Slovenia and South Africa have traditionally enjoyed positive relations and share similar views on a number of important issues ranging from the rule of law to respect for human rights and democracy. Both countries are also committed to world peace and to active engagement in the fight against climate change. These are also the issues that Slovenia will champion as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

In her conversation with Minister Naledi Pandor, Minister Fajon expressed Slovenia's interest in strengthening cooperation, especially in the areas of the economy, science, artificial intelligence, digitalisation and green technologies. "Minister Pandor and I had a long and very substantive discussion. We agreed on a visit by a Slovenian business delegation and on concluding an agreement in the field of science as soon as possible. I am pleased to report that the volume of trade between Slovenia and South Africa increased by 33% in 2022 compared to 2021, reaching 92.6 million euros. The figures for 2023 are encouraging, as we have seen a growth of 5% in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2022. In addition to economic cooperation, working together through joint projects at the local level is also important. A good example of such efforts is the construction of a classroom, a library and a multi-purpose hall using environmentally friendly materials. The buildings were designed by students from the Faculty of Architecture Ljubljana in collaboration with local organisations in Johannesburg. These projects have immediate impact, strengthening ties between people and countries and helping to create a better world for all," said Minister Fajon.

Multilateral cooperation, with a focus on the UN Security Council, was also an important topic of discussion between the two ministers, with Minister Fajon outlining Slovenia's priorities and pointing out that we had applied to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council because we truly believe that effective multilateralism is the only way to ensure international peace and security. "As promised during our campaign for UN Security Council membership, Slovenia is ready to listen and to be heard. That is why the exchange of views with Minister Pandor on the situation in Africa, which accounts for almost 80% of the Security Council's discussions, was so valuable. I assured her that Slovenia would play a cohesive and constructive role and work to build trust – as promised. We also discussed the war in Ukraine, in particular the need to agree on the early resumption of grain exports from Ukraine, which are crucial for African countries," said Minister Fajon.

Minister Fajon went on to introduce the Africa Day conference, an event focusing on climate security and the challenges that require cooperation at the global level, which Slovenia is organising for the 12th time this year.

Prior to the visit to South Africa, the two ministers had met twice before, on the margins of the Raisina Dialogue conference in New Delhi and at the 78th UN General Assembly in New York, where they took part in a feminist foreign policy event.