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Bratušek stressed that everyone needed to respect and protect Slovenia's sea, while pointing to trends that maritime transport will further expand and with it demand for competent workers.

"Slovenia is aware of the extraordinary importance of a successful development of maritime education," she said, announcing that funding would be secured despite the country's difficult financial situation.

She noted the importance of the Port of Koper, which recently completed the first phase of the deepening of its seabed, saying that its importance in the Adriatic and the nearby central European region exceeded its size.

Meanwhile, Maritime Administration head Jadran Klinec highlighted the main plans of the administration, mentioning an overhaul of the radio communication equipment for this year and securing radar coverage next year in line with EU demands.

Klinec's more long-term wish is joining all the maritime security forces under one roof, as this would mean "a quantum leap in the field of security, effectiveness and cost rationalisation".