Slovenian, German leaders to meet

German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived here on Tuesday for talks with Slovenian leaders, to discuss the eurozone's financial woes and bilateral cooperation between the two countries. During her short, packed visit, Merkel will meet Slovenian Prime Minister Borut Pahor, President Danilo Tuerk, and Slovenian opposition Democratic Party leader Janez Jansa. Their discussion will focus on plans to shore up the euro currency, and measures to avoid another potential global economic crisis, a statement from Pahor's office said. Merkel's Slovenia visit came just one week after her visit to Croatia and Serbia. With a total population of two million, Slovenia is an important partner for Germany in political, economic and European affairs, German Ambassador to Slovenia Werner Burkart said on the eve of Merkel's visit. According to local media reports, Merkel and Slovenian officials would also touch on the situation in the Western Balkans, where Slovenia has been eager to demonstrate a leading role, saying that "the Western Balkans is a priority area of Slovenian interest and activity." Slovenia joined the European Union in 2004. Its neighboring country Croatia is expected to join the club in 2013. Germany, which played a key role in Slovenia's independence efforts, has been one of the biggest foreign investors in Slovenia and the biggest trade partner, making up for around one fifth of total foreign trade of the West Balkan country.