Minister Fajon: Slovenia and Belgium promote the strengthening and defence of international law

Minister Tanja Fajon hosting Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot during his visit. | Author STA

"Belgium is one of Slovenia's closest and most like-minded partners. There are no outstanding bilateral issues between our two countries, and we are united by shared values, mutual trust and a strong sense of responsibility for our shared European future," Minister Fajon said. During their talks, the ministers emphasised the excellent cooperation in consular affairs. Belgium represents Slovenia in issuing Schengen visas at seven locations worldwide, while Slovenia provides the same service for Belgium in Montenegro. Minister Fajon described this arrangement as "a tangible example of European solidarity that delivers direct benefits to our citizens and businesses". The ministers also expressed their support for closer economic cooperation. Minister Fajon highlighted opportunities for collaboration in hydrogen technologies, an area with significant untapped potential, and expressed satisfaction with the growing number of Belgian tourists visiting Slovenia.

Both ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to effective multilateralism, respect for international law, state sovereignty and the protection of fundamental human rights. They welcomed the successful cooperation within the Mutual Legal Assistance and Extradition Initiative (MLA) Core Group, which led to the adoption of the Ljubljana-The Hague Convention, with Belgium subsequently assuming the role of depositary. Minister Fajon thanked Minister Prévot for Belgium's response to the unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States on Beti Hohler, a Slovenian judge serving at the International Criminal Court. The ministers agreed that the ICC is a cornerstone of international criminal justice and that all international courts and tribunals must be respected.

The discussion also covered the challenges facing the European Union. The ministers agreed on the need to strengthen the EU, with Minister Fajon stressing the importance of maintaining momentum on enlargement, particularly towards the Western Balkans. She underlined that internal EU reforms must proceed in parallel with the enlargement process and that both the Union and candidate countries must be adequately prepared for enlargement.

The ministers exchanged views on current foreign policy issues, including transatlantic relations, as well as developments in Greenland, Iran and Venezuela. Minister Fajon said: "Diplomacy remains the only viable path towards lasting and stable solutions. Escalation increases the risk of wider regional conflict and threatens international security." She added that military intervention against a sovereign state, not grounded in international law or the UN Charter, is unacceptable and leads to further violence. Regarding Iran, she condemned the violence against peaceful protesters, including intimidation and arbitrary detention, and expressed regret over the high number of fatalities.

The ministers also discussed the violence in the Middle East, which continues despite urgent calls from the international community for an end to hostilities. Minister Fajon reiterated her commitment to a two-state solution as the only realistic path to a lasting and just peace, stressing the importance of respecting the ceasefire and implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803. She further underlined the need for continued support for Ukraine, stating that any peace agreement must include credible security guarantees.

Minister Fajon also shared with Minister Prévot the knowledge and insights gained from Slovenia's membership of the UN Security Council, which will inform its work on the UN Human Rights Council. In this context, she highlighted the particular value of Belgium's experience, following the conclusion of its UNHRC membership in December 2025.