Russian FM to have talks in Slovenia, to open Russian centre in

LJUBLJANA, April 21 (Itar-Tass) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei
Lavrov will end his Balkan tour in Slovenia on Thursday, April 21, where
he is scheduled to have talks with his counterpart Samuel Zbogar and have
a meeting with President Danilo Turk.
The talks with Zbogar will focus on "the implementation of agreements
and tasks arising out of the bilatral documents signed recently by the
leaders of our countries," the Russian Foreign Ministry said, referring to
the Declaration of Partnership for Modernisation and the Memorandum of
Important Projects for Broader Bilateral Economic Cooperation.
The sides will also discuss the situation in the Balkans, including
Bosnia and Kosovo, as well as in North Africa and the Middle East.
"Slovenia positions itself in international affairs as a trustworthy
and benevolent partner of Russia," the ministry said. Ljubljana supports
strategic partnership between Russia, the European Union and NATO.
Trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Slovenia develops
successfully, experts say. Bilateral trade turnover increased to 1.2
billion U.S. dollars in 2010. "At the same time, we are interested to
expand investment partnership and open to further influx of Slovenian
investments in the Russian economy," the ministry said.
In addition to economic and political issues, the sides will also
discuss cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Lavrov will open a Russian
Centre of Science and Culture in Ljubljana.