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At an informal video conference of EU foreign affairs ministers, Slovenia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon warned of the risk of a wider regional conflict and called for immediate de-escalation and restraint. She stressed that the people of Iran must be free to determine their own future.

Slovenia is following with concern reports of the Israeli-U.S. strike on Iran. We call on all parties involved to immediately de-escalate tensions, exercise restraint, and fully respect international law and the UN Charter. Further escalation could have serious consequences for regional and international security.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon hosted Romanian Foreign Minister Oana-Silvia Țoiu in Ljubljana. They reviewed bilateral relations and discussed the future of the EU, including enlargement to the Western Balkans and the East, as well as the war in Ukraine. “Slovenia and Romania are linked by a strong partnership within the EU and NATO,” emphasised Minister Fajon.

During the Government's visit to the Osrednjeslovenska region (Central Slovenia), Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon visited Jožef Stefan Institute's Reactor Centre and its TRIGA (Training, Research, Isotopes, General Atomic) reactor. The visit underscores Slovenia's commitment to the responsible development of nuclear science, the strengthening of international collaboration and the advancement of science and economic diplomacy.

At the meeting of the General Affairs Council, held on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, ministers and state secretaries responsible for European affairs started preparations for the European Council meeting in March. An exchange of views was held with the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, to mark today's launch of the Centre for Democratic Resilience.

Addressing the session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Minister Tanja Fajon drew attention to the serious threats confronting human rights in the 21st century. “We must stand up for human rights every day, especially in the world we live in today. They will only survive if we defend them and defending them today takes courage.”

Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine began four years ago and constitutes a gross violation of international law and the UN Charter. “Slovenia condemns this aggression in the strongest and most unequivocal terms and stands by the people of Ukraine. We are committed to achieving a just and lasting peace, advocate respect for international law and demand accountability for the crimes committed,” emphasised Minister Fajon.

Foreign Ministers of 20 countries condemn in the strongest terms a series of recent Israeli decisions that introduce sweeping extensions to unlawful Israeli control over the West Bank.

On arrival at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Minister Tanja Fajon joined her counterparts in expressing support for Ukraine as it enters its fifth year of military aggression. Ministers wore sunflower brooches as a symbol of hope, peace, resistance and Ukrainian national identity. “The war in Ukraine must end,” Minister Fajon said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon hosted Swiss Federal Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis in Ljubljana. Taking place in an exceptionally friendly atmosphere, the visit confirms the excellent relations between Slovenia and Switzerland, as well as their shared commitment to promoting economic and political cooperation further.

As part of the government field visit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon visited the Posavje region, where she met with the managerial staff of Kopitarna Sevnica and Stilles companies. Darko Gorišek, Director of the Posavje Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Krško, also participated in the visit and emphasised the importance of cooperation with the Ministry in supporting the export activities of companies in the region.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon hosted a visit by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica Arnold André Tinoco. "This is an important event, as it is the first visit at this level to Slovenia. We will take this opportunity to strengthen our bilateral cooperation. We already enjoy excellent cooperation at the multilateral level, and both countries are members of the Green Group," said Minister Fajon.

At the Munich Security Conference, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon said that contemporary security challenges cannot be effectively addressed without inclusive leadership and the equitable management of natural resources. “Gender equality and access to water are key factors for stability, conflict prevention and the strengthening of international peace and collective security.”

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon is participating in the 62nd Munich Security Conference, which has brought together more than 60 heads of state and government, 100 foreign and defence ministers and numerous experts and representatives of civil society. The conference remains one of the most important global forums for discussing current foreign policy issues and common security challenges.

As part of the International Law collection, published by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and the Faculty of Social Sciences Publishing House, a reprint of the book Slovene-Italian Relations 1880–1956, Report of the Slovene-Italian Historical and Cultural Commission has been issued.

To mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Slovenian Network of Women in Diplomacy held a discussion on the role of women and girls in science and diplomacy. The event was opened by Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs. A panel of distinguished representatives from the research community was also addressed via video by American astronaut Sunita L. Williams, who is of Slovenian descent.

During the government visit to the Gorenjska region, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon stopped at four leading Slovenian technology companies, which she described as examples of Slovenian technological development, innovation and global recognition.

The Republic of Slovenia expresses its grave concern regarding Israel’s recent decisions and measures in the occupied West Bank, which risk further entrenching an unlawful situation on occupied Palestinian territory.

On the sidelines of the visit of foreign ministers from the Middle East and the Gulf to Slovenia, a panel discussion entitled From the Board of Peace to Broader Peace in the Middle East took place as part of the Bled Strategic Forum. All participants emphasised that nobody wants a new war in the region and that everyone is making significant diplomatic efforts to achieve peace.

The Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs fully supports Franc Jožef Smrtnik, a member of the Carinthian State Parliament (Landtag), who was reprimanded during yesterday's session for using three Slovene phrases in his six-minute address.