Ljubljana - Michael O'Flaherty, the director of the EU's Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), held talks with senior Slovenian officials on Tuesday dedicated to the priorities of Slovenia's upcoming EU presidency.

Interior Minister Aleš Hojs highlighted strengthening the Schengen Area, comprehensive management of migrations and providing a high degree of security in the EU and Slovenia as the top priorities.

Regionally, the priorities are focused on the Western Balkans, the Interior Ministry said.

The pair discussed the possibility of closer cooperation between the FRA and Slovenia during its presidency stint, and O'Flaherty offered Slovenia the agency's expert support.

O'Flaherty also briefed Hojs on the Handbook on European Law relating to asylum, borders and immigration, which the agency issued in December.

Hojs said, according to the ministry, that it is important the key findings are suitably included in new EU regulations on migrations and asylum.

O'Flaherty also held talks with Justice Minister Lilijana Kozlovič, who presented to him the content of Slovenia's EU presidency in the field of fundamental rights, the Justice Ministry said.

Slovenia will continue the work on the EU's accession to the European Convention on Human Rights. "We will support all activities that lead to accession talks concluding as soon as possible," the Slovenian minister said.

Children's rights, including prevention of violence and promotion of child-friendly judiciary, will also be an important topic during Slovenia's presidency as the European Commission is drafting a strategy on children's rights for 2021-2024.

O'Flaherty also met today Labour Minister Janez Cigler Kralj, several state secretaries and members of the parliamentary EU Affairs Committee.