Minister Fajon: Armenia has great potential for Slovenian companies

"Slovenia sees significant potential and opportunities for greater integration and cooperation in the field of the economy," said Minister Fajon during her meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan. She highlighted Slovenia’s particular interest in cooperation in the pharmaceutical industry, sports infrastructure, energy, space technology and cancer treatment technologies. Further areas of interest include information technology, tourism and security, as well as the establishment of direct flights between Ljubljana and Yerevan.

Economic cooperation between Slovenia and Armenia has so far remained modest. In 2024, the volume of trade between the two countries totalled 19.3 million euros, of which Slovenian exports accounted for 19.2 million euros. These exports were predominantly composed of pharmaceutical products, followed by electrical machinery and equipment, machinery and mechanical equipment, plastics and plastic products, as well as optical and measuring instruments. Trade in services between the two countries reached 1.5 million euros in 2023.

Minister Fajon invited Armenian companies specialising in water technologies to participate in the Bled Water Forum, which will be held in Slovenia on 4–5 June, and expressed her support for the cooperation between the Bled Strategic Forum and the Yerevan Dialogue.

Minister Fajon's visit to the region was also prompted by the recent agreement on a draft peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which she strongly supported in her meetings with the highest representatives of the Armenian authorities – Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, President Vahagn Khachaturyan, President of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. “Your efforts to normalise relations with neighbouring Azerbaijan and to stabilise the situation in the region are courageous and represent a significant step forward. Slovenia supports your initiatives and efforts to normalise relations with Azerbaijan. "We hope both sides will sign the agreement as soon as possible, thereby contributing to stability, peace and greater opportunities in the South Caucasus region," said Minister Fajon. She went on to emphasise that Armenia should continue pursuing closer ties with the European Union: “Continue your efforts towards democratisation, judicial reform and the fight against corruption, while we explore ways to support Armenia’s reform process through the sharing of expertise and experience.”

During the talks, the Minister also reaffirmed Slovenia's ongoing support in the field of development cooperation. In 2025, Slovenia will continue to support Armenian children through ITF Enhancing Human Security by providing psychosocial rehabilitation for those affected by the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. In addition, Slovenia is planning to implement a project this year aimed at offering psychosocial support to Armenian mothers. 

Minister Fajon also paid tribute to the Armenian victims of war and genocide at the memorial site in Yerevan.

"Slovenia sees significant potential and opportunities for greater integration and cooperation in the field of the economy," said Minister Fajon during her meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan. She highlighted Slovenia’s particular interest in cooperation in the pharmaceutical industry, sports infrastructure, energy, space technology and cancer treatment technologies. Further areas of interest include information technology, tourism and security, as well as the establishment of direct flights between Ljubljana and Yerevan.

Economic cooperation between Slovenia and Armenia has so far remained modest. In 2024, the volume of trade between the two countries totalled 19.3 million euros, of which Slovenian exports accounted for 19.2 million euros. These exports were predominantly composed of pharmaceutical products, followed by electrical machinery and equipment, machinery and mechanical equipment, plastics and plastic products, as well as optical and measuring instruments. Trade in services between the two countries reached 1.5 million euros in 2023.

Minister Fajon invited Armenian companies specialising in water technologies to participate in the Bled Water Forum, which will be held in Slovenia on 4–5 June, and expressed her support for the cooperation between the Bled Strategic Forum and the Yerevan Dialogue.

Minister Fajon's visit to the region was also prompted by the recent agreement on a draft peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which she strongly supported in her meetings with the highest representatives of the Armenian authorities – Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, President Vahagn Khachaturyan, President of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. “Your efforts to normalise relations with neighbouring Azerbaijan and to stabilise the situation in the region are courageous and represent a significant step forward. Slovenia supports your initiatives and efforts to normalise relations with Azerbaijan. "We hope both sides will sign the agreement as soon as possible, thereby contributing to stability, peace and greater opportunities in the South Caucasus region," said Minister Fajon. She went on to emphasise that Armenia should continue pursuing closer ties with the European Union: “Continue your efforts towards democratisation, judicial reform and the fight against corruption, while we explore ways to support Armenia’s reform process through the sharing of expertise and experience.”

During the talks, the Minister also reaffirmed Slovenia's ongoing support in the field of development cooperation. In 2025, Slovenia will continue to support Armenian children through ITF Enhancing Human Security by providing psychosocial rehabilitation for those affected by the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. In addition, Slovenia is planning to implement a project this year aimed at offering psychosocial support to Armenian mothers. 

Minister Fajon also paid tribute to the Armenian victims of war and genocide at the memorial site in Yerevan.