News

UNESCO’s designation of 13 September as the International Day of Caves and Karst is a remarkable diplomatic achievement for Slovenia. It is the result of a successful diplomatic campaign spanning several years and a testament to the excellence of Slovenian karstology. The campaign was also a success thanks to the many years of outstanding work carried out by Slovenian scientists researching and protecting caves, karst and related phenomena.

During the Government's first 100 days, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has guided foreign policy according to the principle of "diplomacy in the service of the people". The focus has been on providing practical assistance to Slovenian citizens abroad, strengthening relations with neighbouring countries, creating new opportunities for the Slovenian economy and representing Slovenia's interests more actively both in Europe and around the world.

Tone Kajzer, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, made his first visit to the Vatican, where he met with senior representatives of the Holy See and the Sovereign Order of Malta. In Rome, he also visited the headquarters of the World Food Programme, where he emphasised Slovenia’s commitment to food security and development aid.

Tone Kajzer, the Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, hosted Gideon Sa'ar, the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs. This is the first visit to Slovenia by an Israeli foreign minister at this level in 16 years and reflects a renewed impetus for political and economic cooperation. The two ministers also signed the 2026–2030 Programme of Cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, youth and sport.

Minister Kajzer attended the ceremony to celebrate the completed restoration of the façade of the Church of the Virgin Mary at Gorca above Malečnik on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and delivered an address on the occasion. Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome and a close associate of Pope Leo XIV, was the guest of honour at the ceremony during his first visit to Slovenia.

Tone Kajzer, the Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, hosted a visit by his Croatian counterpart, Gordan Grlić Radman. The two ministers reaffirmed the close and friendly relations between the two countries and expressed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation and gradually resolving any outstanding issues. They also exchanged views on current foreign policy and security issues.

Minister Tone Kajzer participated in an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wicklow, Ireland. Hosted by the EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee, the meeting focused on Russian aggression against Ukraine, the strengthening of the EU’s external action and the situation in the Middle East.

State Secretary Stanislav Raščan took part in a panel discussion at the 21st Bled Strategic Forum about economic cooperation between Europe and India. He also held several bilateral meetings.

At the close of the 21st Bled Strategic Forum, Minister Tone Kajzer shared his thoughts: “This year's Forum was my first in this role, so I am particularly pleased that we were able to bring together in Bled such a wide range of political, business and academic leaders – people who actively help to shape the future through their work, rather than just reflecting on it.”

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer is hosting the 21st Bled Strategic Forum entitled The Power to Shape the Future. In his welcome address, he emphasised that Europe must play an active role in shaping its own future, take on greater responsibility for its own defence, maintain a strong transatlantic bond and remain true to its values while asserting its interests.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs hosted the 6th seminar for young diplomats from Eastern Partnership countries, attended by representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

Ahead of the Bled Strategic Forum, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer met with U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker for a working breakfast hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia H.E. Asel Roberts.

At the 30th Conference of Slovenian Ambassadors and on the 35th anniversary of Slovenia’s independence, Tone Kajzer, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, presented recognition awards to the Republic of Slovenia’s earliest representatives. These individuals had represented our country abroad even before it gained international recognition. Minister Kajzer thanked them for their role during one of the most crucial periods in Slovenia’s history as a state.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has nominated Prof. Dr Verica Trstenjak as a candidate for the office of European Union Special Representative for Human Rights, for the period from 1 September 2026 to 29 February 2028, and has instructed the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs to announce the nomination and take all necessary steps to secure support for it.

Tone Kajzer, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, is hosting the 30th Conference of Slovenian Ambassadors in Brdo pri Kranju. The two-day conference focuses on security, Slovenia’s position within the EU and economic diplomacy. Minister Kajzer’s key message is that diplomacy must represent Slovenia’s interests, open doors for the economy and serve Slovenian citizens.

World Humanitarian Day, celebrated on 19 August, provides an opportunity to honour humanitarian workers and show solidarity with people around the world whose lives are affected by humanitarian crises. On 19 August 2003, 22 humanitarian workers were killed in a bomb attack in Iraq. Five years later, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 63/139, designating 19 August as World Humanitarian Day.

To mark the national holiday commemorating the incorporation of Prekmurje and the reunification of the Prekmurje Slovenians with their mother nation, State Secretary Dr Stanislav Raščan attended the main ceremony in Velika Polana, which took place on the eve of the holiday. Prior to this, he attended a ceremony and wreath-laying at the monument to the national revivalist Jožef Klekl in Črenšovci.

This year, International Youth Day, which is celebrated on 12 August under the auspices of the United Nations, is being held under the theme Different Contexts, Common Aspirations. Despite the diverse life circumstances and challenges that young people face, the theme highlights that they are united by a shared aspiration for peace, dignity, opportunities, inclusion and the chance to play an active role in shaping the future.

Tone Kajzer, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, hosted his first guest in Slovenia: the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Orbán. The two neighbouring countries already cooperate successfully; however, there still remain many unexplored opportunities to further strengthen their partnership.

Tone Kajzer, Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, met Jean-Noël Barrot, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in Paris. As traditional allies and close partners within the European Union and NATO, Slovenia and France enjoy excellent bilateral relations, underpinned by their strategic partnership.