The visit by the speaker of the House of Commons coincides with the 20th anniversary of Slovenia's independence and the first democratic elections, Gantar told the press after the meeting.
He noted that the UK and its representatives had supported democratisation in Slovenia and its independence efforts, which is why this visit is an acknowledgement of Slovenia's achievements in the past 20 years.
Gantar stressed that the UK and its tradition of parliamentarism had a significant influence on political culture and the idea of parliamentarism in Slovenia.
This idea is being challenged today in the world and in the EU, he said, adding that many parliaments, including Slovenia's, were facing a crisis of legitimacy.
This is why it is important to exchange experiences about how to strengthen confidence in parliaments and their role for them to become not only bodies which confirm decision of governments but also execute the will of the people, the Slovenian speaker said.
Bercow expressed praise for the "outstanding achievements" of Slovenian in the past 20 years.
"Slovenia has come a long way in a very short time. It is now very widely respected for what it has accomplished," he said, pointing to the progress in economy, parliamentarism, respect of the rule of law and human rights.
He said he was acquainted with the problems Slovenia faced in the field of economy, as well as with the "challenge to the legitimacy and standing of Slovenia's democratic process".
According to Bercow, the UK is facing similar major economic problems as well as the problem of disengagement from politics by the people and the question of how to regain trust in parliament.
"We are trying to ensure that the major issues of the day are properly focused on and subject to debate in our parliament whether it is convenient for the government of the day or not," he said.
Bercow also addressed Slovenian MPs and met representatives of the deputy group of the Democrats (SDS), the largest opposition party. He also met the heads of all deputy groups.
In the afternoon, the speaker met with Slovenian President Danilo Tuerk at Brdo pri Kranju. The president's office said in a press release that the pair discussed development of democracy in Europe.
The pair touched on questions related to ways of seeking compromise, cooperation with the opposition, use of the referendum and human rights issues.
Returning to the capital, Bercow was received by Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Jankovic. He then visited the Ljubljana Law Faculty, where he chaired a mock House of Commons debate entitled "This house believes democracy in the EU Member States is in serious decline".
On Tuesday, the British guest will be received by Prime Minister Borut Pahor and take part in a business breakfast organised by the British Embassy and the British and American chambers of commerce in Slovenia debating transparency in politics.
Source: THE SLOVENIA TIMES
