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State Secretary Benedejčič meets NATO Deputy Secretary General

State Secretary for National and International Security Andrej Benedejčič has met today with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană at NATO Headquarters.
State Secretary for National and International Security Dr Andrej Benedejčič and Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoana in front of flags and NATO logo

State Secretary for National and International Security Andrej Benedejčič and Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoana | Author Rok Jamnik/Nato

During the meeting, State Secretary Benedejčič drew attention to the recent adoption by the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia of a Resolution on the general long-term development and equipping programme of the Slovenian Armed Forces. Among other things, the Resolution provides for an increase in defence spending to two per cent of GDP by 2030. It also provides for the parallel development and establishment of a medium battalion battle group and a medium combat reconnaissance battalion. State Secretary Benedejčič also drew attention to the fact that last year Slovenia exceeded the milestone of 20 per cent of the defence budget being invested in equipment, which means that the structure of the Slovenian defence budget is being brought into line with NATO standards. 

In addition to meeting defence commitments and capability goals, State Secretary Benedejčič highlighted Slovenia's assistance to Ukraine to date. This has been extensive, including the equipment for one armoured and one mechanised battalion. Slovenia will continue to support Ukraine in every possible way. Slovenia will also continue to be one of the active NATO members in terms of participation in Allied operations and missions. In addition, Slovenian troops are deployed in the Enhanced Forward Presence missions in Latvia and the Enhanced Attention Activity in Slovakia, contributing to the Alliance's deterrence and defence posture. Slovenia has also participated for years in the KFOR operation in Kosovo, ensuring stability in the Western Balkans. 

During his visit, State Secretary Benedejčič also met with NATO's Deputy Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Javier Colomina Píriz, who is also the NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, and with NATO's Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Burcu San.