By: UKOM
Prime Minister Janez Janša paid a working visit to London at the invitation of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The main topics of discussion during the visit to the UK concerned deepening the political cooperation between the two countries, tackling the COVID-19 epidemic, EU-UK relations, cooperation between the two countries in the light of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU and the UK’s presidency of COP26, and also current foreign policy issues, in particular the situation in Afghanistan and the Western Balkans.
Bilateral relations between the two countries are very good and amicable. This visit marked an intensification of political dialogue at the highest level. The UK is Slovenia’s 20th largest foreign trade partner by trade volume. The extent of investments is growing in both directions. In 2020, the amount of direct investment Slovenia received from the UK reached €501 million, ranking the UK as the 9th largest foreign trade partner in terms of foreign investment in Slovenia.
During the working visit, Prime Minister Janša first met the newly appointed Foreign Secretary, Elizabeth Truss. In their talks, they spoke about bilateral relations between the two countries, current foreign policy issues and the epidemiological situation regarding COVID-19. They also focused on the topic of strengthening economic ties, combating cyber threats and deepening cultural ties.
Accompanied by Foreign Office Minister James Cleverly, Prime Minister Janša visited the National Cyber Security Centre and met with its management. International cooperation on cybersecurity issues is crucial to protect everyone from hybrid threats.
The Prime Minister also attended a working lunch with the Ambassador of the EU to the UK, João Vale de Almeida.
After the morning meetings, the Prime Minister concluded his working day with a meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.