Pirc Musar discusses Slovenian minority with Austrian president

"Your support for the Slovenian minority is of particular value ... in an unstable world where the principles of basic humanity are daily under threat," Pirc Musar said at the bilateral meeting with Van der Bellen.

She highlighted the need to further address systemically the rights of the minority, especially providing for the right to quality education in the Slovenian language from pre-school on and the right to use Slovenian in the judiciary in the area populated by the minority.

The presidents confirmed the good and friendly bilateral relations, expressing satisfaction with regular political dialogue at the highest levels.

They also highlighted the excellent economic cooperation, and the need to act against climate change, a topic that strongly unites both presidents.

The presidents agreed that Schengen and the free movement of people is one of the fundamental EU values. In light of this, Pirc Musar regretted Austria's decision to extend border control with Slovenia.

As the situation in the Western Balkans and EU enlargement were also discussed, Pirc Musar outlined plans to upgrade cooperation with countries in the region within the Brdo-Brioni initiative through topics of climate change and youth.

Pirc Musar and Van der Bellen also urged a prompt start of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.

The Slovenian president took the opportunity to thank Van der Bellen for the solidarity and aid that Austria provided to Slovenia during this month's floods.

She moreover expressed solidarity with the people of the Austrian state of Carinthia, who were also affected by the same floods.

At the Alpbach forum, the pair took part in a panel focussing on the contribution Slovenia and Austria can make in the areas of climate change, democracy, security and the economy, as well as on creating a common future within the EU.