(L-R) Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg; Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia.;
Credit: MAEE
On Tuesday 14 June 2022, Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, paid a working visit to Ljubljana at the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon.
The bilateral meeting with Minister Fajon, who has just taken office on 1 June 2022, first of all made it possible to take stock of relations between Luxembourg and Slovenia, which this year are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. The ministers discussed bilateral subjects of common interest, particularly in the field of economic cooperation, as well as consultation between Slovenia and Benelux, of which Luxembourg currently holds the Presidency.
Ministers Asselborn and Fajon then had an in-depth exchange of views on current European and international issues, which enabled Minister Fajon to present the priorities of the new Slovenian government.
In this context, the ministers were able to observe a broad convergence of views on a good number of European issues, including in particular the importance of preserving the Schengen acquis and protecting freedom of movement within the European Union (EU). The importance of respect for the rule of law and freedom of the press was also highlighted by the two ministers, as was the desire to cooperate more closely in the future in the field of migration.
Ahead of the European Council meeting on 23 and 24 June 2022, the two ministers discussed Russian aggression in Ukraine, the EU's common response as well as ways to further support Ukraine, both bilaterally and at European level.
The working meeting also allowed for an in-depth discussion on the situation in the Western Balkans, including stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as the EU accession process of Albania and North Macedonia. In this regard, Luxembourg and Slovenia share the view that the European Union and its Member States must finally assume their responsibilities and move forward as soon as possible with a view to opening accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia.
In Ljubljana, Minister Asselborn also received an audience with the President of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, which allowed for an exchange of views on bilateral relations and the latest international developments.
