News

Foreign Minister Dr Miro Cerar took part in the Extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, convened by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, due to increased tensions in Iraq and Libya.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Miro Cerar called for all possible activities to prevent further escalation of tensions and violence in the Middle East. Slovenia remains a trustworthy member of the Global Coalition against Daesh and continues with its participation in the operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq. The next contingent of Slovenian Armed Forces instructors will be deployed to Erbil by 1st February.

On 9 January 2020, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the Strategy for the Co-operation of the Republic of Slovenia with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) until the end of 2022. The proposal of the Strategy is based on the experience gained during the first nine years of the Slovenia's membership in the OECD, current priorities of the Organization, and interests and the needs of the Republic of Slovenia arising from the national development priorities of the country. The purpose is to make better use of the benefits of Slovenia's membership of the OECD.

Slovenia condemns the Iranian missile attack on Iraqi military bases where the Global Coalition against Daesh forces are stationed at the invitation of the Iraqi government, and calls on all parties involved to refrain from any activities that could lead to further escalation in the region.

Today, Foreign Minister Dr Miro Cerar attended an event organised by the Institute for Strategic Solutions, where the new edition of the Adriatic Journal: Strategic Foresight 2020 was presented. Prior to the event, Minister Cerar held an informal meeting with the former Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Karin Kneissl, where they discussed the formation of the new Austrian government, the cooperation between the two countries in the year of neighbourly dialogue, the regional situation and the state of affairs in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses grave concern over the heightening of tensions between the US and Iran. It condemns the recent acts of violence and armed attacks in Iraq, as these may trigger further disturbances engulfing the entire region. The Ministry calls on all parties involved to de-escalate tensions and preserve peace.

The Ministry condemns any acts of violence and armed conflicts witnessed in Iraq over the past weeks. Such actions heighten the risk of tensions escalating in the entire region.

Slovenia joins the European Union in condemning attacks on coalition forces fighting Da’esh in Iraq and shares the EU’s position on the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns this acts and calls on Iraqi authorities to guarantee the security of diplomatic missions in the country.

The Slovenian Foreign Ministry condemns the act of vandalism committed by an unknown perpetrator (or perpetrators) against the building of the Embassy of the Republic of Montenegro in Ljubljana.

On behalf of the Slovenian Government, Foreign Minister Dr Miro Cerar attended the CEI Summit in Rome gathering prime ministers of the Central European Initiative Member States. In his remarks, he underscored the CEI’s role in the history of European integration processes and opening up of EU prospects for new members

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the 24th session of the Inter-Ministerial Commission on Human Rights, with the participation of Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina. The main item of the agenda was the Universal Periodic Review of the human rights situation in Slovenia, which was held last month in the UN Human Rights Council.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Miro Cerar is taking part in the 14th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting under the title Asia and Europe: Together for Effective Multilateralism. During the debate on enhancing the multilateral system and consolidating ASEM partnership on global challenges, he outlined Slovenia’s outlook on multilateralism and its efforts relating to climate change, sustainable development and gender equality.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Miro Cerar held several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 14th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Madrid on 15–16 December 2019. He met separately with the EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontelles, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, Foreign Minister of Singapore Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

The talks focused on bilateral and multilateral cooperation of the two countries, the situation in Asia and some topical international developments. The ministers advocated for enhanced relations between their respective countries at various levels, underlining the need to strengthen cooperation in the economy and science. They also outlined the advantages of the Port of Koper as the leading Northern Adriatic port.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi was in Slovenia today for an official visit. Together with his host, Foreign Minister Dr Miro Cerar, they pleaded for enhanced political and economic cooperation.

State Secretary Matej Marn gave an introductory address to participants of the Centre for European Perspective Conference, which was held under the title “Alternatives to European Enlargement?”

The Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken note of the Opinion by Advocate General Pikamäe regarding the jurisdiction of the EU Court of Justice in the action brought by Slovenia against Croatia concerning the infringements of EU law.

Madrid is hosting the 25th UN Climate Change Conference bringing together states parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to discuss efforts against climate change. Members of the Green Group (Slovenia, Iceland, Costa Rica, Singapore, Cabo Verde and the United Arab Emirates), jointly striving for an effective response to environmental challenges, called for more ambitious climate action in a Joint Ministerial Statement.

