Russia, Slovenia show interest in increasing energy cooperation

LJUBLJANA, July 30 (Itar-Tass) - Slovenia suggests setting up a
special body to develop energy cooperation between Russia and Slovenia.
"Russia occupies the 13th place in Slovenia's trade turnover with
foreign countries. We certainly have more trade relations with the EU
countries, including Croatia, Germany, Serbia, Italy and Austria. But when
trade with Russia is in question, it's not a rush for quantity but for
improvement in quality," Pavel Gantar, the speaker of the Slovenian
parliament, told Itar-Tass on Saturday. He urged Russian entrepreneurs to
be bolder in entering the Slovenian market.
Gantar also said that Slovenia was interested in developing
cooperation with Russia under the South Stream project.
"This is a vital project for Russia and Slovenia, for the entire
region and the EU countries," he emphasized.
"The gas crisis that occurred two years ago showed that we should
think about diversification and reliability of resources," Gantar went on
to say. He added that it would be good to set up a special joint body to
supervise cooperation between Russia and Slovenia in the energy sphere.
Slovenian Prime Minister Borut Pahor also echoed this viewpoint in his
interview with Itar-Tass on Saturday.
"Russia and Slovenia developed cooperation without any negative
experience or prejudices," Prime Minister Pahor said.
"Europe's energy policy is undergoing substantial changes: it's aimed
at stable development of the energy sector, the cutting of greenhouse gas
emissions and the use of new technologies. We are planning to diversify
energy sources and develop thermal and nuclear power stations," the
Slovenian prime minister said.

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