Closer cooperation was agreed between Slovenian ministries and the Italian local government agencies.

Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec and Friuli-Venezia Giulia Premier Debora Serracchiani, who chaired the meeting, agreed the committee, which would focus on specific areas that are of mutual interests, would significantly contribute to implementation of joint projects.

Slovenia and Friuli Venezia-Giulia are to cooperate in transport, energy, environment protection, spatial planning and protection against natural and other disasters, the Slovenian Foreign Ministry said.

Cooperation will also extend to business, research and innovation, agriculture and rural development, social issues and health, while a special platform will deal with minority issues, culture and education.

Both sides confirmed at today's meeting their opposition to Italy's plans for building a gas terminal in the Gulf of Trieste, agreeing it would have numerous negative effects on both Slovenia and Friuli Venezia-Giulia.

The officials agreed to exchange information on the issue and closely cooperate in this respect.

The committee will meet annually, alternately in Slovenia and Friuli Venezia-Giulia, while cooperation in specific areas will be promoted at various platforms throughout the year.

The joint committee of Slovenia and Friuli Venezia-Giulia was set up during a meeting of Erjavec and Serracchiani in January, when the pair agreed to rename a joint commission on shared development issues, founded in 1996.

The commission held eight plenary sessions, the last one taking place in February 2011 at Brdo pri Kranju.

On the sidelines of today's session, Erjavec and Minister for Slovenians Abroad Gorazd Žmavc also met representatives of the Slovenian minority in Italy.