Minister Fajon in Tokyo on strengthening economic ties with Japan and efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East

With Minister Iwaya, she exchanged views on the war in Ukraine. As senior representatives of two like-minded countries that are committed to international law and the UN Charter, they agreed that a lasting and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine must be achieved as soon as possible and that negotiations for a peace agreement acceptable to Ukraine must start without delay. They also discussed recent developments in Israel, Iran and Gaza. Minister Fajon emphasised that Slovenia is a constant advocate for peace and stability in the region. “At this crucial moment, we must all do everything in our power to prevent a large-scale war in the Middle East. All parties involved must show the utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians, and respect international law.” Regarding Gaza, she stated that Slovenia actively supports all efforts to achieve peace and a two-state solution. “The events in Iran and Israel are jeopardising peace efforts in the region. I reiterate my call for dialogue and negotiations, and for a peace conference to be convened as soon as possible.” The ministers also discussed the US sanctions imposed on those participating in the activities of the International Criminal Court, which have affected Slovenian Judge Beti Hohler, among others.

Regarding bilateral relations, they agreed that despite their geographical distance, the two countries enjoy excellent cooperation as they share similar values and views on many issues and challenges. “Slovenia and Japan hold regular and productive meetings at the highest level, and have cooperated well in the United Nations Security Council, strongly advocating a rules-based international order. Japan is also one of the EU's closest strategic allies in the Indo-Pacific region. "We would like to strengthen this cooperation in the future," she concluded. 

Talks with the Japanese Minister of State for Economic Security, Minoru Kiuchi, focused on both countries' interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation. Minister Fajon informed Minister Kiuchi that representatives from Slovenian companies as well as from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and SPIRIT Slovenia were accompanying her on her visit. She expressed Slovenia's interest in cooperating in the fields of high technology, science, space, robotics, energy, information and communication technologies, tourism and the automotive industry. She also highlighted the strategic importance of the Port of Koper as a gateway to Central and South-Eastern European markets, and congratulated her hosts on organising the 2025 Expo in Osaka, at which Slovenia will present itself under the theme 'From Heart to Heart'. She emphasised that, given the current geopolitical situation, like-minded countries such as Slovenia and Japan should strengthen their ties.

Minister Fajon opened the Slovenia-Japan Business Forum in Tokyo with a speech, saying that, in the current geopolitical situation, companies must prepare for future challenges and seek new markets. “Slovenia – including our economic diplomacy – is committed to promoting, supporting and protecting the interests of our export-oriented economy. We also provide assistance through our extensive network of diplomatic missions and consular posts around the world. I am therefore particularly pleased that we have further strengthened our presence in Japan by appointing an honorary consul in Fukui Prefecture.”

The forum was attended by representatives of 12 Slovenian companies from the construction, tourism, electrical equipment, information technology, artificial intelligence and other sectors. The business forum was organised by the public agency SPIRIT Slovenia, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia and with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Japan, the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia. Numerous B2B meetings took place alongside the forum.