Minister Tone Kajzer presents the objectives of Slovenian diplomacy to staff

Minister Kajzer addressing the staff | Author MZEZ

The Minister underlined that, in a time of an increasingly complex geopolitical situation, Slovenian foreign policy will focus primarily on strengthening national security and protecting the country's interests, while respecting the values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. He emphasised the importance of a strong, competitive and geopolitically confident European Union and of close cooperation within NATO.

"My wish is for our work to be substantive, results-oriented and most importantly, in the national interest of our homeland," Minister Kajzer highlighted in his speech.

He drew particular attention to the support for Ukraine, further EU enlargement, strengthening relations with neighbouring and other Central European countries, as well as the development of economic diplomacy. He also announced further integration of economic diplomacy with development cooperation and underlined the importance of geoeconomic issues for Slovenia's future development.

He stressed that foreign policy requires continuity and effective multilateralism, especially in the case of smaller countries, for which a predictable and functioning international order is crucial. In this context, Slovenia will continue to strongly support Ukraine, where Russian aggression has been ongoing for more than four years. Likewise, it remains committed to a just peace in the Middle East and will, through quiet diplomacy, continue to strengthen calls for restraint and full respect for international humanitarian law, with particular emphasis on the safety of innocent civilians.

The Minister thanked the staff for their commitment and professionalism in Slovenia, as well as at diplomatic missions and consular posts abroad. He emphasised the crucial role of the Consular Department in assisting Slovenian citizens in crisis situations and welcomed the improvements in the digitalisation of consular services.

The Minister concluded his address by expressing his wish for the Ministry to function on the basis of cooperation, overcoming organisational boundaries between specific areas and to focus on concrete results in the interests of the Republic of Slovenia and its people.