The ministers assessed that today’s formal visit has further consolidated the already friendly and allied relations between the two countries. They advocated for close cooperation during the groundwork for Slovenia’s forthcoming EU Council presidency. They were pleased to note the views of Slovenia and Greece, two Mediterranean EU Member States and NATO allies, are aligned on a variety of European, regional and global issues.

The two ministers extensively discussed the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean; the Slovenian side expressed concern over the aggravating situation in the region and voiced hope for its peaceful resolution. They also stressed the wish and need for closer cooperation in the Mediterranean, which both deem to be a region of common advantage but also shared responsibility. Minister Dendias expressed his satisfaction with and pledged his support for Slovenia’s request to join the informal group of the Mediterranean countries called MED7.

During the discussion on migration, particularly on the situation on the island of Lesbos, the ministers underlined the vital nature of solidarity and support among Member States. Slovenia has responded to Greece’s request for assistance by sending material aid worth EUR 130,000, and it has expressed a willingness to accept four unaccompanied minors up to the age of ten from Greece. The counterparts were in full agreement that the current situation, arising from the Covid-19 pandemic and numerous other challenges, calls for more dialogue and coordination of measures on both the bilateral and European level.