The two presidents agreed that Slovenia and France should boost their economic ties, but Hollande did not wish to specify which areas French companies were interested in investing in.

However, he noted that, along with Renault, several other French companies were also present in Slovenia, both because of good workers and a favourable business environment.

He said that France trusted the Slovenian economy completely, adding that they want to set up connections and be a partner, but definitely not control the Slovenian economy.

Pahor meanwhile labelled this first official visit by a French president to Slovenia and his attendance at the meeting of the Brdo Process as a new milestone in the relations between France and Slovenia.

Moreover, he expressed a wish that France will "see in Slovenia a friend and ally, just as Slovenia does in France".

He noted that the promises he had given to Hollande at his visit to Paris in April regarding efforts for Slovenia's economic recovery had been kept, as the government has or would carry out the necessary measures which will also make Slovenia an even more attractive partner for France.

The French president said that with his participation in the meeting of presidents from the Western Balkans as part of the Brdo Process, France felt obliged to continue special relations with the countries of the region. He announced he would take on a special advisor for the Western Balkans.

Explaining his statement from the meeting at Brdo about aiding the resolution of the Macedonian name dispute, Hollande said that France would not be a mediator or propose solutions, since this was not its role.

However, he said it could help improve the dialogue as a country that has good relations with Greece.

Apart from the privatisation and bilateral relations, the two presidents also spoke about issues regarding the EU, its economic policies and anti-crisis efforts, the EU enlargement and neighbourhood policy, according to Pahor's office.

The upcoming privatisation in Slovenia was also in focus at the meeting between Hollande and Slovenian Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek, according to the PM's office.

Bratušek presented the privatisation plan to Hollande and pointed out that the main guidelines would be transparency and search for strategic partners.

She also presented Slovenia's efforts in fighting the financial and economic crisis and they agreed that the measures must keep in mind the preservation of solidarity and welfare state.

After the meeting, Bratušek took Hollande and his delegation for a stroll around the old centre of the Slovenian capital, while Hollande was also scheduled to meet Parliament Speaker Janko Veber.