25 Oct 2021 11:08

Slovenian investment in Russian economy exceeds $233 mln, but still has potential to grow - ministry

MOSCOW. Oct 25 (Interfax) - Slovenian accumulated direct investment in the Russian economy exceeded $233 million as of the first quarter of 2021, Russia's Agriculture Ministry said on Friday after a meeting in Ljubljana of the co-chairmen of the Russian-Slovenian intergovernmental commission for trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation, Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev and Deputy Prime Minister and Economic Development and Technology Minister Zdravko Pocivalsek.

"Slovenia is an important partner of Russia. We highly value the constructive nature of cooperation, and are pleased to note the wide range of avenues of dialog. I would like to point out the trend toward expansion of areas of cooperation at the level of regions. The partnership of out countries' capitals is developing particularly actively," Patrushev was quoted as saying in the press release.

However, the potential for investment is far from exhausted, he said. Promising areas of cooperation between the two countries include high technology, innovation and the digital economy, Patrushev said.

The countries are now in the process of improving the bilateral contractual legal framework, the ministry said. Patrushev stressed the importance of further work on a new agreement between the two countries' governments on encouragement and mutual protection of capital investment.

Russia also expects Slovenia to soon approve documents on cooperation in the areas of culture, science, education, sports, youth politics and tourism.

While discussing problems related to the spread of Covid-19, Patrushev said that Slovenia has allowed individuals inoculated with Russia's Sputnik V vaccine to enter the country without having to quarantine since April 15.

"We thank you for your trust in our vaccine. Within the context of the development of cooperation, we propose to work out the issue of mutual recognition of Russian and Slovenian vaccination certificates. If the Slovenian side is interested, our relevant authorities could carry out this work in this area," he said.

Patrushev invited the Slovenian delegation to Moscow in the first quarter of 2022 for the intergovernmental commission's 16th meeting.

During his visit, Patrushev also met with Slovenian President Borut Pahor and discussed the prospects of strengthening bilateral cooperation.