Tone Kajzer

Tone Kajzer (born on 9 July 1966 in Slovenj Gradec) holds degrees in geodesy and economics and a specialisation in international relations. He began his career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1995. From 1996 to 2000, he served at the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Egypt. Following his return to Ljubljana, he held several senior positions before being appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Finland and Estonia, where he served from 2000 to 2012. From 2013 to 2018, he served as Ambassador to Denmark and the Nordic countries, focusing particularly on economic diplomacy and expanding the network of honorary consuls. He coordinated the digital transformation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, served as State Secretary in both the Prime Minister's Office and at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the United States from 2020 to 2022, with non-resident accreditation to Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica.

Tone Kajzer has over 30 years of experience in the diplomatic service. Throughout his diplomatic career, he has held key positions in bilateral relations, international development cooperation, EU affairs and regional stability, including work on unresolved bilateral issues with Croatia. His ambassadorial postings in Egypt, Finland and Estonia, as well as his role in Denmark where he was responsible for the Nordic countries, have given him a profound understanding of European and transatlantic dynamics, as well as extensive relationship-building skills in complex geopolitical environments. As Ambassador to the United States, he strengthened the transatlantic partnership and strategic dialogue with the United States, played an active role in Slovenia's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and promoted Slovenia's economic interests. His service as State Secretary, his coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' digital transformation, and his expertise in economics and international relations provide a strong foundation for leadership in foreign policy. These experiences have given him the expertise, perspective and strategic insight required to address contemporary global challenges, including security, trade and multilateral diplomacy. His practical experience, operational expertise and extensive network of contacts establish him as one of Slovenia's most experienced diplomats.