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Minister Fajon, the first Slovenian Foreign Minister to visit Jakarta since 2006

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon paid the first official visit to Indonesia at the level of foreign minister since 2006. In Jakarta, she was received by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, with whom she discussed the strengthening of political and economic relations and EU-ASEAN relations. She also met with Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, and Arsjad Rasjid, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"I am delighted to be the first Slovenian Foreign Minister to pay a bilateral visit to Jakarta in 17 years. I would like to see more such visits and contacts in the future, as there are still many untapped opportunities to strengthen relations between Slovenia and Indonesia, especially in the economy, investments, science and research, and cooperation between universities. As the largest economy in Southeast Asia, the Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and a member of the G20, Indonesia is also an important partner in the EU context. With the Indonesian first woman Foreign Minister, we also discussed the strengthening of the 'Women, Peace and Security' agenda and the importance of access to education for all women and girls. Furthermore, we share a commitment to a peaceful and stable region, respect for international law and sustainable development, which we will continue to pursue in the multilateral environment," said Minister Fajon in her meeting with Minister Marsudi.

Minister Fajon and Minister Marsudi went on to discuss the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on the situation in Myanmar and the South China Sea, and the further development of EU-ASEAN relations. Minister Fajon thanked her counterpart for Indonesia's contribution to the resolution of the crisis in Myanmar and stressed that Slovenia and Indonesia share the same views on a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Minister Fajon also presented Slovenia's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2024–2025 term.

In her meeting with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, Minister Fajon stressed that EU-ASEAN relations are a natural partnership, based on the pursuit of effective multilateralism and a commitment to regional integration, which is more important than ever in today's changed geopolitical setting. "Slovenia is keen to strengthen relations with ASEAN, as demonstrated by my visits to Indonesia and Vietnam. In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, it is important to listen to and to hear and understand each other," she said.

Minister Fajon also met with the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Arsjad Rasjid, with whom she discussed concrete opportunities for the Slovenian economy in the increasingly open Indonesian market.

On the sidelines of her visit to Jakarta, Minister Fajon visited the Regina Pacis Institute, which brings together under one roof a kindergarten, a primary and a secondary school, and a clinic for local residents from socially deprived families. The Minister met with the management of the Institute, where Slovenian Sister Iva Horvat has been working since the end of April this year. During her visit, the Minister was briefed on the projects implemented by the Institute, including assistance to migrants and social work projects, and thanked Sister Horvat for the important humanitarian work she is carrying out in Jakarta.