He made his remark in response to a question posed by a journalist asking about Sweden's reaction should Croatia disregard the ruling of the court of arbitration. Slovenia and Croatia signed the arbitration agreement in the Swedish capital in 2009.

The border dispute is primarily a bilateral question between Slovenia and Croatia, said Löfven, who added: "We have been informed that the court of arbitration believes that it is the relevant and legitimate body for the resolution of this dispute. We feel that it's important that the solution is based on international law."

Calls for closer ties
There are no unresolved issues between Slovenia and Sweden, who are marking the 25th anniversary of friendly relations this year. As countries committed to the environment and sustainability, however, they have opportunities to increase economic cooperation. Prime Minister Miro Cerar drew attention to the areas of food, forestry, wood processing, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and digitalization. The two countries also see opportunities for cooperation in the field of welfare.

The Prime Ministers have expressed their support for the unity shown by the EU member states after the beginning of the Brexit process. They also share similar views of the refugee crisis. According to Löven, the member states must divide the responsibility for asylum seekers and immigrants and update the joint asylum policy. They are both concerned about the situation in the Balkans. "The EU must maintain contact with those countries. We must reassure them continually that the door is open to them as soon as they meet the accession criteria," said Cerar. Until then, the EU must help them to resolve their problems, added Cerar, who singled out the crisis in Macedonia.

T. H., Sandra Brankovič/Radio Slovenija
Translated by J. B.