Minister Tanja Fajon signs an Action Plan with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
![turkish and slovenian minister, handshake](/assets/ministrstva/MZEZ/Fotografije/dogodki/2024/AVGUST/30_8_24-6__FitWzk4MCw5ODAsImM2MzU4ODI0NDQiXQ.jpg)
Minister Tanja Fajon recevied Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan | Author Ministrstvo za zuannje in evropske zadeve
During their talks, the two ministers expressed their satisfaction with the good relations between the two friendly countries and explored ways to further strengthen them. Cooperation between Slovenia and Türkiye is based on the Strategic Partnership concluded in 2011, which includes regular meetings at the highest level, political consultations, meetings of the Joint Economic Commission and Slovenia's commitment to support Türkiye in the EU accession process.
The two ministers signed an Action Plan for the next three years, which is the implementing act of the Strategic Partnership and the first of its kind. "Activities between the two countries are intensifying in a number of areas, especially in the economic field, where trade in goods is growing and Turkish companies are increasingly present on the Slovenian market. Cooperation in culture, education and other areas is also intensifying," said Minister Fajon.
Fajon and Fidan exchanged views on the development of EU-Türkiye relations, with the Minister underlining that Türkiye remains an important EU partner and candidate country. "Slovenia supports the proposal to start negotiations on upgrading the mutually beneficial Customs Union. Our approach to visa facilitation for Turkish citizens, which is a first step towards full visa liberalisation that will facilitate people-to-people contacts, is also positive," Minister Fajon explained. Within the EU, Slovenia underlines the importance of maintaining a regular and open dialogue with Türkiye and is committed to charting a way forward in the development of relations. In this context, Fajon welcomed the participation of her Turkish counterpart in yesterday's informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.
The two ministers focused on regional and global issues. Minister Fajon underlined Slovenia's support for EU enlargement and Slovenia's view that more needs to be done to speed up the process. The two ministers discussed two global crises – in Ukraine and in the Middle East. Minister Fidan thanked Slovenia for its active role in the international community in seeking a solution to the Gaza war, while Minister Fajon thanked her Turkish counterpart for the humanitarian aid provided in Gaza.
Minister Fajon also strongly condemned Israel's attacks in Gaza and the killing of innocent civilians, and called for an immediate ceasefire, additional humanitarian aid and the release of hostages. "Slovenia supports a concrete and time-bound peace plan that guarantees Israel's security and establishes a Palestinian state. We will make diplomatic efforts to persuade more countries to recognise Palestine," stressed Fajon.
In the context of multilateral cooperation, Ms Fajon underlined that Slovenia is a strong supporter of multilateralism, with the United Nations at its core, and of transparent and effective work in multilateral organisations. She outlined Slovenia's priorities during the 79th UN General Assembly and the Slovenian Presidency of the UN Security Council, which will take place in September, the UN's busiest month.