The ministers reaffirmed the excellent relations between the two countries and their interest in continuing the regular political dialogue and strengthening all-round cooperation. Slovenia and Finland share similar positions, which they also uphold within the European Union and in the wider international arena, they agreed.

In the discussion on the Western Balkans, Minister Cerar advocated the launch of accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania in October, underlining the importance of preserving the European perspective of the region. With regard to migration, he reaffirmed Slovenia’s determination to support common European solutions and to continue advocating that the Schengen Area again become and remain free of internal border controls. Minister Haavisto outlined the priorities set for the Finnish EU Council Presidency, stressing Finland’s support for the EU policy taking into account the need to protect the economic potential and stability of the Arctic region, particularly its fragile natural environment.

Today, Minister Haavisto will feature as a keynote speaker at the BSF panel entitled Western Balkans – Europeisation, Democratisation, Shared Responsibility.