Minister for Europe Geoff Hoon will discuss progress on European reform issues when he visits France and Slovenia this week. Commenting on his visit to Paris, where he will meet the new Foreign Minister, Bernard Kouchner, Mr Hoon said: "EU partners have an important task ahead of them - agreeing a way forward on institutional reform that will enable an EU of 27 to work more effectively and efficiently.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Minister for Europe Geoff Hoon will discuss progress on European reform issues when he visits France and Slovenia this week.
Commenting on his visit to Paris, where he will meet the new Foreign Minister, Bernard Kouchner, Mr Hoon said:
"EU partners have an important task ahead of them - agreeing a way forward on institutional reform that will enable an EU of 27 to work more effectively and efficiently. I am keen to hear the views of Bernard Kouchner on how we can achieve this together, and to share the UK's ambition for institutional reform that first and foremost serves Europe's citizens.
"This is a welcome opportunity to start work with the new French government."
Commenting on his visit to Ljubljana, Mr Hoon said:
"This visit is an excellent opportunity to look ahead to the Slovene Presidency of the EU in the first half of 2008. The UK and Slovenia both want to see an EU with a sustainable and competitive economy, with more jobs and higher growth. I am looking forward to discussing how we can achieve this with my Slovenian counterparts.
"We will also address issues of mutual concern including the need for a sustainable, multi-ethnic, stable final status settlement for Kosovo. Slovenia has a particlarly important role as a key player in promoting regional stability in the Western Balkans."
Note to Editors:
1. Geoff Hoon will visit Paris on 21 May and Ljubljana on 22 - 23 May.
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