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Bratušek told the press in a joint press conference that she presented to the chancellor Slovenia's efforts in the past and measures planned for the future. "We determined that the path taken is right," said Bratušek.

The chancellor is certain that the Slovenian government knows what it has to do. "It is essential that banks regain trust, therefore stress tests must be performed. However, I support the coalition's decision for privatisation, as this will provide financial means," said the chancellor.

Merkel said that privatisation was important to spur dynamic growth, adding that Germany's experience with privatisation was good.

She said Germany and its companies were interested in taking part in Slovenian privatisation. "Germany is not only a friend of Slovenia's, it is also its most important trade partner," said the chancellor.

She was assured by Bratušek that German companies were welcome, while Merkel said that Germany was open to Slovenian companies as well. They did not discuss concrete deals, according to Bratušek.

The chancellor said she got the impression that "Slovenia bets everything to get onto the path of stability and above all to overcome the uncertainty of international investors".

The pair expressed satisfaction that an agreement has been reached on the 2014-2020 EU financial perspective.

Slovenia's prime minister said that the meeting discussed EU enlargement, which both countries support provided that candidate countries meet the required conditions and are fully prepared when they enter the bloc.

The chancellor also pointed to Slovenia's and Germany's cooperation in the Western Balkans and expressed satisfaction that Slovenia managed to overcome its disputes with Croatia, which has joined the EU less than a fortnight ago.

Merkel pointed out that she had met Bratušek before but this was their first bilateral meeting and expressed hope that the visit was an indication that bilateral relations will continue to be as good as they have been over more than two decades.

The meeting also touched on youth unemployment. Merkel said that a lot of work was still ahead for the EU. Countries must create favourable conditions, provide opportunities for the young and keep them from going away.

Before the lunch with Merkel, Bratušek attended a startups forum and held a reception for Slovenians living in Berlin at the embassy.