To curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus, Germany has limited the number of open border crossing points with Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg and Denmark.

As of 12.00 on 20 March, Austria imposed a stricter regime on its border with Slovenia.

Today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Anže Logar, held a video conference call with his counterparts from Austria, Croatia, Italy, and Hungary to coordinate the measures aimed at containing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

On 19 March at 12.00, Austria introduced border controls with Germany, imposing the same measures as those already applied on the borders with Italy, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The measures have been foreseen to apply until 7 April 2020.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anže Logar, hosted the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Péter Szijjárto, in Ljubljana today. The visit was aimed at establishing personal links between the ministers of two neighbouring countries in an emergency situation, when all European and other countries all over the world are facing the coronavirus pandemic.

Today, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Miro Cerar handed over the duties to his successor Dr Anže Logar. During the handover, Minister Logar outlined his first activities in office related to the exchange of information with neighbouring counterparts in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

During today's phone conversation with Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dr Miro Cerar expressed solidarity with measures to prevent spreading of the Covid-19 virus and presented his condolences over the numerous fatalities caused by the virus in the neighbouring country.

At its meeting by correspondence, the Government adopted a decision to start carrying out border control checks in the vicinity of the border between Slovenia and Italy on 11 March 2020. This measure is aimed at reducing the risk of spreading the contagious disease SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) in Slovenia and at protecting the health of its population.

The MFA advises against all travel to Italy.

In accordance with the measures adopted to contain the COVID-19 epidemic, Slovenian citizens are advised against all but essential travel to China and against all travel to the province of Hubei until further notice.

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic and the related restrictive measures of Korean authorities, Slovenian citizens are advised against travelling to the area around Daegu and Cheongju. The MFA advises against all but essential travel to other parts of the Republic of Korea.

Due to the spread of the COVID-19 and the related restrictive measures adopted by the authorities, the MFA advises against all travel to the country. Slovenian citizens temporarily staying in Iran are advised to leave the country as soon as possible.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

At this stage there are 19 confirmed coronavirus infections in Slovenia. The Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) is closely monitoring the situation regarding the spread of Covid-19 and its impact on tourist flows in Slovenia and the World. We are in constant contact with the competent institutions, the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology (MGRT), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MZZ), we follow the releases of the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ), the Ministry of Health (MZ) and other relevant sources.

On 4 and 5 March 2020, a business delegation from the state of Nevada paid a visit to Slovenia. Within the scope of the Nevada Global Trade and Education Mission, the American delegation also visited Poland, Croatia, and the Czech Republic.

State Secretary Matej Marn attended an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers (Gymnich) in Zagreb. During discussions, the ministers assessed the current situation and focused on the expected development of EU's relations with Russia and Turkey.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the agreements signed between the United States and Afghanistan and between the United States and the Taliban today on launching dialogue between the parties to the conflict in Afghanistan to achieve a lasting peace. A firm agreement leading to a lasting peace and stability for the people of Afghanistan may only be reached through the full engagement of both sides in an inclusive dialogue aimed at finding a compromise solution.

Slovenia is deeply concerned about the Israeli plans to expand their settlements in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, and to develop the E1 area. If implemented, this decision would seriously damage the prospect of resolving the issue through negotiation and establishing the state of Palestine, and Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

Today the OECD launched the AI Policy Observatory which will present an inclusive online platform for sharing and shaping AI policies. The OECD Observatory aims to help countries to enable and monitor the responsible development of trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for the benefit of the society.

Slovenia has allocated a humanitarian contribution in the amount of EUR 50,000 to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The funds will be used to help meet the humanitarian needs of refugees and the internally displaced population in Syria. With this contribution, Slovenia fully honoured its commitment from the ministerial conference on supporting the future of Syria and the region held in Brussels in March 2019.

State Secretary Matej Marn is attending the high-level segment of today’s 43rd UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva. In his address, he stated that a group of countries, led by Slovenia, intends to open a discussion to declare the right to a healthy environment at the global level. During his visit, he also addressed the Conference on Disarmament and met the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, the President of the Human Rights Council and the Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva.