Visit of Moroccan Foreign Minister to Slovenia and plans to open embassies in Ljubljana and Rabat

During Minister Fajon's visit to Rabat last year, the two ministers signed the Joint Declaration on further strengthening cooperation between the two countries. Friendly relations between Slovenia and Morocco have recently intensified, particularly in light of Slovenia's non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

“Slovenia and Morocco are linked by friendly and sincere relations based on respect, dialogue and a desire to enhance cooperation. I therefore warmly welcome the planned opening of embassies in Ljubljana and Rabat by the end of 2025, which marks a new chapter in our relations. The embassies will facilitate direct contacts between people and institutions, support economic and cultural cooperation and strengthen the ties between our two countries,” said Minister Fajon.

One of the main topics discussed today was economic cooperation, an area where there is still a lot of untapped potential. According to the two ministers, establishing embassies will contribute to expanding business ties and opening new opportunities. This is why a smaller-scale joint business forum is also foreseen. Minister Fajon stated that Slovenia recognises great potential for cooperation in areas such as infrastructure and logistics, the automotive industry and energy, particularly green technologies and renewable energy sources, as well as tourism and environmental protection. Slovenia is working hard on clean energy projects and is particularly interested in Morocco's plans to develop green hydrogen. As part of its co-organisation of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco intends to strengthen its air links with other countries. The ministers mentioned the possibility of establishing direct flights with Slovenia, which would greatly benefit tourism, business and people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

The two foreign ministers also discussed a number of global issues, particularly the situation in the Middle East and Gaza. Slovenia is calling for an immediate ceasefire, respect for international humanitarian law and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. “We condemn all forms of violence against civilians, forced displacement and the expansion of settlements. We support the Arab League's efforts to rebuild Gaza and believe that a two-state solution is the only way to achieve lasting peace,” Minister Fajon reiterated. Turning to the situation in Ukraine, she assured her counterpart that Slovenia remains a staunch advocate of justice and lasting peace based on international law. Slovenia continues to support efforts to hold war criminals accountable and pays particular attention to humanitarian issues, such as child abductions and assistance to civilians.

Regarding the issue of Western Sahara, Minister Fajon emphasised Slovenia's long-standing support for the United Nations-led process to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution based on compromise and respect for the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. This is in line with the relevant UN resolutions and the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. She added that Slovenia supports the work of the United Nations Mission in Western Sahara (MINURSO), as well as the efforts of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura. Slovenia reaffirms its active support for his efforts to advance the political process, based on the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. “Slovenia welcomes Morocco's serious and credible efforts to advance the process under the auspices of the United Nations. In this regard, we appreciate the autonomy plan for the Sahara region presented by Morocco to the UN Secretary-General in 2007, which we consider to be a good basis for a final settlement agreed under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy,” said Minister Fajon.