A press release from the Foreign Ministry cited Erjavec and Repentin as describing the relations between their countries as excellent and strategic, with Erjavec assuring the French Foreign Ministry official that Slovenia would like to deepen strategic partnership with France in all areas in shared interest.

Erjavec also presented priorities, measures and reforms planned by the Slovenian government in the effort to find a way out of the financial and economic crisis and the government's commitment to implement the set goals.

Minister Repentin meanwhile expressed his conviction that the two countries would continue with efficient implementation of the strategic partnership signed in 2011 in a bid to deepen bilateral relations.

The two ministers also exchanged views on the situation in the Western Balkans, agreeing that the EU must respect its commitments and promises over future enlargement and calling on countries in the region to meet their commitments and requirements placed on them in the process.

Repentin praised Slovenia's role in the Western Balkans, which he said was "much appreciated by France", the press release from the Foreign Ministry said, adding that the ministers also discussed topical international issues such as the situation in Syria and Mali.

Repentin was also received by President Borut Pahor, who visited France last month, and met Foreign Ministry State Secretary Igor Senčar for talks focusing on topical European affairs, including the upcoming session of the European Council, plans to enhance the economic and monetary union and debates about the bloc's future.

According to the ministry, Repentin and Senčar hailed planned activities in the combat against tax fraud and tax avoidance and called for establishing an integrated and well functioning internal energy market as soon as possible. They also urged solidarity among member states as they seek solutions to the crisis.

Repentin was also received by National Assembly Speaker Janko Veber, who praised cooperation between the two countries but expressed a wish for a more intensive cooperation at the level of parliaments.

Veber and Repentin also touched on the Slovenian government's plans to tackle excessive general government deficit, where Repentin repeated that France trusted Slovenia and supported it in these difficult times, a press release from the National Assembly reads.