SLOVENIAN Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon is in Manila for a three-day visit, during which she will discuss issues aimed at enhancing ties between the two countries.
The visit is considered as another significant development in the relations between the two countries as it comes months after Slovenia opened its embassy in Manila, the first such embassy it opened in Southeast Asia. It is also the first visit by a Slovenian foreign minister to the country, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said Fajon will meet with her Philippine counterpart, Enrique Manalo, today and the two will discuss “cooperation in priority sectors such as trade and investment, science and technology nuclear energy, maritime cooperation, sports and labor.
“They will also exchange views on global issues highlighting the Philippines and Slovenia’s shared commitment to the rule of law and a rules-based international order,” she added.
Fajon will also meet with Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
While in the country, Fajon will ink a labor deal while identifying other areas for cooperation and development with Manila, including in energy, climate security, science, sports and culture.
Accompanying Fajon in her visit are officials of various Slovenian firms engaged in transport, logistics, highway and road maintenance, food manufacturing, and information and communication technologies, and representatives from SPIRIT Slovenia, the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Slovenian Center of Excellence for Space Sciences and Technologies.
Fajon is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.in Malacañang.
The DFA said there are about 400 Filipinos in Slovenia, working as technicians and in clerical jobs, sales, and services.
Manila and Ljubljana established diplomatic relations in May 1993.
The European country was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2024-2025 term.
