Norway and Slovenia "are in many ways two similar-minded countries", Cerar said, adding that the nations shared interests and goals, and aspired to an effective multilateralism, human rights, gender equality, helping vulnerable groups and, above all, to global peace and security.

The ministers also noted increasing bilateral trade, but also agreed on the potential to improve and expand business links further, which would help boost bilateral merchandise trade and tourism exchange.

Bilateral merchandise trade between Norway and Slovenia amounted to more than EUR 118m in 2018, with Slovenia's exports accounting for almost EUR 96m.

Slovenia and Norway also have common points when it comes to stimulating circular economy and electric mobility, and preventing negative impacts of climate change, the press conference heard.

Eriksen Soreide said Norway was keen to learn about Slovenia's experience in those fields. The number of new electric cars sold in Norway outstripped the number of fossil-fuelled cars for the first time in March.

According to her, Norway is interested in particular in cooperation in the fields of the environment, energy and education, and the countries could also boost economic cooperation through these areas.

The ministers also discussed management of waters, in particular cross-border water sources, which is priority for Slovenia, and demining of countries involved in wars or conflicts. Norway is one of the biggest donors to Slovenian-run ITF fund.

The two countries also share views on the importance of stability in the Western Balkans. Cerar mentioned a mediation project at Slovenian schools that Slovenia planned to present in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and he invited Norway to take part.

As an example of good cooperation in cultural and industrial heritage, Cerar offered the renovation of a melting plant in Idrija, subsidised by Norway.

Also noted was good cooperation within NATO. Cerar described the visit as "the foundation for further steps for successful cooperation in politics, economy and other areas".

Asked whether Norway planned to extend checks on the internal Schengen border, Eriksen Soreide said this would depend on the decision of the countries in the neighbourhood, indicating that Norway would follow suit.

Norway is not an EU member, but Eriksen Soreide said that she was committed to Europe and wanted Europe and the EU to succeed.

She said that Europe still had the potential to become powerful, but that it had to face challenges such as those in civil society, human rights and the rule of law.

Paying a working visit to Slovenia, Eriksen Soreide was also received by President Borut Pahor.