Minister Fajon: Cooperation between the EU and Latin American and Caribbean countries is the only natural choice

Minister Fajon at the 4th Summit of EU and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Leaders | Author MZEZ

"With a total population of over one billion, the EU and CELAC represent 14 per cent of the world's population, 21 per cent of global GDP and one-third of UN member states. We are brought together by shared values, such as the commitment to multilateralism and the green transition, as well as common challenges, such as ensuring the security of our citizens and climate change. Therefore, cooperation between the two regions that are linked by strong economic, social and cultural ties is the only natural choice," Minister Fajon said at the leaders' meeting. "Within the framework of EU cooperation with the region, Slovenia pays particular attention to the fields of digitalisation and artificial intelligence. As a member of the EU-LAC supercomputer network - with the VEGA supercomputer - Slovenia contributes to cooperation in the field of science and research," added Minister Fajon.

Slovenia has traditionally enjoyed excellent cooperation with the region in the multilateral field and its membership of the UN Security Council has further strengthened this partnership. Last year, we sat at the Security Council table alongside Ecuador and Guyana and this year, we are joined by Panama. In her speech at the Summit, the Minister supported the idea that a woman should take on the role of UN Secretary-General in the future. "This is our opportunity to send a strong message: women are key to solving the world's most pressing challenges. The Latin American and Caribbean region has many exceptional women who would be outstanding in this role," Minister Fajon emphasised.

In her address, the Minister underlined that Slovenia supports the free trade agreements between the EU and the South American trade bloc MERCOSUR and between the EU and Mexico, which will further deepen cooperation and open up new opportunities for trade, investment and sustainable development. "In this regard, it is essential for us that the agreement adequately addresses our concerns in the most sensitive areas - agriculture, the environment and climate," the Minister emphasised.

Later on, Minister Fajon will meet with the Foreign Ministers of the host countries Colombia, Peru, Chile, Costa Rica and Jamaica to discuss opportunities for enhancing both bilateral and multilateral cooperation.