On 13 February 2008, the President of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel will head the meeting between the EU Troika and the Russian Federation. Participating on the Russian side will be Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, while the EU will be represented by the European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, and the State Secretary responsible for European Affairs at the French Foreign Ministry Jean-Pierre Jouyet. Prior to that, on Tuesday 12 February, Dr Rupel will have bilateral talks with his counterpart, Mr Lavrov.
The topics under discussion will be cooperation between the EU and the Russian Federation so far, the priorities for cooperation in 2008 and advances in the implementation of the common space for external security. The participants will also focus on regional and international issues, such as Kosovo, the Middle East peace process, Moldova (the Pridnestr issue), Sudan and Chad.
Cooperation between the EU and Russia is based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), which came into force on 1 December 1997 for a period of 10 years, with the possibility of extension. Slovenia will make every effort to start negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement as soon as possible.
17:55
Meeting between the Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dimitrij Rupel, and the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov
Jože Pučnik Airport Ljubljana
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – for two official photographers only
20:00
Working dinner given in honour of the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov, by the President of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel
Dobrovo v Brdih
9:30
Statement upon arrival (doorstep)
Brdo Castle
Brdo pri Kranju
(Departure for journalists from the press centre at 9:00)
10:15
Meeting between the EU Troika and the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov
Brdo Castle
Brdo pri Kranju
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
(Departure for journalists from the press centre at 10:00)
13:30
Press conference given by the EU Troika and the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov
Brdo Castle - Large Crystal Hall
Brdo pri Kranju
(Departure for journalists from the press centre at 13:10)