Minister Fajon in New York: Recognition of the State of Palestine paves the way for peace and the two-state solution

Minister Tanja Fajon | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve

Minister Fajon represented Slovenia at a conference on the two-state solution, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the margins of the General Assembly. She began by welcoming recent announcements of recognition of the State of Palestine and went on to draw attention to the appalling situation in Gaza, which she described as a man-made catastrophe: "Gaza is enduring what international law defines as genocide. This demands clarity of words - and urgency of action. I am convinced that the situation in Gaza would be different today if more states had taken similar measures to those taken by Slovenia."

She continued: "History will unapologetically remember those who stood silent while genocide unfolded, and it will remember those who spoke out and - even more importantly - took action. Slovenia has acted. We recognised Palestine. We call for a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the protection of all civilians. We insist that humanitarian aid must flow into Gaza. Let this conference be remembered not as another echo chamber, but as the place where the international community finally moved from words to deeds - and from endless war to a just and lasting peace."

On the first day of the high-level week, Minister Fajon took part in an informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, which was also joined by the Foreign Ministers of Brazil, India and Mexico at the invitation of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. The discussions focused on the importance of safeguarding multilateralism and on the crises currently facing the Security Council. Minister Fajon not only presented Slovenia's position, but also spoke on behalf of Germany and Portugal: "We call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Israel must allow the safe and unimpeded delivery of urgently needed humanitarian aid through established UN partners and in line with humanitarian principles. We also call on Hamas to release all hostages without delay and without conditions. The path to long-term peace lies in two states and the coexistence of two peoples - Israelis and Palestinians."

Later, Minister Fajon attended a ministerial meeting on the health system in Gaza, hosted by the UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper. Ministers discussed the protection of civilians in Gaza and praised the tireless efforts of healthcare workers who continue to save lives and provide care under immense personal risk. Minister Fajon presented Slovenia's humanitarian activities in support of Palestine, including the rehabilitation of children from Gaza.

In the evening, Minister Fajon, the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister and the Executive Director of Security Council Report hosted a dinner for the ten elected non-permanent members of the Security Council and the five newly elected members. These gatherings, initiated by Slovenia in 2023, aim to strengthen cooperation and engagement among elected members.

"Cooperation and coordination among elected members are vital. Our collective soft power within the Security Council can make a difference, provided that our cooperation is open, constructive and ambitious. The group of the ten elected members (E10) has firmly established itself as an entity that cannot be ignored. This is a legacy worth continuing," Minister Fajon stressed ahead of the dinner held with the support of Greece and the Republic of Korea.

Minister Fajon also accompanied President Pirc Musar to a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The discussions centred on Palestine, the future of the UN and Slovenia's role within it. The Secretary-General commended Slovenia's consistent stance against double standards.

Today, the Security Council convened an emergency meeting on threats to international peace and security following the incursion of Russian aircraft into Estonian airspace. State Secretary Dr Melita Gabrič spoke on behalf of Slovenia, reaffirming support for Estonia's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. She underlined that in times of heightened tensions, there is no room for military provocation. It is high time for dialogue and high time for diplomacy. She added that Europe seeks peace and the earliest possible launch of serious and meaningful peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia: "We hope the time is near when this Council will finally begin a principled and honest discussion about the war in Ukraine - and decide to take action. Until then, Slovenia will stand firmly with Estonia, with Ukraine and with any other UN member that needs protection from unlawful, Charter-violating actions by those who believe that might makes right."

State Secretary Gabrič also attended a meeting of foreign ministers from the successor states to the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, where she remarked: "Resolving outstanding issues from the past, including succession, is an important factor for reconciliation in the region and one of the conditions for the successful EU enlargement to the Western Balkans." She proposed that her colleagues agree on clear timeframes for the work of the relevant bodies and concluded: "I would like the political commitments we make at such meetings to be honoured as much as possible."

Full speeches:

Minister's speech at the conference on the two-state solution (in English).

State Secretary's speech at the UN Security Council (in English)

Ministrica Tanja Fajon | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve

Predsednica Republike Slovenije Nataša Pirc Musar in generalni sekretar OZN António Guterres | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve

Državna sekretarka dr. Melita Gabrič | Author OZN

Celotni govori

Govor ministrice na konferenci o rešitvi dveh držav (v angleščini).

Govor državne sekretarke v Varnostnem svetu OZN (v angleščini)