News

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer has completed an intensive programme during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Slovenia’s activities focused on strengthening political and economic cooperation, international security, human rights, support for Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and Belarus, developments in the Western Balkans and efforts to secure a more effective multilateral system.

At the invitation of the United States, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer signed the Joint Statement on AI Opportunity Partnership in New York, linked to the broader Pax Silica initiative. The signing represents a step towards strengthening Slovenia’s cooperation with the US and other trusted partners in the fields of AI and strategic technologies.

Minister Tone Kajzer is in New York to take part in the general debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, entitled “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All”. The Slovenian delegation is led by Prime Minister Janez Janša, while Minister Kajzer is holding a series of meetings and taking part in events on security, the economy, human rights and the reform of the multilateral system.

State Secretary Tamara Weingerl Požar attended the regular meeting of the EU General Affairs Council (GAC) in Brussels. Ministers and state secretaries responsible for European affairs held a policy debate on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 and started preparations for the October European Council. They also discussed legislative packages on simplification and legislative planning, and held the annual rule of law dialogue.

In cooperation with the European Commission, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs hosted a meeting of the EU Ministries of Foreign Affairs Science Diplomacy and Advice Network (EMFASDAN). Representatives from EU Member States, the European Commission, UNESCO and other partners discussed the further development of science diplomacy, exchanging national experiences and best practices.

State Secretary Dr Stanislav Raščan hosted Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development, for a working lunch during her visit to Slovenia. They discussed opportunities to further strengthen economic and technological cooperation between Slovenia and Ohio, as well as ways to foster links between businesses, research institutions and innovation ecosystems.

Minister Tone Kajzer, accompanied by Defence Minister Valentin Hajdinjak, met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy immediately upon arriving at the Kyiv railway station, and later held meetings with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Deputy Prime Minister Vsevolod Chentsov.

Acting Director-General for International Law and Multilateral Affairs Anita Pipan presented Slovenia's priorities for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly and the Slovenian delegation to the diplomatic corps.

We are marking the International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South to emphasise the importance of knowledge, scientific and technological progress and innovation for the sustainable development of the countries in the Global South. In 2024, the UN General Assembly declared the day with Resolution 78/259, highlighting the significance of international cooperation in strengthening the scientific, technological and innovative capacities of developing countries.

The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tone Kajzer, met with the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, in Nova Gorica. They discussed ways to further strengthen relations between the two countries, the situation of the national communities, economic cooperation, the northern Adriatic and current European issues.

UNESCO’s designation of 13 September as the International Day of Caves and Karst is a remarkable diplomatic achievement for Slovenia. It is the result of a successful diplomatic campaign spanning several years and a testament to the excellence of Slovenian karstology. The campaign was also a success thanks to the many years of outstanding work carried out by Slovenian scientists researching and protecting caves, karst and related phenomena.

During the Government's first 100 days, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has guided foreign policy according to the principle of "diplomacy in the service of the people". The focus has been on providing practical assistance to Slovenian citizens abroad, strengthening relations with neighbouring countries, creating new opportunities for the Slovenian economy and representing Slovenia's interests more actively both in Europe and around the world.

Tone Kajzer, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, made his first visit to the Vatican, where he met with senior representatives of the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta. In Rome, he also visited the headquarters of the World Food Programme, where he emphasised Slovenia’s commitment to food security and development aid.

Tone Kajzer, the Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, hosted Gideon Sa'ar, the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs. This is the first visit to Slovenia by an Israeli foreign minister at this level in 16 years and reflects a renewed impetus for political and economic cooperation. The two ministers also signed the 2026–2030 Programme of Cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, youth and sport.

Minister Kajzer attended the ceremony to celebrate the completed restoration of the façade of the Church of the Virgin Mary at Gorca above Malečnik on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and delivered an address on the occasion. Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome and a close associate of Pope Leo XIV, was the guest of honour at the ceremony during his first visit to Slovenia.

Tone Kajzer, the Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, hosted a visit by his Croatian counterpart, Gordan Grlić Radman. The two ministers reaffirmed the close and friendly relations between the two countries and expressed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation and gradually resolving any outstanding issues. They also exchanged views on current foreign policy and security issues.

Minister Tone Kajzer participated in an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wicklow, Ireland. Hosted by the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee, the meeting focused on Russian aggression against Ukraine, the strengthening of the EU’s external action and the situation in the Middle East.

State Secretary Stanislav Raščan took part in a panel discussion at the 21st Bled Strategic Forum about economic cooperation between Europe and India. He also held several bilateral meetings.

At the close of the 21st Bled Strategic Forum, Minister Tone Kajzer shared his thoughts: “This year's Forum was my first in this role, so I am particularly pleased that we were able to bring together in Bled such a wide range of political, business and academic leaders – people who actively help to shape the future through their work, rather than just reflecting on it.”

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer is hosting the 21st Bled Strategic Forum entitled The Power to Shape the Future. In his welcome address, he emphasised that Europe must play an active role in shaping its own future, take on greater responsibility for its own defence, maintain a strong transatlantic bond and remain true to its values while asserting its interests.