Visit of HH the Amir a new start for bilateral ties: Slovenian Deputy PM

QNA Ljubljana Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Technology Zdravko Pocivalsek has said that the visit of the Amir HH...

QNALjubljanaSlovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Technology Zdravko Pocivalsek has said that the visit of the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Slovenia represents a new start for relations between the two countries and their advancement towards broader horizons in the interest of the two friendly peoples, especially in Shadow of the challenges facing the world.In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) in Ljubljana, he described the visit of HH the Amir to Slovenia as very important, especially as it came after a short period of the visit of President Borut Pahor to Doha last March. Pocivalsek added that His Highness’ visit is an honour for Slovenia and is very welcome, and “we are happy that it coincides with the two countries’ celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between them”.His Excellency explained that the visit is an opportunity to strengthen bilateral political relations and cooperation in all areas of common interest, especially in the field of economic affairs, in addition to exchanging views on the international situation.He added that the relations of the two countries have always been very good and friendly, and recently these relations have been deepened through the visits of mutual official delegations, and there is no doubt that the visit of HH the Amir at the beginning of his European tour is a beautiful message that proves the ideal of the good relations between the two countries.The visit of HH the Amir, and before that, the visit of HE President Borut Pahor to Doha lays the full foundations for expanding trade, economic and investment exchange until it reaches the level of the political relations between the two countries, as the trade exchange is still in the range of 30 million euros, he said. He said he expects the value to rise in light of the two parties’ desire to develop relations.He indicated that the European Union intends to open a coordination office in the State of Qatar to enable economic and trade relations between the two parties, and also expressed his country’s desire to establish good relations with all countries in the Middle East.On the most important areas for cooperation between Qatar and Slovenia, he affirmed his country’s complete desire for economic and commercial cooperation with the State of Qatar to reach a satisfactory level, pointing to the capabilities and resources of both countries that contribute to achieving the desired cooperation.Slovenia has important areas for cooperation such as artificial intelligence, environmental protection, food, medicine, health, tourism and electronic transformation “digitisation”, as well as a good and rich educational system and advanced scientific research, he said.He expressed his country’s readiness to enter the Qatari market and invest in all sectors. His Excellency also welcomed Qatari companies to invest in Slovenia in various sectors.He pointed out that his country possesses internationally reputed companies and has the ability to compete, especially in the field of solving environmental problems and treating water and waste.Slovenia is the first green point in Europe and the third largest country in forest growth in the European Union, where forests cover two-thirds of the country’s area, he said. Slovenian law provides for the protection of drinking water, environmental protection and combating phenomena that lead to global warming, he added pointing out that his country gives priority to projects that preserve the rights of future generations and focuses on long-term green projects with responsible companies that observe environmental conservation standards.He added that Slovenia is one of the advanced countries in innovation in the environmental field and that it encourages talent and is always working to develop local companies to compete in the global market. It has made progress in patenting new inventions in Central Europe, and supports high-level scientific research projects, he said.The Slovenian economy is a smart economy that possesses internationally recognised technologies and solutions, with a constant readiness to compete in several sectors, he said. Slovenia had made strides in the auto parts industry and reached fifth place in Europe in the field of smart products, he added.