Minister Logar and Japanese Minister Motegi on enhancing economic cooperation

30. 4. 2021

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anže Logar hosted his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi on an official visit aimed at strengthening friendly relations and deepening political dialogue between the two countries. The visit also places great emphasis on the priorities of the Slovenian EU Council Presidency in the second half of 2021.

ministers are standing in front of the flags and saying hello with their elbows — Minister Logar and Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi | Author Tamino Petelinšek, STA

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The ministers agreed that relations between the two countries are excellent, noting the great potential to step up economic cooperation. In the strategic sense, Japan is considered one of the major trading partners and investors within the National Programme for the Promotion of Investment and Internationalisation of the Slovenian Economy 2020–2024. Slovenia sees opportunities particularly in the high-technology sector, and the automotive and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in renewable energy resources, artificial intelligence, tourism, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Minister Logar noted that “All ongoing Japanese investments in Slovenia have proved to be very beneficial for both sides, which is why we hope our cooperation will strengthen in the future,” while Minister Motegi expressed a keen interest in finding new investment opportunities in all areas of mutual interest.

Minister Logar also apprised the Japanese Foreign Minister of the priorities of the upcoming Slovenian EU Council Presidency and expressed satisfaction with the two countries placing great importance on cybersecurity, which will be one of the priorities of the Slovenian presidency.

They devoted special attention to cooperation between their two countries in the Western Balkans, and positively evaluated the Japanese contribution to the demining projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the ITF Enhancing Human Security organisation, which has helped clear an area of 2.68 km².

Ministers Logar and Motegi went on to discuss the Indo-Pacific region. They agreed that Slovenia and Japan share similar values and promote international order based on the rule of law, including maritime law, tramp trade, open and fair trade environment, investments, reciprocity, building resilience, and supporting connectivity. “These values and principles are essential for Slovenia and the Port of Koper. In this respect, our wish is to continue the bilateral dialogue,” emphasised Minister Logar.

The Japanese Minister also met with Slovenian President Borut Pahor and Prime Minister Janez Janša.