The ministry said that securing a safe and stable Western Balkans will be a key topic of the minister's talks. He will get acquainted with the defence and military system situation in both countries and with progress in their Euro-Atlantic integration.

Jakič will present to his hosts in detail the Comprehensive Regional Meeting of Ministers scheduled in Brdo pri Kranju from 1 to 3 October. The meeting will focus on rationalising joint efforts in the Western Balkans and harmonising regional projects and initiatives in defence and security.

The minister will meet Montenegrin counterpart Milica Pejanović Đurišić in Podgorica today, while he will also visit the Slovenian embassy, which is also serving as a NATO contact embassy for Montenegro.

Meetings with PM Igor Lukšić and President Filip Vujanović are scheduled for Tuesday, when Jakič will also start his visit to Bosnia by meeting his counterpart Zekerijah Osmić.

On Wednesday, the minister will met the international community's High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina Valentin Inzko, Security Minister Fahrudin Radnčić and members of the tactical support brigade of the Bosnian Armed Forces at the Rajlova army barracks.

The minister will moreover meet members of the Slovenian Armed Forces participating in the Althea peace-keeping mission in Bosnia, while talks are also planned with the commander of the NATO headquarters in Sarajevo, Brigadier General Merle D. Hart and with EUFOR commander, Major General Dieter Heidecker.