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Slovenia and Iceland Discuss NATO and EU Enlargement Upon Visit of Slovenian Prime Minister Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Drnovsek discussed NATO and EU enlargement with his Icelandic counterpart David Oddsson upon his official visit to Reykjavik on Monday, 08 July. Drnovsek's assessment was that Slovenian-Icelandic dialogue is important also because of Slovenia's NATO membership, as Iceland has been a NATO member ever since the Alliance was founded in 1949, said the Prime Minister's office in a press release. Oddsson said Iceland strongly supports NATO enlargement, which will contribute greatly to international security, even if Iceland loses some of its influence within NATO. Oddsson stressed that NATO membership was very important for Iceland as a small state, because despite its small size the country can influence decisions within NATO. Drnovsek agreed that this aspect of membership is important for Slovenia as well. At the same time he added that collective defence is more rational and efficient for a small state. Drnovsek stressed that Slovenia and Iceland are interested in strengthening co-operation also because they are both small and can exchange experience to help each other a lot, also in multilateral relations. The two Prime Ministers also discussed EU enlargement. Oddsson said that Iceland is in favour of EU enlargement, even if it is not a member. Drnovsek presented Slovenia's expectations about the timetable of enlargement and pointed out that Slovenia is well prepared for it. Oddsson expressed expectation that the two countries would strengthen mutual trade via the European Economic Area (EEA) after Slovenia joins the Union, as Iceland is a member of the EEA, which ensures free flow of goods, services, people and capital with the EU. Otherwise, bilateral relations between Slovenia and Iceland are very good and friendly, said both prime ministers, agreeing that economic co-operation should be boosted. Drnovsek said that excellent political relations between the two states are a good starting point to grow business ties. The Slovenian PM pointed out that the history of great relations go back to 1991, when Iceland and Germany were the first Western European countries to officially recognize Slovenia's independence on 19 December. During his official visit, Drnovsek met President of Iceland Olafur Ragnar Grimsson and Speaker of Parliament Halldor Blondal. Iceland's President praised the progress Slovenia has made since its independence during a lunch he held for Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Drnovsek. The president compared both countries, saying that both are bound to democracy and are contributing to a positive development of international relations. Drnovsek pointed out the importance of co-operation between small states with similar interests and experience. He outlined Slovenia's political and economical development and presented its foreign policy priorities. He also extended an invitation of Slovenian President Milan Kucan for Ragnar Grimsson to visit Slovenia. Speaker of Parliament Halldor Blondal hoped to soon visit Slovenia. Speaking to the Althing, Iceland's parliament, Drnovsek outlined the development of Slovenia's parliamentary system and upon the wish of Icelandic MPs touched on Slovenia's progress toward EU and NATO membership. http://www.gzs.si/eng/news/sbw/head.asp?idc=10966 --------------------------- ANTI-NATO INFORMATION LIST ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: [email protected] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.bacIlu Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
