Napolitano will be the first foreign president to address the Slovenian parliament. According to President Danilo Türk's office, the Italian president has been given this honour because of his great personal commitment to strengthening relations with Slovenia.

Napolitano, who arrived on Monday evening, will be received by Türk at Brdo pri Kranju this morning. The presidents are expected to discuss the current eurozone crisis, the EU's relations with the Eastern neighbourhood and Russia, and the situation in the Western Balkans and southern Mediterranean.

Also discussed will be the position of the Slovenian minority in Italy and its funding, one of the main open issues between the two countries.

Prior to his address at the National Assembly, the Italian president will hold talks with Speaker Gregor Virant.

Napolitano is scheduled to meet PM Janez Janša and Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković on Wednesday.