Events

March 2007

Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Visit Slovenia
March 30 and 31, 2007, Ljubljana and Bled

Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Edmund P. Giambastiani, Jr. visited Slovenia on March 30 and 31 for meetings with Minister of Defense Karl Erjavec, Chief of Defense Lt. Gen. Albin Gutman, and his counterpart, Deputy Chief of Defense Maj. Gen. Alojz Steiner. 

During the meetings Giambastiani praised Slovenia’s international deployments for NATO, the United Nations and the European Union.  “Slovenia has contributed substantially to a variety of operations across NATO,” the admiral said at a news conference. “Clearly, the most significant that is occurring right now is Kosovo, with a very large presence of a battalion of Slovenian troops there. We’re very thankful for that, both from the United States and throughout the alliance.”

“All of those are very meaningful and are a strong testament to the desire for Slovenia to be a good partner in this alliance,” Giambastiani said. “In fact, I would compliment Slovenia on exceeding the troop deployment goals that NATO has set, and Slovenia continues to punch above its weight, and we’re very thankful for that.”

During the day’s meetings, Slovenian officials briefed Giambastiani on plans for their government to increase the percentage of gross domestic product applied toward national security and NATO commitments. The admiral was also briefed on proposed pay increases and plans for increased training and education.

Admiral Edmund P. Giambastiani and Slovenian Deputy Chief of Defense Maj. Gen. Alojz Steiner at the Ministry of Defense	Maj. Gen. Alojz Steiner, Admiral Edmund P. Giambastiani, and Lt. Gen. Albin Gutman
Admiral Edmund P. Giambastiani and Minister of Defense Karl Erjavec	Ambassador and Mrs. Robertson with Admiral Edmund P. Giambastiani