At the invitation of the Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tanja Fajon, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, made a working visit to Ljubljana on 14 June 2022.
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Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs; Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia
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Jean Asselborn; Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia
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Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia; Jean Asselborn
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Jean Asselborn; Borut Pahor, President of Slovenia
The bilateral meeting with Minister Fajon, who took office on 1 June 2022, first focused on relations between Luxembourg and Slovenia, which are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year. The Ministers discussed bilateral issues of common interest, particularly in the field of economic cooperation, as well as cooperation between Slovenia and the Benelux countries, of which Luxembourg currently holds the Presidency.
Ministers Asselborn and Fajon then had an in-depth exchange of views on current European and international issues, which enabled Minister Fajon to present the priorities of the new Slovenian government.
In this context, the Ministers expressed a broad convergence of views on a number of European issues, including the importance of preserving the Schengen acquis and protecting freedom of movement within the EU. The importance of respect for the rule of law and freedom of the press was also emphasised by both ministers, as was the willingness to cooperate more closely in the field of migration in the future.
In the run-up to the European Council on 23-24 June 2022, the two ministers discussed the Russian aggression in Ukraine, the EU's joint response and ways to further support Ukraine, both bilaterally and at European level.
The working meeting also allowed for an in-depth discussion on the situation in the Western Balkans, including stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU accession process of Albania and Northern Macedonia. In this respect, Luxembourg and Slovenia share the view that the European Union and its Member States must finally assume their responsibility and move forward as soon as possible towards the opening of accession negotiations with Albania and Northern Macedonia.
In Ljubljana, the Minister was also received in audience by the President of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, which allowed for an exchange of views on bilateral relations and the latest international developments.
Press release by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs