Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Defence to visit Slovenia

The Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for Defence Tom Kitt TD will travel to Slovenia Today 21^st February for an informal meeting of Ministers of Defence of the European Union. They are likely to exchange views on developments in European Security and Defence Policy, notably the ongoing and future ESDP military operations and exchange views on further developments of EU military capabilities.

As Slovenia currently holds the Presidency of the European Union, the Minister and Slovenian Minister for Defence Karl Erjavec are expected to discuss the Slovenian Presidency priorities including the forthcoming Spring European Council, and the Reform Treaty.

The Minister will return to Dublin on the evening of the 22^nd. They are likely to exchange views on developments in European Security and Defence Policy, notably the UN Mandated EU Mission (EUFOR) in Chad, in which both countries are participating.

ENDS.