Bilateral relations and co-operation, the Lisbon Treaty and issues concerning ethnic minorities were the main topics discussed by Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic and his Romanian counterpart Traian Basescu in Bucharest on Friday.

The Romanian head of state praised Slovak-Romanian relations, describing them as excellent. Ivan Gasparovic said that he and Traian Basescu concurred on the future of the Lisbon Treaty.

"And what's even more important, we stated that despite the global economic crisis there is scope for closer co-operation between the economies of Romania and Slovakia," said Gasparovic, adding that the two countries are now ready to exchange mutual investments and invest jointly in third countries. In addition to negative repercussions, the global crisis yields opportunities for seeking joint solutions, added Gasparovic.

The Slovak president also expressed his pleasure over the fact that Romania pays appropriate attention to the ethnic-Slovak minority living in Romania. In turn, Gasparovic praised the minority for its "absolute loyalty to the Romanian Government."

He also stressed that, while visiting the minority on Thursday, he discussed more intensive aid through EU funds.

While in Romania, Gasparovic also met President of the Chamber of Deputies Roberta Anastase, with a session with head of the Romanian Senate Mircea Geoana on the agenda later on Friday. But planned meeting with outgoing Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc has been cancelled.

(TASR, SLOVAKIA TODAY / TASR PHOTO)