Dr Smiljana Knez assumes her post as Slovenia's non-resident Ambassador to ASEAN
Ambassador Dr Smiljana Knez presenting letters of credence to ASEAN Secretary General Hourn | Author ASEAN Secretariat
During the ceremony, Ambassador Dr Knez conveyed Slovenia’s firm commitment to strengthening political relations and deepening cooperation with ASEAN. She highlighted that the opening of Slovenia’s first diplomatic mission in the region — the Embassy of Slovenia in Manila — together with our country’s intention to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), clearly demonstrate this dedication. She emphasised the mutual benefits of advancing joint efforts in key areas such as trade, the green transition, the digital economy and connectivity.
ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao congratulated Ambassador Knez on her new role and reaffirmed the ASEAN Secretariat’s readiness to work closely with her and the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Manila to further strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and Slovenia. He encouraged Slovenia to continue deepening existing cooperation and to explore untapped opportunities with ASEAN in areas of mutual interest, including in artificial intelligence (AI), logistics, pharmaceuticals, tourism as well as people-to-people and business-to-business linkages.
Slovenia appointed its first non-resident Ambassador to ASEAN in 2011. Ambassador Knez succeeded Ambassador Marko Ham, who was previously based in Canberra and concluded his tenure in December 2025.