MFEA Slovenia signals more balanced approach to Middle East policy - EXCLUSIVE
The Government's objective is not to abandon Slovenia's longstanding support for a negotiated two-state solution, but rather to pursue a more balanced, credible, and effective approach that allows Slovenia to contribute constructively to peace, stability, and regional cooperation. The new approach seeks to strengthen channels of dialogue with all relevant actors, including the State of Israel, while maintaining support for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.
This was said by the source in the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia in an exclusive interview with CE Report.
The Government believes that engagement, rather than political distancing, provides greater opportunities to advance humanitarian goals, regional stability, and prospects for a lasting political settlement. Slovenia's foreign policy is not guided by ideological preferences, partisanship, or selective approaches to international crises. Instead, it is based on dialogue, realism, international law, and a consistent application of principles. Slovenia seeks to be a credible partner capable of maintaining constructive relations with all parties while contributing to efforts aimed at achieving peace and security in the region.
Slovenia's commitment to international law, the UN Charter, international humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians remains unchanged. Strengthening diplomatic relations with Israel should not be viewed as being in contradiction with these principles. On the contrary, effective diplomacy requires open communication and cooperation even where differences exist.
Slovenia will continue to advocate for humanitarian access, the protection of civilians, and progress toward a negotiated peace, while at the same time seeking to deepen bilateral dialogue with Israel on issues of mutual interest. The Government believes that constructive engagement increases Slovenia's ability to convey its views and contribute positively to regional developments.
At the same time, Slovenia will maintain a principled position against all forms of terrorism and violent extremism. The Government strongly condemns the actions of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations and whose activities undermine regional stability, threaten civilian populations, and obstruct prospects for peaceful coexistence.
The opening of an Israeli Embassy in Ljubljana represents an important opportunity to broaden bilateral cooperation across a number of sectors. The Government sees significant potential in innovation, digital technologies, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, water management, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, scientific research, and economic cooperation.
Additional opportunities exist in education, tourism, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts. Enhanced diplomatic presence will facilitate direct communication between institutions, businesses, researchers, and civil society organizations, creating a stronger framework for long-term cooperation. The Government also sees potential for closer cooperation in civil protection, resilience, emergency response, and the exchange of expertise in addressing contemporary security challenges.
Slovenia is a democratic country in which different institutions may occasionally express different emphases on foreign policy issues. Such discussions are a normal feature of democratic governance and do not diminish Slovenia's credibility as an international partner.
While individual office holders may occasionally differ in tone or emphasis, the Government is confident that Slovenia's international partners understand the distinction between democratic debate and official policy decisions. The Government's objective is to ensure that Slovenia speaks with clarity, consistency, and strategic purpose on key international issues.
The Government intends to advance Slovenia's national interests and broader foreign-policy objectives. Any future decisions will be guided by strategic considerations, developments on the ground, and consultations with international partners. The Government believes that diplomacy is most effective when it combines values with engagement and seeks practical outcomes rather than symbolic gestures.
Any review will therefore be conducted through this lens, with the aim of ensuring that Slovenia's policies contribute to regional stability, strengthen bilateral relations where appropriate, and preserve Slovenia's credibility as a principled and constructive international actor.
Photo: MFEA Slovenia
This interview was prepared by Julian Müller
