Minister Fajon: The EU and the Indo-Pacific are stronger together

SLOVENIA, November 21 - Minister Fajon spoke in a round table discussion on shared prosperity, economic security and digital connectivity, all of which, she noted, are closely linked to overall security. "Disruptions caused by economic shocks, natural disasters, climate change or the sabotage of critical digital infrastructure in one region inevitably affect the other. These geopolitical trends demand closer collaboration to secure long-term economic prosperity, sustainable growth for all and a shared digital future. Our two regions are natural partners, representing more than one half of the world's population," she said. She stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation to reduce vulnerabilities in supply chains, particularly in relation to critical raw materials. "Governments have a responsibility to provide a stable and predictable environment for businesses," she added.

Minister Fajon highlighted several key Slovenian initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as the comparative advantages of the Slovenian economy. “Slovenia may not be the largest partner in the region, but it offers expertise and innovation,” she explained. She pointed to opportunities for cooperation in hydrogen technologies and artificial intelligence, and drew attention to the mapping projects for the Sava and Ganges river basins. She emphasised that, amid geopolitical turmoil, the EU remains a stable and reliable partner. “The protection and promotion of human rights, multilateralism and respect for international law – particularly the UN Charter – are inseparable from efforts to ensure a stable and secure future.”

On the margins of the Ministerial Forum, Minister Fajon held bilateral meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Laos, Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Thongsavanh Phomvihane respectively, and signed memorandums of understanding on bilateral consultations with both. These agreements provide a framework for regular dialogue on opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation and to exchange views on regional and international issues. Following the conclusion of Slovenia’s term on the UN Security Council at the end of this year, both Slovenia and Pakistan will serve on the UN Human Rights Council from 1 January 2026.