The first Strategic Dialogue was led by Political Director at the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jernej Müller and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Boyse. State Secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure Blaž Košorok and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Phil Reeker also took part in the meeting.

The session leaders voiced their mutual satisfaction with the improved relations between the countries, which is also reflected in the establishment of the strategic dialogue as an upgraded, sustainable and institutionalised mechanism, allowing both countries to hold consultations on major bilateral and international issues. They also expressed their firm belief that the regular consultations between Ljubljana and Washington will be a positive contribution to a strengthened exchange of views and a more rapid identification of new opportunities for collaboration.

The first session of the Strategic Dialogue focused on three thematic sets.

The first set touched on the Western Balkans, both sides agreeing on the urgent need for close cooperation and coordinated action of the EU and the US as regards encouraging the countries in the region to implement the necessary reforms and make progress on their path towards EU and Euro-Atlantic integration. 

The participants went on to engage in a detailed discussion on the issue of disinformation, including the campaigns aimed at spreading fake news, which are run by foreign actors in Western societies, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic. 

The final items on the agenda were cybersecurity and energy security and opportunities opening up in infrastructure and logistics, as well as the cooperation within formats such as the Three Seas Initiative and the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation.

Before the session drew to a close, it was agreed that the next session of the Strategic Dialogue between Slovenia and the EU will be held in the first half of 2021.