During a recent visit to London, Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanja Fajon met with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation between Slovenia and the United Kingdom. The discussions highlighted shared democratic values and mutual interests in addressing international challenges, particularly in the context of the UN Security Council.
Key Takeaways
- Slovenia and the UK are committed to strengthening cooperation in various sectors, including science, research, and technology.
- Both countries emphasize the importance of security and stability in the Western Balkans.
- Minister Fajon advocates for a two-state solution in the Middle East and expresses concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
- The visit included discussions on youth exchanges and economic diplomacy.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Minister Fajon expressed Slovenia’s satisfaction with the positive trend in trade with the UK, which is Slovenia’s tenth largest foreign investor. She emphasized the potential for further collaboration in areas such as:
- Science and Research
- Digital Technologies
- Space Technologies
The meeting with Lammy also focused on current European and international issues, including the situations in the Western Balkans, the Middle East, and Ukraine. Both ministers agreed on the necessity of security and stability in the Western Balkans, with Fajon reiterating Slovenia’s strong support for EU enlargement in the region.
Focus on International Challenges
Fajon and Lammy discussed the deteriorating situation in Ukraine, with Fajon thanking the UK for organizing a special debate on the matter during its presidency of the UN Security Council. She stated, "Since the beginning of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, we have been working for a lasting and just peace in Ukraine based on the UN Charter."
In relation to the Middle East, Fajon expressed her concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the failure to adopt a Security Council resolution aimed at addressing the situation. She called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to refrain from actions that could worsen the crisis, advocating for a two-state solution as a pathway to peace.
Engaging with African Nations
During her visit, Minister Fajon also met with Nick Thomas-Symonds, Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations, where she highlighted the importance of high-level dialogue between the EU and the UK. She expressed a desire for enhanced youth exchanges through programs like Erasmus+.
Additionally, in a meeting with Lord Collins, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Africa, Fajon discussed the need for greater engagement with African countries in crisis response, sharing insights from her recent visit to the Horn of Africa.
Promoting Slovenian Excellence
Fajon also took the opportunity to meet with representatives from Slovenian companies and the VTIS Association, focusing on promoting Slovenian excellence abroad and the significance of economic diplomacy. The discussions aimed at improving cooperation and fostering stronger ties between Slovenian businesses and the UK market.
In recent years, Slovenia and the UK have made significant strides in strengthening their cooperation, both bilaterally and within international organizations. A joint statement of intent was signed in 2022 to enhance relations in various fields, including foreign and security policy, economy, science, education, and culture. Regular meetings at the level of political directors and ambassadors are scheduled to continue this momentum, with the next meeting planned for January 2025.
