Minister Fajon’s speech at the beginning of the third year of the Diplomatic Academy
At the outset, Minister Fajon expressed her satisfaction at the start of the new academic year of the Ministry’s Diplomatic Academy. For the third year in a row, the Academy is implementing a rich training program for future Slovenian diplomats, as well as for already employed diplomats. “It is important that our young people, as well as our more experienced personnel, understand through the Diplomatic Academy what diplomats are, who they work for and how they work – diplomacy is in the service of the state,” she emphasized.
In the context of current foreign policy issues, she focused on the changed global security environment with an emphasis on the war in Ukraine and its consequences for both Slovenia and its immediate neighborhood. “There are challenging weeks and months ahead of us, which require the coordinated operation of Slovenian diplomacy and the appropriate adjustment of foreign policy priorities. The Ministry consequently intends to revise the Strategy of Slovenian Foreign Policy to reflect the new priorities. The work will be completed by the end of the year,” Minister Fajon explained to the participants. gathered in the Boris Pahor hall or present via audio-video connection from all over the world.
In her address, the minister also touched on Slovenia’s candidacy for a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the mandate period 2024-2025, which is a strategic priority. “Candidacy is our joint project and responsibility. Therefore, it is crucial that we cooperate,” said the minister.
Minister Fajon also emphasized the importance of strengthening economic diplomacy and increasing the number of economic advisors. “Economy, culture, sports and foreign policy work hand in hand to build the image of Slovenia abroad and thereby co-create trust in the country and its attractiveness for foreign investors,” added the minister.
She called on all employees of the ministry to contact her with ideas and suggestions, initiatives, as well as problems, as she wants everyone to work as a team for the good of Slovenia.