News

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.

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.

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.

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.

On International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Slovenia reaffirms its steadfast support for the Palestinian people, who have endured immeasurable suffering for decades through the loss of loved ones and homes, forced displacement, and the denial of fundamental rights, including the right to self-determination and independence.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, where Foreign Ministers discussed Russian aggression in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, the Sahel and Sudan. She also participated in ministerial events: the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the Ministerial Meeting of the Palestine Donor Group and the Fourth EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, where ministers discussed the EU's role in peace efforts in Gaza, with an emphasis on humanitarian and security aspects. They also touched on the importance of continued comprehensive support for Ukraine. Minister Fajon will later attend a ministerial meeting on interregional security and connectivity.

Two years have passed since the terrorist attack carried out by Hamas on Israel, in which 1,200 innocent people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. As a result of Israel's relentless offensive, Gaza has been completely destroyed. More than 65,000 civilians have been killed, including 18,000 children.

Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, in which more than 1,000 Israelis were killed, was a crime that should not be minimized or underestimated.

The Slovenian government has approved a financial contribution of EUR 1.2 million to support the Palestinian Authority. In doing so, Slovenia has joined the Emergency Coalition for the Financial Sustainability of the Palestinian Authority. The Coalition was launched by France, Norway, Spain and Saudi Arabia at last year's Global Alliance for Implementing the Two-State Solution meeting in New York.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon attended the opening of the general debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. On the same day, she also delivered addresses at two Security Council meetings concerning Ukraine and the Middle East. "In both cases, there is aggression – by the Russian Federation in Ukraine and by Israel in Gaza – directed against significantly smaller countries. This must end," she emphasised.

As the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip continues to unfold, there is an urgent need to scale up medical treatment of patients from Gaza.

We strongly welcome today's decision by a group of countries to recognize Palestine. We are pleased that this follows Slovenia's decision from last year. Our wish, which we actively advocated for, was for as many countries as possible to join Slovenia.

The high-level week of the general debate of the UN General Assembly's 80th session has begun in New York, with President Nataša Pirc Musar and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon in attendance. On the opening day, discussions centred on the situation in Gaza, with the Minister urging states to follow Slovenia’s example and intensify efforts for a just peace in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met with Nasser Abu Baker, the President of the Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate, to discuss the situation in Palestine, with a focus on the war in Gaza.