OSCE Chairman meets Russian Deputy Foreign Minister

LJUBLJANA, 10 January 2005 - Vladimir A. Chizhov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, visited Slovenia on 9 and 10 January 2005. Mr Chizhov was received by the OSCE Chairman-in-Office and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Dr Dimitrij Rupel, and also met Deputy Foreign Minister, State Secretary Bozo Cerar and the Head of the OSCE Task Force, Ambassador Boris Frlec.

During the course of the talks held at the foreign ministry, it was emphasised that regular political dialogue at the highest level was of central importance, not only for the further strengthening of bilateral relations but also for the Slovenian OSCE Chairmanship and Slovenia's membership of Euro-Atlantic structures.

Deputy Minister Chizhov outlined Russian views on the further development of the OSCE, its role in the international security architecture and the carrying out of its activities in the field. The OSCE reform was also discussed, with the Slovenian side emphasising that preventing the emergence of new dividing lines will be a priority of its Chairmanship. On the basis of decisions adopted at the ministerial meeting in Sophia, Foreign Minster Rupel has already written to foreign ministers of the remaining 54 countries, requesting that they propose their representatives to take part in the Panel of Eminent Persons, which is to discuss how to improve efficiency of the OSCE. Another topic discussed was the issue of contributions to the OSCE budget, since the Organization's operations are being hindered as a result of no agreement having yet been reached on this issue. Slovenia will therefore endeavour to reach a prompt consensus on this issue. Views were also exchanged on the OSCE's activities in certain other dimensions and it was agreed that these activities should be more balanced. Attention was also devoted to individual regional issues in which OSCE field missions are engaged.

The talks also covered bilateral relations between the two countries, which were assessed as very good. Economic cooperation needs to be further deepened. EU enlargement will contribute to the establishing of even stronger ties between the EU and the Russian Federation. Both countries also wish to preserve and further consolidate the fruitful results and experience of past cooperation. Slovenia is interested in that strategic partnership between the EU and the Russian Federation which serves to contribute to stability and development on the European continent and the international community at large.