Inside Minister Kajzer's talks with his Czech counterpart: from traditional friendship to practical partnership
Minister Tone Kajzer hosts Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka during his visit. | Author STA/Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve
“Slovenia and the Czech Republic are partners in Central Europe, working together within the EU and NATO. I am convinced that closer cooperation between our countries can make a significant contribution to a stronger, safer and more competitive Europe,” Minister Kajzer said. Slovenia seeks to strengthen its role and deepen cooperation with Central European countries, including through the V4+, C5 and Three Seas initiatives.
The talks between the two ministers focused primarily on economic cooperation. Bilateral trade exceeds two billion euros, with further opportunities for growth, particularly in the automotive, logistics, energy and defence sectors. Minister Kajzer highlighted the importance of the Port of Koper and the second track of the Divača–Koper railway line in connecting Central European markets. He also expressed his wish to establish a direct air link between Ljubljana and Prague During his visit, the Czech Foreign Minister was accompanied by a large business delegation that was attending the Slovenian-Czech Business Forum organised for the occasion.
“In the past, Slovenian foreign policy has often focused on more distant markets and partnerships, without fully capitalising on the opportunities in our immediate neighbourhood,” Minister Kajzer said. The ministers also discussed their shared interest in ensuring energy security and affordable energy prices, as well as enhancing the competitiveness of the European economy. Nuclear energy plays an important role in the energy strategies of both countries.
They also discussed the future of the EU, touching on its competitiveness, energy security and institutional reforms. Other topics included migration, EU enlargement, the war in Ukraine and transatlantic relations. Minister Kajzer stressed that EU enlargement represents a strategic investment in European security and stability, and that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security.
Minister Kajzer also recalled the rich cultural and historical ties between the two countries, exemplified by the architect Jože Plečnik and his work in both Ljubljana and Prague: “Through his work, Plečnik brought together two capitals and two nations. His legacy is also a symbolic reminder of what still unites us today: our shared Central European space, our rich cultural heritage and the friendship between our countries.”
“Slovenia and the Czech Republic enjoy a long-standing friendship. We wish to take the next step – from traditional friendship to practical partnership,” Minister Kajzer concluded.