According to a statement from the PM's office, Janša and Vorobyov noted the significance of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations that the countries mark this year.

Janša expressed satisfaction with the development of concrete joint projects in the field of economy, defence, culture, education and science, among others.

The pair agreed that the cooperation is reflected in an upgrade of the legal framework for bilateral cooperation considering that 12 agreements and seven other documents are currently being drawn up.

Janša noted that Russia was an important trade and investment partner of Slovenia with bilateral trade topping EUR 1.1bn and direct investment EUR 90m in 2011.

The countries see a big opportunity in the construction of the South Stream pipeline, part of which will run through Slovenia.

Also noted at the meeting was good cooperation between many autonomous institutions such as the constitutional courts and growing cultural cooperation, also as part of the Forum of Slavic Cultures.

Janša said that Slovenia was considering opening a Slovenian culture and science centre in Moscow to contribute to further expand such cooperation between the two countries.

The PM pledged Slovenia's effort to create the conditions that will make the country attractive for foreign investment more than ever before.

Janša and Vorobyov agreed that there was still plenty of potential to increase trade and investment even further, the press release from the PM''s office read.

The pair met after attending a ceremony in memory of Russian prisoners of war who died in an avalanche while building a road over the Vršič mountain pass during World War I.