Minister Dr Miro Cerar held a working meeting with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas today to discuss bilateral cooperation and key issues within the European Union. Also today, the Trio partners, Germany, Portugal and Slovenia, submitted their draft 18-month Trio Presidency programme to the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU.

Today, the world marks International Human Rights Day, which this year celebrates the efforts of young people to engage in the promotion and protection of human rights. Slovenia strives every day to promote respect for human rights, including in its foreign policy, and today, Foreign Minister Dr Cerar and other Slovenian representatives join in various international events dedicated to this goal.

Today marks the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime, unanimously declared by the UN General Assembly at the initiative of Armenia in 2015. On 9 December 1948, the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the first document to have a significant impact on combating and preventing the crime of genocide. The purpose of the day is to commemorate the victims of this crime and also to raise awareness of the Convention and to prevent developments that may lead to mass atrocities.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Miro Cerar today took part in the Rome MED 2019 international conference – Mediterranean Dialogues as a panellist on migration management. Commitment to solidarity, multilateralism and a joint European approach is prerequisite to finding effective solutions, in which Slovenia will remain a credible partner.

During his visit to Rome, Foreign Minister Dr Miro Cerar met with Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio. The counterparts endorsed strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation at the European and regional levels. Minister Cerar outlined the expectations of the Slovenian national minority regarding its representation in the Italian parliament and the restitution of the National Hall in Trieste.

Today marks the closure of the project, which was initiated on 8 March by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with women ambassadors to Slovenia. At the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, participating students were first informed of the activities for the promotion of Slovenia and its brand 'I Feel Slovenia', and later they were acquainted with the functioning of the Office of Youth and the role of the youth delegate to the United Nations.

Luxembourg hosted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Plenary Meeting between 2 and 5 December. Slovenia reaffirmed its commitment to remembrance of the Holocaust and the need to disseminate knowledge of the tragic historical events to prevent such horrors from happening ever again.

Foreign Minister Dr Miro Cerar concludes his two-day official visit to Belgrade. Foreign Minister Dr Miro Cerar and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić met today to discuss economic cooperation between the two countries, regional challenges, the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo, the EU’s enlargement policy. At the Serbian National Assembly, the Slovenian delegation was met by its Speaker Maja Gojković.

Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Andrej Benedejčič attended the Fourth Review Conference of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (Ottawa Convention), held in Oslo between 25 and 29 November 2019.

On 28 November, Vice Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China Qin Gang hosted State Secretary Simona Leskovar for political consultations as part of regular Slovenia-China dialogue. The last consultations took place in February 2017.

The Slovenian Government responded to the appeal of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and will allocate EUR 40,000 for urgent humanitarian aid for migrants on the Western Balkan route.

State Secretary Dobran Božič today received the President of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Regional Council Piero Mauro Zanin during his visit to the Republic of Slovenia.

State Secretary Simona Leskovar attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in the format of development cooperation ministers. Based on the final report issued by the High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons, the ministers discussed the EU’s future financial architecture for development and the support for countries in transition, with particular focus on Sudan and Ethiopia. This was followed by a discussion on gender equality and education in development cooperation.

The Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Ambassador Andrej Benedejčič, stated at the 24th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention: “Only a multilateral approach, assisted by the Convention and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, can pave the way for a world free of chemical weapons.”

Today marked the beginning of the 10th edition of Slovenian Development Days in Ljubljana, dedicated to the challenges of development cooperation ensuing from climate change, with the first two panel discussions on youth and climate change and on circular economy. “By adopting new political and legislative orientations and the requirement for all Slovenian development cooperation projects or programmes to refrain from promoting an increase in fossil fuel consumption, Slovenia contributes, in concrete terms, to the fulfilment of the Paris Climate Agreement commitment to third countries,” explained Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Miro Cerar in his introductory address.

The eighth session of the Slovenian-Turkish Joint Economic Commission, co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia Dr Miro Cerar and the Minister for Youth and Sports of the Republic of Turkey Dr Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoğlu, was held at Brdo Congress Centre today.

On 21 and 22 November 2019, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the 27th Meeting of the Tallinn Group, which includes 14 countries supporting EU enlargement. By way of introduction, the participants were addressed by Political Director/Director-General for Common Foreign and Security Policy Matej Marn, who underlined the current status of the enlargement policy and its great significance for the stability and implementation of reforms in the region. He also stressed the importance for the EU to send out clear signals, which must be credible and in line with the undertaken commitments.

