"I had a comprehensive discussion with IAEA Director General, Mr Grossi, on the important work the Agency is doing at the moment, especially in Ukraine. Nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is crucial for regional and global security. Slovenia will continue to play a constructive role in this context and, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, contribute its experience in the field of nuclear security," assured Minister Fajon on the sidelines of the meeting. Director General Grossi expressed his satisfaction with Slovenia's willingness to engage on security aspects of nuclear facilities.

On the margins of the opening of the General Assembly session, Minister Fajon met with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine yesterday in New York and reiterated Slovenia's strong support for Ukraine. "The restoration of trust and the revival of global solidarity, which are the main themes of this year's General Assembly, are also prerequisites for achieving a lasting peace in Ukraine," she said at the end of the meeting.

She and her Ecuadorian counterpart, Gustavo Manrique Miranda, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, focused on the themes that will define our cooperation in the UN Security Council: climate, water management, peace and security, and artificial intelligence. "The Minister and I also signed a Memorandum on Enhanced Political Consultations between Slovenia and Ecuador, which paves the way for enhanced cooperation with this important partner in Latin America," said Minister Fajon following their meeting.

In the context of the trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Slovenia, Austria and Croatia with Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Enrique Manalo, the Minister announced that Slovenia is opening a Consulate General in Manila. "Due to workforce requirements, we are currently holding intensive talks with the Philippines to conclude appropriate bilateral agreements. This is an important step towards strengthening cooperation," said Ms Fajon. She and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Manalo also discussed the current geopolitical situation, with a focus on security in South-East Asia.

Minister Fajon also met with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, with whom she discussed future cooperation between Slovenia and Japan in the UN Security Council, which will further upgrade the existing positive bilateral cooperation. She also welcomed Japan's constructive cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency on the issue of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant water leak.