Minister Kajzer meets Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani

11. 7. 2026

Yesterday evening, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tone Kajzer, met the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic, Antonio Tajani. The ministers highlighted the close neighbourly relations between the two countries and discussed EU enlargement, the situation in the Western Balkans, support for Ukraine and other current European and international issues.

ministra stojita eden poleg drugega — Ministers Tone Kajzer and Antonio Tajani | Author Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia

Minister Kajzer stressed that good neighbourly relations are one of the key pillars of stability, security and development for both countries, as well as an important contribution to a connected and strong Europe. “Slovenia and Italy are committed to open dialogue, mutual trust and close cooperation. It is precisely the harmonious neighbourly relations that form the foundations of stability in this region and are an important element in shaping a common European future. The two countries are linked by a close partnership and friendly neighbourly relations. Our cooperation is based on numerous shared interests and delivers concrete and long-term results, including in economic cooperation,” emphasised Minister Kajzer.

A significant part of the discussions focused on EU enlargement and the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries. The ministers underlined that enlargement should remain high on the Union’s political agenda and that potential candidate countries should continue to be offered a clear and credible European perspective. Slovenia and Italy jointly support initiatives to simplify the negotiation process and working methods for enlargement. They also foster initiatives to strengthen the inclusion of candidate countries in the EU's internal market. In this context, Minister Kajzer stressed that the enlargement process should be based on clear criteria, substantial progress in implementing reforms and equal standards for all candidate countries.

The ministers also discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Minister Kajzer reaffirmed Slovenia’s unwavering support for Ukraine and expressed Slovenia's support for all efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace acceptable to Ukraine. He also expressed support for the adoption of the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, highlighting that Slovenia remains committed to continued political, humanitarian and development aid for Ukraine, including in the context of the PURL initiative.

The ministers agreed to arrange a bilateral meeting at the border in Nova Gorica and Gorizia as soon as possible.