The meeting of foreign ministers is focused on the preparations for the formal summit of NATO heads of state and government, to be held in London on 3–4 December 2019, marking the Alliance’s 70th anniversary. The ministers have already drafted the framework programme for the summit.

The Third Committee meeting of the UN General Assembly concluded yesterday in New York. Starting on 2 October, the Committee considered and approved some 60 resolutions and decisions over seven weeks.

State Secretary Dobran Božič met with Minister for EU Affairs in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden Hans Dahlgren.

Representatives of Slovenia and the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia met today in Koper for the fourth session of the Slovenia–Friuli Venezia Giulia Joint Committee. Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Miro Cerar and President of the Autonomous Region Massimiliano Fedriga, co-chairs of the Joint Committee, agreed that the cooperation between Slovenia and its neighbouring region of Friuli Venezia Giulia was very valuable. Agenda items for today’s session present the diversity of dialogue between Slovenia and its neighbouring Italian region, reflecting the needs of people on both sides of the border, explained Minister Cerar.

State Secretary Dobran Božič attended the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels, where the new EU budget, preparations for the December European Council, the rule of law and enlargement were discussed.

The successor states to the former SFRY have jointly sold the premises of the former SFRY embassy in Bonn for more than EUR 3.7 million. As stipulated in Annex B to the Agreement on Succession Issues, Slovenia is eligible to receive 14 percent of the total sale proceeds, which amounts to EUR 0.5 million.

State Secretary Simona Leskovar at the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs received the Ukrainian delegation and representatives of the U-LEAD project. The delegation is visiting Slovenia as part of the high-level study visit on Slovenia’s regional development policy organised by the Centre for European Perspective. The Ukrainian delegation headed by First Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories of Ukraine Dmytro Zhyvytskyy is composed of representatives of the Ministry of Regional Development, the Verkhovna Rada and the Office of the President.

Three decades ago, on 20 November 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted, not only to protect children but also to recognise them as holders of rights. It has been almost as long since Slovenia’s foreign policy efforts have been focused on the promotion of children’s rights and the enhancement of their wellbeing. This significant anniversary is also in the focus of this year’s European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, which is marked on 18 November at the initiative of Slovenia.

In Škofja Loka, Foreign Minister Dr Miro Cerar hosted Head of the State Chancellery and Minister of State for Federal and European Affairs and Media of Bavaria Dr Florian Herrmann, who is attending a session of the Permanent Slovenian-Bavarian Mixed Commission and consultations with citizens on the future of the Union.

On the margins of the UNESCO General Conference in Paris, where she met with UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information Moez Chakchouk, State Secretary Leskovar held talks at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President of France and in the Senate.

On the margins of the Creative Forum, which is being co-organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), Minister Miro Cerar held talks with Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean Nasser Kamel.

The Creative Forum Ljubljana is organised by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) as a unique platform that links the Southern Mediterranean and the Western Balkans through creativity. Creative industries hold great potential for the Euro-Mediterranean countries seeking to diversify their economies and participate in one of the most dynamic sectors of world commerce. The recommendations and the takeaways from this landmark Forum will feed directly into the UfM roadmap activities and Slovenia’s Positive Agenda for Youth.

The fifth meeting of the Standing Joint Committee of senior representatives of successor States to the former SFRY was convened in Zagreb today, four years – almost to the day – after their last meeting, held in Sarajevo on 11 and 12 November 2015. Headed by Senior Representative of the Republic of Slovenia for Succession Issues Mateja Vraničar Erman, the Slovenian delegation urged for consistent and effective implementation of the Agreement on Succession Issues, for the fulfilment of its obligations in good faith and for continuous dialogue among senior representatives to be continued.

Senior government representatives from around the world have gathered in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi to celebrate at the highest level the 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). Slovenia is being represented by Aljaž Arih, Deputy Director-General for Multilateral Affairs, Development Cooperation and International Law. The conference, which took place in Cairo in 1994, adopted a groundbreaking programme of action on gender equality and sexual and reproductive rights and health.

