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Minister Logar at a working meeting in the Russian Federation

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Minister of Foreign Affairs Anže Logar today met his host and Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov for a working meeting aimed at presenting the priorities of the Slovenian EU Council Presidency in the second half of 2021, exchanging views on current international topics, and bilateral cooperation.

Minister Logar stressed that, during its future Presidency, Slovenia will make every effort to defuse tensions and strive for fruitful coexistence with the Russian Federation. He went on to express Slovenia’s regret over the expulsion of diplomats and its solidarity with the countries affected by Russian retaliation. 

The Minister reiterated the common positions of the European Union on Ukraine and expressed profound concern over increased military activity on the Russian-Ukrainian border. Slovenia expects continued constructive efforts towards implementing the Minsk agreements. 

In relation to the recent forced landing of a Ryanair flight carrying Belarusian journalist and activist Roman Protasevich, who has been arrested, Minister Logar asserted that this event is unacceptable to the Slovenian public, as are repression and the violation of human rights in Belarus. 

The two ministers also exchanged views on the situation in the Western Balkans, which will be one of the foreign policy priorities of the Slovenian EU Council Presidency. 

As for bilateral cooperation, they noted that the Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation should continue with its work under the new co-chairs as soon as possible, thereby contributing to enhanced economic ties and post-pandemic recovery of both economies. 

Finally, Minister Logar expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between the cultural institutions of both countries, expressing the hope that the Slovenian language and literature course will continue to be offered at the Lomonosov Moscow State University to future generations. They also touched on the common historical heritage, to which Minister Logar added that it should be maintained in line with the national legislation.

They also briefly discussed some unresolved issues, such as investment protection, retirement, and the Forum of Slavic Cultures. 

During the visit, Minister Logar laid a wreath at the memorial to Slovenian victims who fell on Russian soil in Moscow’s Victory Park, met with Head of the EU Delegation Markus Ederer, and listened to representatives of Russian NGOs at the Delegation of the EU to Russia. 

At the meeting with the Rector of Lomonosov Moscow State University Viktor Sadovnichiy, the Slovenian Minister reiterated the interest in keeping the Slovenian language and literature course at the University. 

He concluded his visit by meeting representatives of Slovenian companies operating in the Russian Federation.