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Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister Karl Erjavec started a visit to Bucharest
Slovenia supports Romania's accession to the Schengen Area and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Deputy Prime Minister Karl Erjavec said on Monday.
"We want Romania to become a member of the Schengen Area as soon as possible, I believe that it has all the conditions to do it. (...) Slovenia strongly supports Romania's accession to the OECD. I have had the opportunity to discuss with the Secretary General of the OECD about this issue, we talked about the enlargement process and we both agreed that Romania is the best candidate, it meets all the conditions and I think that in the coming months there will be many good things for Romania — the EU Presidency, you will be members of the Schengen Area and, sooner or later, you will become full members of the OECD," said the visiting Slovenian official in a Bucharest-held joint press conference with Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu.
He said that Slovenia appreciates Romania's support for Moldova.
Karl Erjavec mentioned that political consultations on the Western Balkans would be held in Ljubljana.
He added that Slovenian businesspeople want to invest in Romania.
"Commercial exchanges are worth some 700 million euros and the economic cooperation rose by 8% in the first six months of this year. I believe that the excellent political relations will also reflect on the economic relations," the Slovenian official said.
He appreciated Romania's taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2019.
"We are glad that Romania will take over the presidency in 2019, especially because we have similar views on the future of the EU and Slovenia is favorable to a strong EU. We do not want a EU with more speeds, we support more security in Europe, solidarity and security (...) I am convinced that Romania will do its job well," Karl Erjavec said.
The Slovenian official thanked Romania for support granted to his country in the migration crisis by sending policemen.
Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister Karl Erjavec was also welcomed by Senate President Calin Popescu-Tariceanu. According to a press release sent on Monday, the two officials' talks highlighted the mutual interest for intensifying the political dialogue between Romania and Slovenia which celebrates this year 25 years of diplomatic relations as well as the extension of economic cooperation and enhanced capitalisation of both countries' potential in cutting-edge economic fields.
The Slovenian official is paying a visit to Romania at the Romanian Foreign Affairs Minister, Teodor Melescanu's invitation.