Minister Kajzer: Slovenian-German cooperation taken to the next level

Slovenia and Germany strengthen their strategic partnership

“Germany is one of Slovenia’s most important strategic, political and economic partners, as well as our country's largest trading partner. Bilateral trade accounts for more than one tenth of Slovenia’s total trade in goods, while German visitors represent the largest group of foreign tourists in Slovenia,” Minister Kajzer said in his opening remarks.

The ministers agreed to further strengthen the already excellent bilateral relations. Covering a wide range of areas, including foreign policy, security and defence, the economy, energy, climate and the environment, development cooperation and education, the joint action plan between Slovenia and Germany provides a key framework for this purpose.

The two countries see considerable potential for expanding economic cooperation, particularly in the automotive industry, defence, space and advanced technologies. These strategically important sectors offer opportunities to enhance cooperation between businesses, institutions and experts. Together, Slovenia and Germany are working towards a safer, more efficient and more competitive Europe.

“Although the close interdependence of the Slovenian and German economies is one of the cornerstones of our partnership, and the saying ‘when the German economy sneezes, the Slovenian economy catches a cold’ is often heard in Slovenia, the ties between our two countries extend well beyond political and economic cooperation. Culture occupies a special place in our relations. Slovenian cultural associations regularly participate in festivals and other events across Germany, while Slovenian Catholic missions also play an important unifying role. Germany will be the guest of honour at this year’s Slovenian Book Fair in Ljubljana,” Minister Kajzer added.

He also highlighted Slovenia's long-standing and successful cooperation with the Free State of Bavaria through the Permanent Slovenian-Bavarian Mixed Commission, which has been active for more than 50 years, as well as Slovenia’s close partnership with Germany within the European Union and their alliance in NATO.

Focus on Ukraine, EU enlargement and the Western Balkans

The ministers devoted particular attention to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine. They reaffirmed their commitment to providing Ukraine with long-term, sustainable and effective support. “Slovenia and Germany share the understanding of the seriousness of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which is now in its fifth year and has implications for the security of all European countries. Slovenia takes this threat seriously and remains firmly committed to supporting Ukraine,” Minister Kajzer said.

On EU enlargement, Minister Kajzer reaffirmed Slovenia’s strong support for the enlargement process. The ministers agreed that enlargement must be based on clear criteria, measurable progress in implementing reforms and each candidate country’s own achievements. These rules and standards must be applied equally to all candidates. In this context, Minister Kajzer stressed that the European Union must not lose sight of the Western Balkans.

He thanked his German counterpart for the warm hospitality and for the open and substantive discussions, expressing his confidence that the two countries would continue to work closely together. He also invited Minister Wadephul to visit Ljubljana.

Strengthening political and economic ties in Berlin

During his visit, Minister Kajzer also met Armin Laschet, Chair of the German Bundestag’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Chair of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and representatives of the German business community.