History and Overview

On 1 October 2007, the Republic of Slovenia opened the Representative Office to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, primarily in order to bring balance to Slovenia’s presence in the Middle East, and also in view of the groundwork for Slovenia’s presidency of the Council of the EU, which it held in the first half of 2008.

The Office’s activities are essential for impartial and balanced shaping of positions on Middle East issues. Additionally, the establishment of this diplomatic mission has been a significant contribution to the strengthening of relations between Slovenia and Palestine as regards political contacts, humanitarian aid, and education.

At its 40^th regular session held on 9 January 2014, the Slovenian government confirmed the changed status of the Representative Office of the Republic of Slovenia to the Palestinian Authority becoming the Office of Republic of Slovenia in Palestine.

The Office has developed a network of contacts, which is invaluable for determining the actual situation on the ground, boosting the cooperation between Slovenia and Palestine, implementing bilateral, namely humanitarian projects, actively co-shaping EU policy, and consolidating the existing partnership in education.

Palestine covers Slovenia from the representative office in Vienna (non-residential Ambassador Salah Abdel Shafi presented his credential letters to the President of the RS on 15 October 2014).