Slovenian Science Minister Mojca Kucler Dolinar, on behalf of the Slovenian EU presidency said: "We want to further strengthen efforts for building a knowledge based society, for encouraging competitiveness, growth and a joint approach to global challenges." He was speaking after the inaugural meeting of the EU-Russia Permanent Partnership Council on Research held at Brdo near the Slovenian capital Ljubljana.
EU Science Commissioner Janez Potocnik said that among third countries Russia was the most successful when it comes to cooperation with EU partners and that new forms of cooperation are being established through different working groups, the Slovenian news agency STA reported.
Talks are currently underway on Russia joining the EU's Seventh Framework Program for research and technological development.
"It is a strategic decision, which is important both for Russia and the EU," Potocnik said.
