NATO. Today's visit is also taking place during Poland's preparations for its presidency of the Council of the EU. Poland will assume the presidency at the beginning of 2025, when we will be marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the liberation of Auschwitz. Remembering these events will be another opportunity for reminding the generations born after the war how important it is to fight for the fundamental values of the European Union and to respect human rights, and how important minorities and cooperation among countries are for preserving peace and prosperity on the continent.

President Pirc Musar said that, as a member of the UN Security Council, Slovenia is working hard, together with its partners, to restore peace in Ukraine and Gaza. The President expressed her wish for close cooperation and the continuous exchange of views on Ukraine, Gaza and other international challenges.

The Slovenian and Polish Presidents also discussed the importance of EU enlargement to the Western Balkan countries, Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia.

The Slovenian President informed her Polish counterpart of discussions held during her recent visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country which has made significant progress in the last year. The accession of the Western Balkan countries to the EU is essential for maintaining stability and progress and for reducing the influence of third countries, such as Russia. President Pirc Musar believes that it is crucial that enlargement stays high on the EU agenda also during Poland's presidency of the Council of the EU.
She said that Slovenia advocates respect for the rule of law in the EU and fundamental human rights and is committed to maintaining the EU's global role and competitiveness.

As the wars in Ukraine and Gaza are raging, as well as the worrying number of 55 other conflicts around the world, it is vital to strengthen the security and defence of the EU and to advocate for a united and stronger EU and NATO. President Pirc Musar said that Slovenia unwaveringly supports Ukraine, in the political, humanitarian and military context, similarly as Poland, also with training within EUMAM. Slovenia also strives for stabilisation in the Middle East. Several times it has called upon all involved to immediately declare a ceasefire and to respect international law, human rights and humanitarian law.

The order to launch an attack on Rafah is worrying and President Pirc Musar called for access to humanitarian aid to be ensured.
A great part of the visit was dedicated to increasing economic cooperation between the two countries.

Poland is an important partner of Slovenia and ranks 9th in terms of the value of trade in goods, amounting to almost EUR 3 billion. For this reason, the Polish President is being accompanied by a strong business delegation.

The number of Polish tourists visiting Slovenia is also increasing. Last year, it reached nearly 170,000. The two countries want to strengthen cooperation in digitalisation, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. During the official visit, tomorrow, 21 March, the Slovenian-Polish Business Forum will be held at Planica Nordic Centre, which the two countries hope will strengthen cooperation in digitalisation.

In concluding the talks with her Polish counterpart, the Slovenian President expressed her satisfaction that a part of the visit was also dedicated to sports and culture. Tomorrow, the Presidents will attend the qualifications for the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in Planica. In the afternoon, a ceremony will be held in Kranj with the unveiling of a monument to Polish Romantic poet Adam Mickiewicz .