"Small countries are more interested in finding friends, nurturing friendships and share information" because this is the only way to gain allies, Židan said in a joint statement for the press.

He said that the pair has an interesting conversation about the position of small countries in the EU, with both Slovenia and Cyprus demanding equal treatment and the rule of law as the basic principle of the EU.

They share the view that it is vital for small countries to become better coordinated and discussed today ways "to set up a coordination mechanism to make us all stronger".

Syllouris said that he and Židan came to the conclusion that small countries had to launch concrete cooperation. Apart from promoting the rule of law and equal treatment, Syllouris also listed other goals of the initiative, including international issues, climate change and trade war.

He also expressed the wish that the EU expand onto small European countries that are not a part of the Union yet. Syllouris invited Židan to visit Cyprus and expressed belief that concrete dialogue will continue.

Syllouris also met Foreign Minister Miro Cerar yesterday and will meet President Borut Pahor and Prime Minister Marjan Šarec today.