[01]

In a joint press conference given yesterday with Government Spokesman Mr. Michalis Papapetrou, Mr Drnovsek stressed that the aim of his visit to Cyprus was to enhance political and financial bilateral relations as well as bilateral co-operation in many other fields.

Mr. Drnovsek referred to the close co-operation the two countries have initialled concerning EU accession negotiations and pointed to the fact that Cyprus and Slovenia "are the two most qualified candidates for membership especially from the economic point of view".

Concerning the Cyprus problem, Mr. Drnovsek stressed that his country follows with keen interest all developments in the Cyprus problem. "Our position has always been very close to the Cyprus/ position and we have collaborated successfully on that matter from many international fora", he said.

The Slovenian Premier also referred to his visit yesterday of the Slovenian contingent participating in the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). Slovenia's participation in the UNFICYP is a "very practical contribution to the preservation of peace in Cyprus", he added

[02]

The agreement which was signed by Acting Director of the Press and Information Office Ms Androula Laniti and the President of Belarus/ State Press Committee Mr Michail Pontgaini aims at strengthening bilateral co- operation, promoting regular news exchange through news agencies and mass media.

Speaking after the signing of the agreement, Ms Laniti said that the agreement will contribute in further promoting the Cyprus issue abroad .On his part Mr. Pontgaini stressed that the agreement will open new horizons in the cooperation of journalists from the two countries in a wide range of issues.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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