Mr Candinas will be accompanied by the chairman of the National Council's Foreign Affairs Committee, Franz Grüter (SVP/LU). The Swiss delegation, which is invited to high-level policy discussions, will also have the opportunity to meet representatives of the Slovenian parliament’s Committees on Foreign Policy and EU Affairs as well as the Committee on Infrastructure, the Environment and Spatial Planning. Discussions will focus on bilateral cooperation, in particular the implementation in Slovenia of Switzerland's second contribution, economic relations, European policy and the fight against climate change following the severe floods that hit Slovenia in August.
As a major crossroads between Central and Eastern Europe, Slovenia is currently investing in port and rail infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions from logistics and transport. On 10 October, the president of the National Council will visit the port of Koper, where he will learn more about the ongoing construction of the second Divača-Koper railway line. The new track will be 27.1km long and will increase rail freight capacity between the port of Koper and the rest of mainland Europe.
Switzerland and Slovenia cooperate actively in international organisations and enjoy excellent relations, particularly in the economic sphere. In 2022, Switzerland became Slovenia's leading economic partner, with trade worth over CHF 18 billion. During his visit, the president of the National Council will meet the heads of Swiss companies with branches in Slovenia. On 28 August, the two countries signed the implementation agreement for the second Swiss contribution, which will benefit Slovenia and enable energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to be developed in the Slovenian Alps.