Minister Logar highlighted the importance for the incoming Government of an enhanced relationship with France as Slovenia’s major partner in several bilateral fields, within the European Union and as a NATO ally. Speaking in favour of carrying out the planned activities under the Strategic Partnership Action Plan for 2019–2022, the Minister underscored the automotive industry as being of strategic significance for the two economies.

The two counterparts endorsed close collaboration between Slovenia and France in the run up for their successive EU Council presidencies in the second half of 2021 and first half of 2022, respectively, when the two countries will have to rise up to the difficult tasks of confronting Covid-19 and its fallout.

In an exchange of views on the current developments related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the two ministers spoke about the urgent need for solidarity, communication and coordinated exit strategies of EU Member States. Upholding the introduction of urgent measures to revive European economies, they agreed that the EU needs a robust recovery fund and an ambitious Multiannual Financial Framework.

The ministers confirmed readiness to cooperate closely in joint global responses and in the Alliance for Multilateralism, and supported a strong and fully functioning EU.