The two prime ministers also talked about the Port of Koper, EU sanctions against Russia and Slovenia's participation in the Visegrad group.

Speaking at a news conference after the meeting in Ljubljana, Cerar said that the Czech Republic and Slovenia cooperated well in several areas, including business. He believes that cooperation could be expanded further.

The Slovenian PM is happy with the interest of Czech companies in the privatisation process in Slovenia, noting that the Czechs have "serious intentions with serious business models." He mentioned Sporten, which is bidding to acquire Slovenian sports goods maker Elan.

Sobotka, who is accompanied by a business delegation, confirmed his country's interest in investing in Slovenia. He added that the Czech Republic had already made successful investments in the country in the past.

He pointed to a successful investment in food industry, probably referring to the recent acquisition of mineral water producer Radenska by the Czech group Kofola.

"I'm happy that Czech products have a good name in Slovenia and that Škoda was declared the car of the year in Slovenia for the second time in a row."

The prime ministers also touched on possibilities of cooperation in energy projects, as both countries promote diversification of routes and sources in gas supply for Central Europe, but concrete projects were not discussed.

Sobotka, who is on a two-day official visit to Slovenia, particularly emphasised the interest in cooperation with Luka Koper and modernisation of railway links with Slovenia's sole maritime port.

The Czech Republic is very aware of the importance of the port of Koper, as many Czech companies used it to distribute goods and are "ready to support initiatives" to improve railway links with Koper.

As a member of the Visegrad four, the Czech Republic is ready to endorse enhanced cooperation of the group with Slovenia in the area of common interest as it takes over the presidency in the summer, according to the Czech PM.

Cerar said he was happy that Slovenia will be able to participate in meetings of the group comprising the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary at the ministerial level.

Sobotka and Cerar also touched on the economic sanctions imposed by the EU on Russia, with Cerar saying that the countries hoped for a success of the Minsk peace agreements, which would reduce the need for sanctions.

The Czech PM assessed the importance of the EU being able to always find a compromise regarding the Ukrainian crisis - including the sanctions against Russia, which according to him hit the Czech Republic very hard.

While both emphasised the importance of unity of the EU regarding this issue, the PMs were clear that they are against any additional sanctions.

Sobotka also met President Borut Pahor and Speaker Milan Brglez today and is due to attend a bilateral business conference.