Bled, 31 August 2008 – On the margins of the Bled Strategic Forum, Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel met with Shyam Saran, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of the Republic of India. The main topics under discussion included relations between Slovenia and India and India's endeavours regarding environmental issues.

Minister Rupel and Special Envoy Saran (Photo: BOBO)

Minister Rupel was pleased to note that the Indian representative assessed Slovenia as an important platform for India in its endeavours to strengthen relations with the EU. To this end, representatives of the Port of Koper paid a visit to India in May, initiating talks on establishing links with one of the Indian ports.

As regards environmental issues, India announced on 30 June its first climate package, which provides an increase in the use of clean energy sources as well as nuclear power. In addition, India expects that the IAEA will approve the supply of nuclear material and technology for energy production.