The 2019 edition of Creative Forum Ljubljana opened on Tuesday evening, 12 November, gathering more than 200 participants from 25 countries in the next few days. On 14 November, ministers and high officials from international organisations and EU institutions will participate in a high-level political conference to seek innovative solutions and shape new policies in cultural and creative industries in dialogue with creative hubs and entrepreneurs. The high-level conference will be attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Miro Cerar and Minister of Culture Zoran Poznič.

Earlier today in Geneva, the Slovenian delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Dr Miro Cerar, presented the progress made in the last five years as part of the Third Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of human rights. The participating countries commended Slovenia on having implemented many of the recommendations received.

Foreign Minister Dr Miro Cerar attended the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels on Afghanistan, on the regional security situation in the Gulf and Iran, and on Sudan. During a working lunch, foreign ministers from EU member states were joined by Prime Minister of Sudan Dr Abdalla Hamdok.

Today Berlin hosted the reception on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, which was attended by State Secretary Dobran Božič on behalf of the Foreign Minister.

Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Miro Cerar met with the members of the Slovenian community in Amman on Friday afternoon. The Minister thanked the participants for maintaining contact with each other and with their home country for generations, thus helping to preserve the Slovenian language and tradition.

The second plenary session of the Intergovernmental Slovenian–Vietnamese Commission for Economic Cooperation, headed by Slovenian Minister of Economic Development Zdravko Počivalšek and Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh, was held in Vietnam on 8 November 2019.

Today Kyiv hosted political consultations between Slovenia and Ukraine. State Secretary Simona Leskovar and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Vasyl Bodnar discussed the importance and strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Slovenia and Ukraine, including the potential in economic terms, cooperation in international organisations such as the EU and NATO, and the current situation both in and around Ukraine and in the EU and south-eastern Europe.

Today, Dr Miro Cerar is starting an official visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. This is the first visit of a Slovenian Foreign Minister to this country in almost twenty years. The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation with an emphasis on deepening political and economic ties.

On 7 November 2019, the Slovenian delegation concluded their participation in the International Law Week as part of the UN General Assembly Sixth Committee session in New York. Members of the delegation took part in discussions on topical international law issues and expressed staunch support for the International Criminal Court.

On the margins of the presidential official visit to Oslo, Minister Dr Cerar met the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide. The ministers expressed their satisfaction regarding the excellent relations in various fields, especially at the multilateral level, and pleaded for enhanced cooperation on the circular economy, sustainable mobility and AI.

The International Resource Panel (IRP), one of the most important and eminent global research networks aiming to prevent the over-consumption of natural resources and ensure a sustainable future, continues its 25th meeting in Bled.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Miro Cerar is paying a working visit to the United Arab Emirates, where the formal opening of the first Slovenian embassy in the Gulf states will be held on Tuesday, 29 October 2019. The visit by the Slovenian Minister coincides with the first meeting of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation between Slovenia and the United Arab Emirates.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Miroslav Cerar meets Tatjana Rojc, senator in Italian Parliament.

Today Minister Dr Cerar held a meeting with President of the International Criminal Court Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji.

Andrej Benedejčič, Ambassador-at-Large for arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, attended the NATO Conference on Weapons of Mass Destruction in Brussels. This annual event reaffirms the commitment of the North Atlantic Alliance to ensure military transparency and predictability. The meeting is primarily devoted to preparations for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference to be held in New York in mid-2020, as well as to discussing a new security reality after the demise of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.

Regular political consultations between Slovenia and Turkey have been held today led by the Political Director/Director General for Common Foreign and Security Policy Matej Marn and Director General for Central Europe and Balkans in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Ambassador Sadik Babür Girgin. Interlocutors have discussed the bilateral relations between countries, including economic cooperation and cooperation in multilateral affairs.

As part of the meeting hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, students participating in the Young Women Ambassadors project learnt more about consular affairs.

State Secretary Simona Leskovar and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central Europe and Holocaust Issues Matthew G. Boyse confirmed the interest in strengthening cooperation between Slovenia and the United States and exchanged positions on topical regional and international issues.

At the invitation of his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides, Foreign Minister Dr Cerar paid an official visit to the Republic of Cyprus on 17 and 18 October. He was accompanied by a group of Slovenian business representatives, who attended a business forum held in parallel with the visit.

