Prime Minister Janez Janša will pay a working visit to Rome on Tuesday for talks with his counterpart Mario Monti. Janša will be accompanied by Finance Minister Janez Šušteršič, who will meet Europe Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi.

The aim of the visit is to exchange views on current European affairs, in particular measures to balance public finances and kick-start growth, Janša's office has said.

The talks are also likely to touch on at least two issues that have dominated bilateral economic ties for years, Italy's plans to build liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in the Trieste Gulf and links of northern Adriatic ports to pan-European transport corridors.