State Secretary Dr Raščan's talks with European Commissioner for International Partnerships

3. 9. 2021

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

State Secretary Dr Stanislav Raščan met with Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, on the margins of the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers (Gymnich). In the context of current developments, State Secretary Dr Raščan and European Commissioner Urpilainen focused on the situation in Afghanistan, the development aspects of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the equitable distribution of vaccines.

State Secretary Raščan and European Commissioner Urpilainen | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje zadeve

State Secretary Raščan, also acting as Minister for Development Cooperation, exchanged views with Commissioner Urpilainen on the situation in Afghanistan. The two agreed that a safe evacuation of the remaining EU citizens and local Afghan personnel, including the provision of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan must remain a priority. At the same time, it is vital to continue providing development assistance to the region, especially to vulnerable groups, including through the ‘Team Europe’ initiatives.

The two high officials also discussed the pandemic impacts on development and the equitable distribution of vaccines. Slovenia has been actively involved in efforts to help the countries in need. As a result, Slovenia has decided already in July to contribute EUR 500,000 to COVAX AMC for this year and the next. Slovenia has also responded to bilateral requests for a donation of vaccines and medicines. So far, 450,000 units of vaccines have been donated, placing Slovenia at the top of the world’s population in terms of donated doses per capita.