Slovenian Delegation Strengthens Ties with the United Kingdom in London Visit
A Slovenian delegation, led by the President of the National Council Alojz Lotrič, recently visited London to engage in high-level discussions with key British officials and business representatives. Among the dignitaries they met with were John Francis McFall, the President of the House of Lords, as well as representatives from the British Chamber of Commerce and the West London Chamber of Commerce.
Exploring Bilateral Cooperation
During the visit, President Lotrič and McFall discussed the mutual cooperation between the United Kingdom and Slovenia across various sectors, as well as future thematic priorities and common interests. They also delved into shared challenges such as migration and the implications of the UK’s exit from the EU. The meeting was attended by the Slovenian Ambassador to London, Sanja Štiglic, and the British Ambassador to Slovenia, Victoria Harrison.
The delegation from the National Council, which included Secretary Monika Kirbiš Rojs and councilors Mitja Gorenšček, Jože Smole, and Marko Staroveški, participated in a business conference titled “Next Steps in Strengthening Relations between the United Kingdom and Slovenia,” organized by the British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce.
Opportunities for Collaboration
In his opening address, President Lotrič emphasized that the collaboration between the two countries is not only important for financial capital but also for the exchange of rich knowledge, technologies, and best practices. He highlighted new opportunities for enhancing mutual cooperation, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and rapidly growing industries such as fintech, biotechnology, renewable energy sources, and sustainable development.
On the sidelines of the business conference, the delegation also met with representatives from the British Chamber of Commerce and the West London Chamber of Commerce to discuss opportunities for strengthening economic cooperation between the two nations.
Celebrating Slovenian Creativity
As part of the conference, President Lotrič unveiled an exhibition by Slovenian graphic designer Radovan Jenko. Lotrič remarked, “The opening of an exhibition by an exceptional Slovenian graphic designer in the heart of London is not something we witness every day,” praising Jenko’s commitment to creativity and functionality in his work. The conference also featured a panel discussion with representatives from companies such as Trimo, Riko, Marmor Hotavlje, and Squire & Partners on the future of workspaces.
Strengthening Alliance
The official visit concluded with a Christmas gala dinner at the Institute of Directors, where President Lotrič emphasized the long-standing alliance between Slovenia and the United Kingdom, built on respect for freedom, democracy, and human rights.
Conclusion
The visit of the Slovenian delegation to London not only fostered stronger ties between the two countries but also highlighted the potential for enhanced collaboration in various fields, setting the stage for continued cooperation and partnership in the future.
FAQs
What were the key topics of discussion during the visit?
- Bilateral cooperation between the United Kingdom and Slovenia
- Thematic priorities and common interests
- Challenges such as migration and Brexit implications
Which industries were identified as potential areas for collaboration?
- Digital transformation
- Artificial intelligence
- Fintech
- Biotechnology
- Renewable energy sources
- Sustainable development