Meetings between the Lithuanian President and Slovenian President Borut Pahor, Prime Minister Miro Cerar and Speaker of the National Assembly Milan Brglez will focus on cooperation between the countries in dealing with the migration crisis and managing the flows of refugees, on the geopolitical security situation and deterrence measures to be sought at the NATO summit in Warsaw. Views will also be exchanged on experience in ensuring energy security and on prospects for economic cooperation.
The Presidents of Lithuania and Slovenia will visit Lithuanian police officers serving on the Slovenian–Croatian border. Lithuania was the first to respond to Slovenia's request for assistance and our officers have been helping to manage the flows of refugees to Slovenia, ensure their registration and distribution, as well as maintain public order since autumn 2015. 380 thousand people crossed the Slovenian border last year and as much as nearly 100 thousand this year.
Official meetings will also address issues of importance to the energy security of the countries: the creation of the EU's energy union and national solutions to ensure the diversity of energy sources.
The President and Slovenian leadership will also discuss prospects for economic cooperation. Since 2010, Slovenia has been an OECD member with a small but dynamic economy. Lithuania is ready to offer high quality food and agricultural commodities to Slovenia. Slovenians also have a well-developed IT sector and seek to attract investment in pharmaceutical and new technology industries; therefore, the meetings will address opportunities to cooperate in science and innovation.
Dalia Grybauskaitė will also open an exhibition of photographs by Vytautas Daraškevičius dedicated to mark the 25th anniversary of state relations between Lithuania and Slovenia in the Ljubljana Town Hall and will discuss the potential for cultural cooperation.
The Presidents of Lithuania and Slovenia will inaugurate a symbolic 'bench of peace' in a unique natural area in Postojna as a sign of friendship between the two nations. This beautiful tradition was born in Slovenia several years ago and is aimed at fostering friendship and solidarity between nations. President Borut Pahor together with the heads of other countries has already inaugurated five symbolic benches in various areas of Slovenia.