At Ljubljana BTC’s Crystal Palace, Foreign Minister Dr Miro Cerar today participated in a conference entitled “Export smarter: How to enhance the value of Slovenian exports”, organised by the newspaper Delo and the Institute for Strategic Solutions.

Foreign Minister Dr Miro Cerar was in Luxembourg attending a General Affairs Council (Art. 50) meeting on the state of play regarding the UK’s forthcoming withdrawal from the EU and a General Affairs Council session. The latter concentrated on enlargement and on preparations for the European Council.

On the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, I spoke with Spanish Foreign Minister and future High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. I was interested in his assessment of the situation in Catalonia – and Spain! Not his assessment of the convictions, but of the next steps, both for proponents of Catalonia’s independence and the Spanish state authorities.

Minister Dr Miro Cerar attended the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg focusing on the situation in Syria, Turkey’s activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, Afghanistan and Ukraine. During a working lunch, heads of Member States’ diplomacies were joined by their Ukrainian counterpart Vadym Prystaiko.

Today’s International Day of the Girl Child celebrates the achievements by, with and for girls since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action twenty-five years ago and the passage of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990. This spirit will mark a year of activities under the theme GirlForce: Unscripted and Unstoppable.

On 10 October, Foreign Minister Dr Miro Cerar attended the fourth edition of the Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean. The Regional Forum is the annual meeting of foreign ministers from the northern and southern Mediterranean countries, co-chaired by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, Jordan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, and Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Josep Borrell.

Slovenia is deeply concerned about the Turkish military operation in north-east Syria. The operation could threaten the stability of the wider region and the progress achieved in the fight against Da'esh and other terrorist organizations, as well as undermines the political process to find a solution to the Syrian crisis. It also threatens the lives of the population and further exacerbates the humanitarian situation in the country, which could provoke further displacements.

On today’s World and European Day against the Death Penalty, Slovenia, a vocal opponent of this kind of punishment, calls for it to be abolished worldwide, and applauds Europe (with the exception of Belarus) as first continent to have done so.

Minister Dr Miro Cerar hosted Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Stef Blok on an official visit to Slovenia today. The two ministers confirmed the excellent bilateral relations between their countries, which have been developed in both politics and business, noting with pleasure their similar views on numerous current European and global topics. Slovenian racing cyclist Primož Roglič, who is part of the Dutch team Jumbo–Visma, is yet another example of Slovenian–Dutch partnership, inspiring cycling fans both here and in the Netherlands.

Acting Director-General for EU Affairs, Ambassador Barbara Sušnik, took part in bilateral consultations in Norway today. She and her counterpart, Director General of the Department for European Affairs Niels Engelschiøn, exchanged views on topical bilateral, European and international issues.

State Secretary Dobran Božič addressed participants in the Slovenian–Jordanian Business Forum held at the Grand Hotel Union today. The Forum seeks to present opportunities for cooperation in various business areas and for networking between Slovenian and Jordanian companies. The ten-strong business delegation of the Jordan Europe Business Association is composed of representatives of companies engaged in defence, security, aviation, electrical appliances, the food industry, smart energy solutions, construction materials and equipment, the cosmetics industry and spa tourism.

At the invitation of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Warsaw Security Forum, State Secretary Dobran Božič is attending this year’s Forum, taking place on 2 and 3 October.

Minister Dr Miro Cerar hosted Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Minister of Immigration and Asylum of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn on an official visit to Slovenia today. The counterparts confirmed excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, based on common European values, the rule of law and similar views on current European and global issues.

The United Nations General Assembly designated 1 October as International Day of Older Persons to highlight the frequently overlooked position of this population group in society. The Foreign Ministry is using this occasion to call for the elimination of age discrimination and for the establishment of effective international mechanisms for the protection of older persons.

State Secretary Dobran Božič has received a business delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The visit in Slovenia of this first major government and business delegation in nineteen years will last until 3 October.

The 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, which concluded in Geneva today, saw the adoption of resolutions on the human rights situation in Venezuela and Sudan. Slovenia sponsored a resolution on a world programme on human rights education and training, foreseeing a multiannual focus on teaching young people about human rights.

