Joint statement on the strategic dialogue between Slovenia and the USA
Slovenia and the United States are connected by historical friendship, common values, strategic partnership and NATO. In December 2020, during the visit of Slovenian Foreign Minister Anže Logar to Washington, where the opening strategic dialogue between Slovenia and the USA took place, the two countries exchanged substantive dialogue on key issues of common interest. This dialogue provides the main framework for discussing strategic global and regional issues and areas of bilateral cooperation.
The two countries exchanged views on the latest developments in Eastern Europe and its neighborhood, including a joint condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unjustified, unprovoked war against Ukraine. Both countries reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the need for countries to respect their obligations under international law.
The second session took place at a time full of global challenges, including Russia’s current war against Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic. The dialogue emphasized the importance that both countries attach to bilateral cooperation and participation in multilateral fora in addressing issues affecting the security, prosperity and resilience of both countries.
The dialogue covered three main topics:
- global and regional security issues, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, cyber security, energy security and the fight against misinformation;
- multilateral cooperation; in
- cooperation on economic issues, the climate challenge and support for our common democratic values.
On global and regional security issues, in addition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the focus focused on the Western Balkans region, including the importance of maintaining a positive momentum in EU integration for eligible candidates, a shared commitment to BiH’s stability, sovereignty and territoriality. integrity; promoting the ongoing dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina; and new regional economic integration initiatives.
The discussion included reaffirming our commitment to mutual defense as members of NATO, the main forum for transatlantic cooperation and Euro-Atlantic security, and the importance of building the Alliance’s tools and capabilities to meet common security challenges.
Slovenia and the United States have a close partnership in international organizations, and the views of both countries on many issues are harmonized. The two countries reaffirmed their excellent cooperation in the field of human rights, the fight against corruption, the preservation of democratic values and the commitment to maintaining a rules-based international order. Slovenia presented its approach to facing the challenges of international peace and security in the framework of its candidacy for a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the term of office 2024-2025.
The discussion on other substantive issues also revealed a common understanding of the challenges and opportunities, in particular in the areas of improving cyber security and resilience, combating misinformation and combating climate change. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a framework for responsible behavior in cyberspace and a common interest in taking responsibility for states that act contrary to that framework and engage in disruptive, destructive or otherwise destabilizing behavior in cyberspace. In addition, the two sides agreed that the Three Seas Initiative could play an important geopolitical, economic and development role in the region. There remain many opportunities to strengthen our cooperation on economic issues, including energy security.
The parties decided that the next strategic dialogue will take place in Washington.