Minister Fajon visits the Gulf: Lessons from wars in former Yugoslavia could be applied to post-war Gaza

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Second High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation between the EU and the GCC | Author MZEZ

Second High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation between the EU and the GCC Second High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation between the EU and the GCC Minister Fajon in a meeting with GCC Secretary-General Ministrica Fajon na dvostranskem srečanju z zunanjim ministrom Kuvajta Minister Fajon in a meeting with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister EU-GCC Ministerial Meeting Minister Fajon meeting with Slovenians living in Kuwait

"Regional security requires cooperation," Minister Fajon stressed during two days of meetings in the Gulf between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). She emphasised that there can be no security without cooperation between the EU and the Gulf states, nor any prospect of peace without respect for international law.

She noted that "Slovenia is strengthening its cooperation and trust with states that uphold the principles of international law and the UN Charter." Minister Fajon once again called on the EU and the Gulf states to join efforts to bring an immediate end to the war in Gaza.

The Minister expressed hope for progress in implementing the peace plan and in the ongoing talks in Cairo. During the Ministerial Meeting, she reflected on the horrors of the wars in the former Yugoslavia and the subsequent role of the international community in helping to restore peace and stability in the region. "The lessons learned from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo could serve as a foundation for shaping an international framework after the war in Gaza ends," she said. "Some of these elements could certainly inspire solutions for the post-war settlement in Gaza. I am convinced that any peace agreement can only succeed with a carefully designed, tailor-made strategy and plan." She added that the window of opportunity for peace must be seized now and that the international community must act in a unified and coordinated way.

Slovenia firmly believes that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace: two democratic, sovereign and viable states living side by side in peace and security. However, three fundamental conditions must be met to make this vision a reality: a permanent and unconditional ceasefire, urgent humanitarian assistance and a credible and reformed Palestinian Authority. Minister Fajon stressed that Slovenia, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, will continue to act in a principled, responsible and determined manner when seeking peaceful solutions to conflicts worldwide.

The GCC is composed of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Kuwait is holding the Presidency in 2025 and hosted the 29th Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting. In addition to the conflict in Gaza, the Ministerial Meeting and Forum addressed the situation in Ukraine, developments concerning Iran and security issues in the Red Sea.

On the margins of the EU-GCC Ministerial Meeting, Minister Fajon held bilateral talks with GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi. They discussed progress in strengthening relations between the EU and the GCC, including steps towards a trade agreement and cooperation on regional security matters. The Secretary-General thanked Minister Fajon and Slovenia for their principled position and persistence in advocating for peace in Gaza.

The Slovenian delegation received similar words of gratitude from the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, with whom Minister Fajon discussed opportunities to enhance economic cooperation between Kuwait and Slovenia. They exchanged views on specific areas where both countries could benefit, noting that current economic ties remain modest, mainly limited to trade in goods and services. The two Ministers agreed that the time is right to take a step forward, with all channels of cooperation open on both sides.

During her visit to Kuwait, Minister Fajon also met with members of the Slovenian community who are living and working there.