In New York, Foreign Minister Miro Cerar hosted a breakfast for ministers and senior representatives of the Green Group. The group, established by Slovenia, gathers six small countries dedicated to promoting green policies and the transition to a green economy and the use of renewables: Slovenia, Singapore, Iceland, Costa Rica, the United Arab Emirates and Cabo Verde.

At the Paris conference to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), State Secretary Simona Leskovar underscored Slovenia’s determination to prevent discrimination.

A champion of preventive diplomacy and mediation, Slovenia has been a member of the Group of Friends of Mediation from its inception in 2010 at the initiative of Finland and Turkey. The group currently has fifty-eight members.

As a token of Slovenia’s advocacy of the rule of law, preventive diplomacy and multilateralism, Foreign Minister Dr Miro Cerar participated in three major events in areas where Slovenia plays an active and prominent role: an event in support of the International Criminal Court (ICC), a meeting of the Group of Friends of Mediation and an event in support of multilateralism.

On Wednesday, Slovenian Foreign Minister Miro Cerar took part in a conference on facilitating a nuclear test ban pursuant to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 1996, the Treaty has been signed by 184 countries; Slovenia signed the CTBT twenty years ago.

Foreign Minister Cerar is in New York attending the UN General Assembly session and various side events. During last night’s meeting organised by the EU, he held conversations with European Council President-designate Charles Michel, Vice-President of the Commission Frans Timmermans and Ireland’s Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Discussing the continuation of political dialogue with the new Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, they agreed to hold a bilateral meeting as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Marjan Šarec and Foreign Minister Dr Miro Cerar are participating in the 74th session of the UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York. Minister of Health Aleš Šabeder, who was taking part in a high-level meeting on universal health coverage, joined them for the opening of the General Debate.

Andrej Benedejčič, Ambassador-at-Large for arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, attended in Vienna a session of the informal Structured Dialogue working group on the current and future challenges and risks to security in the OSCE area. This meeting, held in capital format, focused on measures to increase transparency and on hybrid threats, above all on strengthening resilience and raising awareness about the dangers hybrid threats pose in the contemporary security environment.

State Secretary Simona Leskovar and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Andrew Winternitz advocated further strengthening of friendly and allied relations between Slovenia and the US, underlining the need for a strong Transatlantic partnership, and they went on to exchange views on current international developments.

The two counterparts confirmed positive bilateral relations between Slovenia and India, and they identified a number of opportunities for enhanced cooperation in various fields, from business and tourism to culture, science and sports.

Today the 52nd MOS Trade Fair in Celje hosted the 9th Economic Diplomacy Day. The event was attended by ambassadors and economic advisers from countries accredited to Slovenia, and by representatives of Slovenian companies. The participants were addressed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Miro Cerar, MOS Board Member Nina Ermenc Pangerl and Minister of Economic Development and Technology Zdravko Počivalšek. This year the MOS partner country is Montenegro.

Foreign Minister Dr Miro Cerar met Ombudsman Peter Svetina today for a working meeting. Given the human rights focus of Slovenia’s foreign policy, the two institutions have developed excellent cooperation. The Minister assured the Ombudsman that numerous international activities in this area will also continue after Slovenia’s membership and last year’s presidency of the UN Human Rights Council. He went on to mention that Slovenia is currently preparing for the third UPR cycle, planned for 12 November in Geneva.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Miro Cerar met Russian Minister for Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Konstantin Noskov today as part of Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Šarec’s official visit to Russia. As co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Slovenian-Russian Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, which held its last session at Bled on 14 June, Ministers Cerar and Noskov noted that progress has been achieved in numerous joint projects. They reaffirmed that economic cooperation between their two countries was rewarded today with the signing of two business agreements between a Slovenian company and two Russian companies, paving the way for cooperation on third markets. 　

Ambassador Iztok Mirošič took part in the debate titled “Crisis or the end of the international system as we know it”, which addressed the transition from multilateralism to a multipolar or even a new bipolar international system, including the return of geopolitics to the Western Balkans. Therefore, underlined Ambassador Mirošič, the EU enlargement process is exceptionally important

State Secretary Simona Leskovar and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held political consultations in Ljubljana today as part of the regular political dialogue between the two countries.

As part of the 14th Bled Strategic Forum, State Secretary Božič met with Scottish Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development Ben Machperson. They discussed the challenges posed by Brexit and possibilities of strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in the economy, tourism and sustainable development.