At the High-level Week in New York, Minister Fajon prioritised political solutions over military approaches

Minister Tanja Fajon | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve

Minister Fajon began the fourth day of the High-level Week with a meeting of the Informal Ministerial Network for the International Criminal Court (ICC). She called for political, diplomatic and financial support for the ICC, and emphasised the need to protect its independence and ensure its uninterrupted operation. She also advocated for the removal of sanctions against ICC judges and other employees, including Slovenian Judge Beti Hohler.

Minister Fajon also participated in an informal interactive dialogue on cooperation between the UN Security Council and the League of Arab States. Slovenia believes that sincere communication with Arab partners in light of the situation in the Middle East and the broader region is of crucial importance. During a discussion with members of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center think tank at the renowned Harvard Club, Minister Fajon stressed that the Security Council provides a platform for dialogue, and that conflicts and challenges should be resolved politically, rather than with military force.

Later in the day, she attended a ministerial meeting of countries that support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). She advocated for UNRWA to receive continued political and financial support, as it remains a lifeline for Palestinians and forms the basis of the humanitarian response in Gaza and the wider regional development. On the previous day, at an event of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, Minister Fajon announced that Slovenia will join the Emergency Coalition for the Financial Sustainability of the Palestinian Authority. "This is a crucial step on the path towards peace and an expression of international commitment to implementing the two-state solution. Therefore, we need a lasting and unconditional ceasefire, a credible and legitimate Palestinian Authority and humanitarian aid delivered to Gaza on a scale matching that of the catastrophe." The Minister also warned that Hamas must not determine Palestine's future.

Minister Tanja Fajon hosting a reception for women leaders | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve

Minister Fajon has traditionally participated in the debate on the Western Balkans. This year, the debate was hosted by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani as part of the Friends of the Western Balkans group. Minister Fajon reiterated Slovenia's support for the earliest possible EU enlargement. "The process needs to be accelerated and made more effective, but this cannot be done at the expense of lowering EU standards. It is up to the countries in the region to demonstrate their commitment, including by resolving outstanding issues."

At the end of the week, Minister Fajon and the Foreign Ministers of Liechtenstein and Sweden hosted a reception for women leaders: "As women in leadership positions, we seize every opportunity and use every contact and network - formal or informal - to bring different perspectives and experiences to discussions that can change the world." She added: "I am pleased that, at the initiative of Canada and Jamaica, Slovenia was among the founding members of the informal network of women foreign ministers. The strength of a country's voice is not measured by its size, but by the principles and integrity it champions."

In addition to Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th General Assembly, and Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, the reception was attended by numerous female representatives of international organisations, as well as the Foreign Ministers of Andorra, Australia, Albania, Austria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Finland, Georgia, Iceland, Jamaica, Kosovo, Latvia, Mongolia, Mozambique, the Philippines and Romania.

President Nataša Pirc Musar with her spouse Dr Aleš Musar, and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve

Minister Fajon attended the reception for the Slovenian community in the United States again this year. Hosted by the Slovenian Embassy in Washington, it took place at the Slovenian Church of St. Cyril in New York. "The close connections and efforts of Slovenians abroad enrich our country. Every single contribution counts," she said afterwards.

During the High-level Week, as all world leaders gather at the UN Headquarters in New York, Minister Fajon seized the opportunity to hold a number of bilateral talks with her counterparts. She met with the Foreign Ministers of Singapore, Pakistan, Liechtenstein and Morocco. By the end of the week, she is expected to meet with the Foreign Ministers of Syria, Malaysia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.