Minister Fajon in Vienna for consistent protection of the Slovenian national minority in Austria

The ministers reviewed opportunities for deepening bilateral cooperation in areas of common interest. "When we first met, we established a genuine contact and had an in-depth and constructive discussion on how to further strengthen the ties between Slovenia and Austria, two friendly, neighbouring countries. Our intensive political dialogue and close cooperation in many areas are based on historical and cultural links that we value and cherish," said Minister Fajon.  

Austria is one of Slovenia's most important trading partners and Austrian companies are the largest foreign direct investors in the Slovenian economy. In recent years, the number of Austrian tourists visiting Slovenia has been on the increase.

In her talks with the Austrian Foreign Minister, Minister Fajon advocated consistent implementation of the rights of the Slovenian minority in Carinthia and Styria. “With the approaching 70th anniversary of the Austrian State Treaty, which in Article 7 also defines the rights of the Slovenian minority, I see an opportunity to jointly strengthen the protection of the Slovenian minority and thus support it,” said the Minister. She also expressed her satisfaction that the new Austrian Federal Government is aware of the great importance of quality bilingual education as one of the foundations for the preservation of the language and the survival of the minority and has also stated this in the Coalition Agreement.

"Quality education in the minority language is fundamental for the preservation of the language and the future of the minority. We would like to see bilingual education and training throughout schooling, from pre-school to the end of secondary education," she said, adding that she had suggested to the Austrian Minister that the new government complete the judicial reform in Carinthia, which would allow all members of the Slovenian minority to use the Slovenian language in courts in the entire settlement area.  

The two ministers reaffirmed their common position and willingness to work together on the Western Balkans region and the European future of the countries of the region. "For Slovenia and Austria, stable and pro-European Western Balkans can be a guarantee of our security. I can assure you that Slovenia will continue to be a vocal supporter of the full membership of the Western Balkan countries in the European Union and stands ready to continue to offer its assistance," said Minister Fajon. Slovenia cooperates closely with Austria in this regard, both through joint initiatives in discussions among EU Member States and in regular dialogue with colleagues from the region. The work of the Group of Friends of the Western Balkans, which was established two years ago on the initiative of the Austrian Foreign Ministry, has particular value. "Together with Austria, we are committed to a more efficient, predictable, credible, dynamic and accelerated enlargement process. Slovenia wants to see new members joining the EU by 2030 and we are particularly keen to see progress in the Western Balkans," said Minister Fajon.  

The Slovenian and Austrian Foreign Ministers exchanged views on current international developments and reaffirmed their joint commitment to multilateralism, respect for international law and the pursuit of peace in the world. "It is in Slovenia's interest that the European Union responds to challenges together, in a united manner. Together and with a united voice, we are stronger. A stable situation in Europe's neighbourhood and in the world is also important for our security and stability," said Minister Fajon.

During their talks, they also touched upon the challenges in the area of migration and border control. Slovenia remains a strong supporter of a fully functioning Schengen area and would like to see a return to open borders, without border controls, as soon as possible. 

After their talks, the Ministers viewed the exhibition of Slovenian art at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries ‘The World in Colors’ at the Belvedere Gallery in Vienna.