Slovenia and China seek to strengthen trade and friendly relations

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Minister Tanja Fajon hosting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on an official visit

Minister Tanja Fajon hosting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on an official visit Minister Tanja Fajon hosting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on an official visit Minister Tanja Fajon hosting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on an official visit Minister Tanja Fajon hosting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on an official visit Minister Tanja Fajon shaking hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

During her talks with Minister Wang Yi, Minister Tanja Fajon expressed her satisfaction with the positive relations between Slovenia and China, as evidenced by numerous high-level exchanges. She emphasised the significance of the Chinese Foreign Minister's visit in the context of joint efforts within the United Nations Security Council. "The Minister and I agreed that multilateralism in general, and the UN in particular, are under immense pressure. The world is witnessing unprecedented violations of international law, especially international humanitarian law and human rights, as we are reminded daily by the situation in Gaza. We must work together to ensure that multilateralism remains the cornerstone of the international order, and that international law does not become a dead letter. Within the Security Council, Slovenia has demonstrated a principled stance, which has also been recognised by China," said Minister Fajon.

Minister Wang's visit to Slovenia focused on bilateral cooperation. Minister Fajon presented several opportunities that Slovenia identified for enhanced economic engagement with China. "China is currently our fifth-largest trading partner, which shows the increasing importance of our economic relations, including connectivity through the Port of Koper," she said. She also highlighted several key considerations for Slovenian companies operating in or trading with China, particularly in light of new export control regimes concerning metals and rare earth elements: "For some Slovenian companies, the uninterrupted supply of rare earth metals from China is essential. It is therefore imperative to maintain mutual trust and to seek mutually beneficial systemic solutions. Slovenia would also like to achieve greater balance in trade relations with China and believes that there is strong potential to introduce more Slovenian products to the Chinese market."

In 2024, a total of 5,006 Slovenian importers and 468 Slovenian exporters engaged in trade with China. Slovenia's principal exports included medical devices, plastic products, timber, polyamides and mechanical and automotive components. Imports from China largely comprised heterocyclic compounds for the pharmaceutical industry, telecommunications equipment, transmitters, receivers, cameras and photovoltaic modules. Since 2018, bilateral trade has grown significantly, reaching a total value of EUR 7.3 billion in 2024, making China Slovenia's fifth-largest trading partner (24th for exports and 3rd for imports). Exports from Slovenia to China amounted to EUR 275 million, representing a 6% increase over 2023, while imports from China totalled EUR 7 billion, a 5% decrease from the previous year. The Port of Koper remains a key hub for trade flows across Central Europe.

Ministers Fajon and Wang Yi also addressed relations between China and the European Union, agreeing on the shared interest in maintaining stable and constructive engagement. "As an EU member state, Slovenia will continue to work actively towards this objective," Minister Fajon affirmed.

On the topic of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Minister Fajon remarked, "We hope that China will use its influence on Russia to bring an end to the hostilities and to encourage genuine negotiations aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace."

The two ministers also discussed human rights. Although Slovenia and China hold diverging views on this issue, both sides expressed a willingness to continue dialogue and to seek common ground in addressing global challenges.