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Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in the regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. Ministers discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the situations in the Middle East, the South Caucasus and Sudan. Minister Fajon drew particular attention to Israel’s ongoing human rights violations, urging the EU to take more decisive action.

Slovenia firmly opposes the death penalty at all times and in all circumstances. It is committed to its abolition globally. The approval by the Israeli Parliament of a bill enabling capital punishment represents a step back from Israel’s long-standing de facto moratorium.

At the Foreign Affairs Council, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon emphasised that other crises must not divert attention from Ukraine. This was the third meeting of EU foreign ministers this month, two of which were convened on an emergency basis in response to the escalating situation in the Middle East. Ministers continued their discussion on the EU’s response to the ongoing violence in the region, noting with concern that violence continues to replace diplomacy.

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.

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.

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.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met with a group of the most powerful Arabic ministers of foreign affairs, who came to Slovenia to show their support for the Slovenian government’s policy regarding the Palestinian question. Talks focused on the current situation in Palestine and the strong mutual desire to further enhance bilateral relations.

The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, is hosting the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt and Qatar in Slovenia. "This visit demonstrates that Slovenia is recognised as a trustworthy and constructive partner. These are influential countries that combine regional responsibility, humanitarian solidarity and diplomacy," Minister Fajon said.

Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia and Spain condemn the latest Israeli legislation targeting UNRWA, including measures to cut water, electricity and communications to its facilities. Such actions undermine the UN mandate, violate international law and run counter to the findings of the International Court of Justice, while risking grave humanitarian consequences for the Palestinian civilian population and refugees.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, where EU ministers discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in all its dimensions. Topics included efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, continued support for Ukraine and maintaining pressure on Russia. Ministers also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and on EU-China relations.

At the initiative of Prime Minister Robert Golob, the Government today confirmed the decision prohibiting the exporting and transit of military weapons and equipment from or through the Republic of Slovenia to Israel, and importing from Israel to Slovenia.

At the Cairo Ministerial Conference, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon discussed the prospects for lasting solutions for Gaza and the Middle East as a whole with participants from more than 90 countries and international organisations.

State Secretary Dr Melita Gabrič attended the 10th MED Mediterranean Dialogues Conference in Rome. The conference is one of the main platforms for high-level dialogue on topical issues in the Mediterranean, the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) and beyond.

Yesterday, State Secretary Marko Štucin attended high-level meetings on the situation in Gaza and Ukraine at the United Nations Security Council. On behalf of Slovenia, he called for more decisive action by the Security Council and respect for international and human rights law.

Minister Tanja Fajon attended the regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, chaired for the last time by High Representative Josep Borrell. Ministers discussed the war in Ukraine, Georgia, EU-US relations, the situation in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. Minister Fajon also briefed ministers on her recent visit to Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia.

In October, under the Swiss presidency of the UN Security Council, discussions were focused on Africa, the Middle East, Ukraine and Haiti. Two briefings were convened at Slovenia's request, one together with Algeria on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and another with the US on Ukraine. State Secretary Melita Gabrič took part in the open debate on women, peace and security.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs expresses profound concern over the recent adoption of a law by the Israeli Knesset that severs the Israeli authorities' engagement with the UNRWA and hinders the Agency’s activities across the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the 9th UfM Regional Forum in Barcelona together with 43 foreign ministers and their deputies from the Euro-Mediterranean region. Thanks to its increased engagement in the UfM, Slovenia has been recognised as a very active and constructive member in recent years," said Minister Fajon.