Minister Kajzer: “Diplomacy must first and foremost serve the people”
SLOVENIA, August 27 - “The world around us is changing rapidly and becoming less predictable. We must therefore have a clear understanding of what Slovenia’s interests are. We need a diplomacy that can respond to change and assert these interests confidently and effectively,” he emphasised in his opening address.
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, also addressed the heads of diplomatic missions and consular posts, stating, amongst other things: “Foreign policy can be neither feminist nor machistic, but only Slovenian.”
Security and Slovenia’s position in the EU
A significant part of the conference was devoted to the changing international security environment. Minister Kajzer emphasised the importance of Slovenia’s contribution to collective security, as well as the foundational role of NATO. Discussions also focused on Slovenia’s position within the EU and key European policies, particularly those affecting Slovenia’s security, competitiveness and resilience.
As part of the conference, Minister Kajzer hosted a working lunch with Zoran Stevanović, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, and Franc Breznik, Chair of the National Assembly’s Committee on Foreign Policy. They discussed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in achieving Slovenia’s foreign policy objectives.
“We place great value on parliamentary diplomacy, as it demonstrates to the outside world that we can overcome internal divisions when it comes to Slovenia’s security and fundamental national interests,” stated Minister Kajzer.
Economic diplomacy must open doors for Slovenian companies
One of the key topics of the conference was economic diplomacy. According to Minister Kajzer, it must be more closely linked to the country’s economic interests and contribute to the competitiveness of the Slovenian economy. “Diplomacy cannot be an end in itself. It must serve Slovenia’s interests, support our economy, and open doors for Slovenian companies in foreign markets. Economic diplomacy is therefore not just the responsibility of economic advisers, but of the entire diplomatic network,” he said.
This is also why, towards the end of the conference, there will be a special discussion on the Ministry’s cooperation with other government departments in supporting the economy, science and energy security. The Minister of Finance, Andrej Šircelj, will speak about the current state of Slovenia’s macroeconomics and public finances.
Diplomacy must first and foremost serve the people
Minister Kajzer expressed his special thanks to the consular staff who assist Slovenian citizens at home and abroad when they require consular assistance and protection. “You are proof that diplomacy is, first and foremost, in the service of the people. Through your dedicated work, you demonstrate this every day, often in challenging circumstances and at times when our citizens need help the most. For many, you are the first and most important face of our Ministry,” he said.
The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs adapted to reflect the new circumstances and foreign policy priorities of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia
The new organisational structure is more streamlined, with two new departments having been established: one focusing on Central Europe and the other on connectivity. The area of EU enlargement, including Ukraine, has been consolidated, and the link between development cooperation and economic diplomacy has been strengthened.
“We want a ministry and a network of diplomatic and consular missions that are prepared for the world in which we actually live, not the world we would like to see,” said Minister Kajzer.
The heads of diplomatic missions will summarise the conclusions of the regional conference, where they discussed relations with neighbouring countries and Central Europe, connectivity, transatlantic relations, Asia, the Western Balkans and current multilateral issues.
On the second day of the conference, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Nataša Pirc Musar, and the guest of honour, the Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Anita Orbán, will address the participants.
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