News

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Manila has officially launched its first Official Development Assistance (ODA) project in the Philippines—a ₱3-million initiative in San Jose de Buenavista (Antique Province) that exemplifies a key strategic priority for the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs: pairing world-class Slovenian technology directly with global development priorities and the real, everyday needs of partner communities.

As part of ongoing efforts to promote Slovenian literature abroad and foster a culture of reading amongst young people in the Philippines, Ambassador Dr Smiljana Knez recently visited key educational and community organisations across the country, donating translated works of beloved Slovenian authors. The initiative promotes English translations of iconic Slovenian picture books designed to introduce young Filipino readers to Slovenia's rich storytelling heritage.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Manila, in partnership with the National Archives of the Philippines (NAP) and Philippine Normal University (PNU), officially opened the traveling exhibition titled “Potovanje/Paglalakbay: Two Women Travellers in the 1920s: Alma Karlin of Slovenia and Paz Guazon of the Philippines” at the university premises.

Slovenia proudly celebrated the 35th anniversary of its independence, marking over three decades of sovereignty, resilience and expanding global partnerships. While the national celebration in Ljubljana returned to its historic roots at Republic Square—where independence was first declared—the milestone was also vibrantly honoured over 10,000 kilometres away in Southeast Asia.

Marking its third consecutive year of active cultural diplomacy, the Republic of Slovenia returned to the prestigious Cine Europa film festival for its 29th edition.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has launched a new web and mobile eLastovka application for Slovenian nationals travelling abroad. The application allows faster and easier access to key information and significantly more effective notification in case of emergencies or crises.

In celebration of World Bee Day, the Embassy of Slovenia - in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Bee Program, Project Bee Inspired Corporation, and AAA Philippines - officially launched the Women-Led Stingless Bee Livelihood Project in the town of Labo, Camarines Norte

With the 50th anniversary of the partnership between the EU and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) approaching next year, preparations to bring elevate cooperation to a comprehensive strategic level are at the forefront of the meeting between the EU and ASEAN foreign ministers. Slovenia plans to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation this year, thereby strengthening its cooperation with this dynamic region amid geopolitical tensions.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in the Philippines, together with the Stratbase Institute, successfully organised a two-day event, “Science2Business: Energy Resilience for Enhanced Security”, on 21–22 April 2026.

Dr Smiljana Knez today presented her Letter of Credence to the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, marking the assumption of her post as the non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to ASEAN, based in Manila, the Philippines.

In celebration of International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month, a landmark double exhibition has officially opened at the National Library of the Philippines. Entitled "Potovanje / Paglalakbay: Two Women Travellers in the 1920s: Alma Karlin of Slovenia and Paz Guazon of the Philippines", the exhibition creates a significant cultural bridge between the two nations.

In a major step toward advancing the international Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Manila, in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), successfully concluded the final stage of an innovative youth advocacy initiative: "Pasundayag: Mindanao Street Theatre for Sustainable Peace."

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in the Fourth EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels. In her interventions, she underscored the need to enhance economic and security cooperation between the two regions and to work jointly to address shared global challenges.

Marking its second consecutive year of participation, the Republic of Slovenia returned to the prestigious Cine Europa film festival for its 28th edition. Smiljana Knez, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the Philippines, officially inaugurated the festival's Visayas leg at the University of the Philippines Cebu's Lawak Sinehan cinematheque, delivering the opening address on behalf of the European Union.

The newly established resident Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Manila marked a historic milestone, hosting its first-ever official reception in honour of Slovenia’s Statehood Day, celebrating the nation's 34th anniversary. Whilst the resident embassy officially opened its doors in May 2024 and celebrated its solemn opening ceremony with Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon in March 2025, the gathering on 11 September 2025 officially marked the very first Statehood Day reception organised by Slovenia's resident diplomatic mission in the Philippines.

The Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Center (WB3C) is proud to announce its collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to host the region’s first Cyber Capacity Building Workshop on 19-20 May 2025 in Podgorica. This high-level gathering will convene global experts and regional stakeholders to strengthen the Western Balkans’ cybersecurity resilience through two critical streams: addressing the cyber talent shortage and enhancing collaborative strategies against cybercrime.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon concluded a two-day official visit to Manila, the first visit by a Slovenian foreign minister to the country. On the second day, she was received by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. She also addressed the participants of the Slovenia-Philippines Business Forum and held a lecture and discussion with the students of the Far Eastern University.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon is on a two-day official visit to Manila with nearly 40 representatives of Slovenian companies and institutions. The first day was marked by the strengthening of political cooperation between the two countries, including the opening of the Slovenian Embassy in Manila, and the establishment of intergovernmental cooperation in the field of employment.

In the ceremonies held at the Malacañang Palace today, Ambassador Dr Smiljana Knez presented her credentials to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

State Secretary Marko Štucin received Theresa P. Lazaro, Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, for the first political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries.