Minister Kajzer: Slovenia and Italy share many common interests

Minister Tone Kajzer hosting Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on a bilateral visit. | Author UKOM/MZEZ

"For Slovenia, Italy is an important neighbour, a friendly country, a partner and an ally. I hope that we will build on what unites us, openly address the issues for which solutions are still needed and, above all, seek tangible results for our respective peoples and economies," said Minister Kajzer after the meeting.

The meeting took place in Nova Gorica, which carries particular symbolic significance. Together with Gorizia, Nova Gorica has become a model of successful cross-border cooperation in the context of the European Capital of Culture 2025. In this regard, Minister Kajzer stressed: "Nova Gorica and Gorizia have shown that a border is not necessarily a place of division. It can also be a place that brings us together, where people meet and new opportunities arise. This is the best illustration of relations between Slovenia and Italy."

The two ministers expressed their commitment to fostering regular political dialogue and practical cooperation between the two countries, particularly within the framework of trilateral cooperation in the northern Adriatic involving Slovenia, Italy and Croatia. All three countries share an interest in ensuring that the region is secure, stable and sustainably developed.

National communities as a bridge between the two countries

A significant part of the discussion focused on the situation of the Slovenian national minority in Italy and the Italian national community in Slovenia. "Our national communities are not merely a part of our relations - they are one of the vital bridges between our two countries. Caring for their situation and development also reflects the quality of our bilateral relations," the Minister highlighted.

Slovenia welcomes the increased funding that Italy has allocated for 2026 and 2027 to support the Slovenian national minority. At the same time, however, Slovenia expects to see further progress in the systematic resolution of outstanding issues, particularly with regard to ensuring the adequate political representation of the Slovenian national minority at regional and national levels. "As friends, we discuss outstanding issues openly and constructively. Our aim is not merely to talk about problems, but to find solutions together," the Minister emphasised.

Enhanced cooperation in areas where the greatest added value can be created

Italy remains one of Slovenia's most important economic partners. Last year, the value of bilateral trade in goods amounted to almost 10 billion euros, while trade in services reached almost 2 billion euros. "These figures clearly show the close links between our two economies. However, our goal should be more than simply increasing trade. We must go a step further and combine our knowledge, businesses and innovation in areas that generate the greatest added value," said Minister Kajzer.

Further opportunities for strengthening cooperation lie primarily in the fields of science and innovation, space, the automotive and defence industries, logistics, and food and wine production. Slovenia also supports the organisation of a joint economic and scientific event to further boost bilateral cooperation.

The ministers also discussed temporary border controls at internal Schengen borders and EU enlargement. Slovenia is striving for the Schengen Area to return to normal functioning while ensuring the effective protection of the EU's external borders. Regarding enlargement, the ministers underlined their shared strategic interest in a faster and more credible process, as well as in the European future of the Western Balkan countries, Ukraine and Moldova.

"Slovenia and Italy enjoy excellent relations and have many shared interests. As neighbours and friends, we are presented with a great opportunity to strengthen these ties and achieve tangible results for people on both sides of the border," concluded Minister Kajzer.