Speaker Bercow meets "Mr Speaker" of Slovenian National Assembly
22 February 2011 (updated on 18 April 2011)
The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, began a two-day visit to Slovenia on Monday 21st February to discuss ways of strengthening the relationship between Slovenia and the UK and to meet representatives of the Slovenian National Assembly.
Mr Speaker was invited to attend by his opposite number in the Slovenian Assembly, Pavel Gantar, who received him in Parliament House, Ljubljana, on the morning of the 21st.
Mr Gantar noted that the UK and its parliamentary tradition had had a significant influence on the parliamentary culture of Slovenia.
Mr Speaker made an address to Slovenian MPs and met the heads of all the Slovenian deputy groups.
During his visit, he met President Danilo Tuerk, Prime Minister Borut Pahor, and moderated a mock debate at the Ljubljana Law Faculty about democracy in the EU.
He also took part in a business breakfast organised by the British Embassy and the British and American Chambers of Commerce in Slovenia examining transparency in politics and business.
President Tuerk has made a number of visits to the UK in the past year, including a working visit in March 2010, when he was received by the Queen.
During November, President Tuerk met Mr Speaker during visits to Oxford University and the London School of Economics.