News

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs hosted consultations on economic diplomacy, bringing together economic advisers from Slovenian diplomatic and consular missions worldwide. These advisers work to strengthen economic cooperation between Slovenia and their respective host countries.

At the fourth Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit in Odesa, Minister Tanja Fajon emphasised the urgent need for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, as well as the importance of securing a just and lasting peace. "A peace firmly rooted in the principles of the UN Charter. A peace that is acceptable to Ukraine. We will continue to work with Ukraine and our partners to achieve such a peace."

On her first visit to the Republic of Moldova since taking office, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, spoke with the representatives of the country in Chisinau about strengthening the positive relations between the two countries and the potential for improving economic cooperation, as both sides have expressed interest in this. Minister Fajon expressed her support for Moldova's efforts on its path towards the European Union.

The conference titled “Artificial intelligence - new trends in development and challenges for Slovenia" was held at Jablje Castle. The focus was on the rapidly developing trends and complex challenges that position artificial intelligence (AI) in all societal domains – from public administration and the economy to education, new models of behaviour and organisation, as well as current issues of ethical use, hybrid protection, security and defence.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Embassy of Ukraine to the Republic of Slovenia, the Bled Strategic Forum organised a discussion entitled Lost childhoods, unwavering courage and hope for a bright future: Three years of Ukrainian resilience, in Ljubljana. The event was opened by the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Slovenia, H.E. Petro Beshta.

Today, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon met with three representatives of the Mothers of Srebrenica movement, who are being hosted by the President of the Republic, Nataša Pirc Musar, on their visit to Slovenia. The purpose of the meeting was to reiterate Slovenia's support for the movement and the memory of the Srebrenica genocide in light of this year's 30th anniversary, which will be commemorated on 11 July.

Today, State Secretary Marko Štucin hosted the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Eduard Hulicius, in Strunjan. In addition to bilateral relations, they focused on topical European and international issues. Slovenia and the Czech Republic enjoy friendly relations and, as like-minded countries on many issues, they have well-established political cooperation.

Slovenia firmly supports the moratorium on deep-sea mining in keeping with its commitment to environmental sustainability and international legal obligations. In order to ensure the protection of marine ecosystems and the preservation of the common heritage of humankind, all decisions relating to the exploitation of deep-sea resources must be based on the precautionary principle.

On the sidelines of the official visit of Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar to Ethiopia, State Secretary Marko Štucin held political consultations with the Ethiopian State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hadera Abera, in Addis Ababa. During the meeting, they called for closer bilateral relations and stronger economic and development cooperation.

On this day, Slovenia, by recognising Palestine as an independent and sovereign state, sent a clear signal about the need to reinstate peace in the Middle East and implement the two-state solution, in the hope that other countries would follow suit. A responsible member of the EU and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Slovenia strives for immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid in the region.

During her visit to Madagascar, President Nataša Pirc Musar, in the presence of the President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina, inaugurated a new primary school in Bemasoandro, a suburb of Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, built with the support of Slovenia.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, together with the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, organised a forum "Translating Policy into Practice – Slovenia and Kenya Empowering Communities, Protecting Ecosystems, Fostering Peace". During her state visit to Kenya, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Nataša Pirc Musar, inaugurated the event in her introductory address.

State Secretary Marko Štucin received the Deputy Governor of Styria, Manuela Khom. During the meeting, the State Secretary spoke favourably of the halt of the procedure for the constitutional amendment in the Provincial Government of Styria. The amendments included the addition of the controversial Styrian anthem, which mentions the Slovenian territory.

The Forum of Slovenian-Ukrainian cooperation: Strengthening Partnership for Recovery and Rebuilding is taking place on 28–30 May in the Ukrainian city of Lviv, as part of the "U-LEAD with Europe" programme. The Forum brings together mayors and representatives of local governments, as well as political representatives and development experts from both countries.

State Secretary Dr Melita Gabrič took part in the leading international forum in the Asia-Pacific region, which was held on the South Korean island of Jeju. During her visit to the Republic of Korea, Dr Gabrič participated in political consultations with the Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Chung Byung-won.

One year after the official recognition of the State of Palestine by Ireland, Norway, Slovenia and Spain, in the framework of the ‘Madrid+’ Group of the meeting, we have met to renew and reinforce the international commitment for the implementation of the two-State solution and to the principle that only a viable, contiguous Palestinian State, with internationally recognised borders, comprised of Gaza and the West Bank and with East Jerusalem as its capital, can fully satisfy the legitimate national aspirations and the needs of peace and security of both the people of Palestine and Israel.

During her visit, Minister Fajon held talks with Minister Juraj Blanár, focusing primarily on opportunities for strengthening economic cooperation and the need for EU enlargement to the Western Balkans, as well as accelerating the enlargement process. Current international issues and Slovenia's experience as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council were also discussed.

State Secretary Marko Štucin participated in the General Affairs Council (GAC) meeting. European Foreign Affairs Ministers discussed the agenda for the European Council meeting in June and the proposal of including Catalan, Basque and Galician in the regulation governing the EU's language regime. The Council also held a hearing with Hungary regarding its adherence to the EU’s fundamental values, as well as the annual country-specific discussion on rule of law, covering Slovakia, Finland, Sweden and Belgium.

State Secretary Marko Štucin took part in a panel discussion entitled "The EU's involvement in the Eastern Neighbourhood", held as part of the Yerevan Dialogue in Armenia. In his address, he stressed the importance of maintaining positive relations with Eastern Partnership countries as a key element of broader EU security. Positive relations in the region contribute to economic stability and improved connectivity with the EU.

State Secretary Dr Melita Gabrič attended the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in its Development configuration, focusing on financing for development, EU-Africa relations and the EU's external action post-2027. She called highlighted a joint letter by 16 EU Member States addressed to the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, calling for an enhanced role for SMEs within the Global Gateway strategy.