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Apart from the many similarities our countries share by their nature, history and name, we have found ourselves in a similarly unpleasant political situation at nearly the same time: neither of the governments has lasted until the end of the regular term and both countries are facing snap elections. What has the situation been like in Slovakia?
The only similarity is the fact that both governments stepped down as a consequence of inter-coalition crisis and that we both had a four-party coalition. In Slovenia the cause of the crisis was the lack of ambition to provide reforms. In Slovakia the reformatory period had already concluded by the end of the nineties; my country went almost through all reforms possible. The reason for the recent inter-coalition tension was a different approach to the European Financial Stability Facility mechanisms. Even so, all the coalition parties were still working together; this was unlike the gradual process of the Slovenian coalition dissolution.

Is there a common thing we have learned from our governmental crises?
Both countries have learned that it is necessary to struggle for economic stability, for a stable Euro; and that it is not an easy decision to stay in the "healthy core of Europe". This was the lesson learnt and that's why in the end the Slovakian government voted for the EFSF mechanism.
We are celebrating 20 years of the Visegrád group [the alliance of the Czech Republic, Hungary,

Poland and Slovakia for the purposes of cooperation and furthering their European integration.] This is a group to which Slovenia feels. What is your perspective on this cooperation?
We appreciate very much that Slovenia works together with this group, especially in support of European policies that are our common priority - such as enlargement but also some sectoral policies (i.e.transport). It would also be of interest to proceed together to the markets of former Yugoslavia countries, which are about to become EU members. Geopolitically, this is not only a necessity but the only natural thing.

How do you evaluate the current level of economic cooperation between the nations? Do you see much of the unexploited potential in this regard?
The Slovakia-Slovenia economic cooperation is in good shape - the only exception was in 2009 when the crisis culminated. After that, cooperation recovered, the result of 2010 confirm the revival and 2011 the turnout is about to reach its highest value ever more than EUR 600m. All the companies that see the potential in one or another country exploit it fully.
But nonetheless, we should strive to increase the share in the total trade. A very important role could be played by those companies that already are in the respective country and could promote their example in attracting other companies.
 

Is there a Slovakian economic stereotype of our country? Typical positive or negative experiences of companies trading between the two countries?
The experience in general is successful and satisfying. Entrepreneurs have discovered a similar environment, a language barrier that is not that big and the perfect command of English in Slovenia to be extremely helpful. We haven't met many problems. The cooperation of middle-sized companies is based on a targeted search for partners, punctual at finding specialists. The approach goes in small steps, with some caution - operating on the small and medium scale requires a constant and direct proof of being on the right path. I don't want to claim everything runs smoothly, but I cannot think of any complaints from this segment of entrepreneurship.
 

Let's take a look at the more pleasant sides of your term - culture obviously is one of them...
Definitely! Although in a time of crisis education and culture are the first victims. Nonetheless, the projects are visible: in the first place there is cooperation between Ljubljanska Drama and Slovak National Theatre, based on a project which comprises several theatres in Europe. I have witnessed very successful performances of classical pieces by Slovak Theatre in Ljubljana. I got the feeling that Slovenes really enjoy the way they were put on stage. This cooperation continues within Borštnikovo Srečanje festival with an extensive Slovak presentation. A great thing to mention is Alja Predan's initiative to publish the translation of contemporary Slovak drama to the Slovene language under the title Slovaška drama. There were also some notable exhibitions on Slovak history, culture and monuments listed on UNESCO world cultural heritage list.
 

You have a degree in philosophy, unlike the majority of diplomats whose education is primarily political. How does that influence your perception of international diplomacy?
I went through political studies as well, but my philosophical background gives me a broader overview or ability to put things in context. Philosophy also teaches critical thinking, what is very important. It helps me to follow political events with certain critical reflection. I only sometimes have to be cautious how to articulate this criticism so as not to cause collateral damage!