Bush Praises Slovenia's Achievements in Talks with PM

Brdo pri Kranju, 10 June

US President George W. Bush praised Slovenia's economic and political achievements as he held talks Tuesday with Prime Minister Janez Jansa, in what has been described as a "relaxed and friendly meeting".

"President Bush hailed Slovenia's achievements, saying its transition [to a market economy] has been very successful," the prime minister's spokesman, Rok Srakar, told reporters after the 45-minute meeting.
In the seven years since his first visit, Slovenia has become a member of the EU and NATO, and now it is presiding the EU, Bush noted.
The US president underlined the "transformational power of democracy and freedom", recalling how Jansa has gone from being a political prisoner 20 years ago to leading the country and the EU.
This is as direct an experience in the transformational power of democracy and freedom as one can have, Bush was quoted as saying by Srakar.
Bush and Jansa praised the strengthening of economic cooperation, which they said needs to continue, but they did not talk about any specific investments, according to the spokesman.
A lot of attention was dedicated to energy prices and climate change, with both leaders saying that green investments by the EU and US will pay off and "cause a new revolution which is an ecological and economic need."
The prime minister also presented the Lisbon Treaty, which is currently in the process of ratification, saying it would facilitate decision-making and enhance the EU's role in the world.
Serbia and Macedonia were in the focus of talks on the Western Balkans, as President Bush was interested in Slovenia's view. Kosovo was not discussed separately, only in the general framework of the Western Balkans.
Bush and Jansa met ahead of the EU-US Summit held at Brdo pri Kranju.

Bush Praises Slovenia's Achievements in Talks with PM

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