Japan-Slovenia Relations
Foreign Minister MOTEGI Visits Slovenia
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia
President of the Republic of Slovenia
Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia
On April 30, commencing at 9:48 a.m. (local time; on April 30, 4:48 p.m. JST) for 50 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Slovenia, held a foreign ministers’ meeting with H.E. Dr. Anže LOGAR, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.
On the same day, commencing at 11:00 a.m. (6:00 p.m. JST) for 40 minutes, Minister Motegi paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Janez JANŠA, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, and commencing at 11:42 a.m. (6:42 p.m. JST) for 30 minutes, H.E. Mr. Borut PAHOR, President of the Republic of Slovenia.
On the same day, commencing at 12:26 p.m. (7:26 p.m. JST) for 90 minutes, Minister Motegi held the second foreign ministers' meeting with Foreign Minister Logar.
The overview of these meetings is as follows.
- Minister Motegi stated that he attaches great importance to cooperation with Slovenia, which will assume the Presidency of the Concil of the European Union during the latter half of this year, as a partner with which Japan shares fundamental values and principles. Slovenia side welcomed Minister Motegi's first visit and praised the recent active high-level exchanges and Japanese companies’ investment in Slovenia, including in the field of advanced technology. Slovenia side expressed the hope for further development of bilateral relations including economic ties. Both sides shared the views to further develop their relationship including cooperation on Society 5.0 and cyber security based on this visit and in view of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
- Minister Motegi mentioned Japan’s support for the European integration of the West Balkans based on the "Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative." He stated that he would like to strengthen cooperation with Slovenia, which is adjacent to and has extensive knowledge of the region. Both sides shared their view to continue their cooperation toward the integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union.
- Regarding Japan-EU cooperation, Minister Motegi explained the concept of the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" and welcomed the recent publication of the EU’s "Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific." He stated that he would like to work closely with Slovenia in light of the Presidency of the EU Council, which Slovenia will assume, on formulating "Joint Communication" that the EU is planning to develop by September. Slovenia side welcomed and supported the remark. Furthermore, they confirmed a common view to promote Japan-EU cooperation in such areas as the response to COVID-19, resilient supply chains, and climate change, all of which Slovenia will be focusing on as the Council Presidency of the EU during the latter half of this year.
- They also exchanged views on the situation in East Asia, such as China and North Korea. Minister Motegi expressed serious concern about the continued and strengthened unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas, including the Coast Guard Law. Together they expressed the importance of strengthening the unity of like-minded countries sharing basic values to preserve and reinforce a free and open international order founded on the rule of law. Both sides confirmed their support for the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions for the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantling (CVID) of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles in North Korea. Minister Motegi asked for understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue and gained the support of Slovenia.
- Slovenia side expressed his support for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games and intentions to make high-level visits to Japan.