Minister Kajzer concludes visit to New York for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly

SLOVENIA, September 27 - Minister Kajzer held a series of bilateral meetings with foreign ministers and other high-level representatives of states and international organisations. The discussions reflected Slovenia’s commitment to active, interest-driven diplomacy, which, while addressing key international issues, also seeks concrete opportunities for Slovenia in terms of its economy, technological cooperation, energy and the strengthening of political relations.

One of the major tangible outcomes of Minister Kajzer’s engagement in New York was the signing of a Joint Statement on AI Opportunity Partnership with the US, linked to the broader Pax Silica initiative. By signing the Joint Statement, Slovenia aims to deepen its cooperation with the US and other trusted partners in the fields of AI, secure supply chains, semiconductors, critical minerals and strategic technologies.

A large part of the programme was devoted to deepening relations with countries outside the traditional European and transatlantic sphere. Minister Kajzer also met with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to discuss ways of further strengthening bilateral relations and economic cooperation between Slovenia and India, also in view of the upcoming EU-India Free Trade Agreement. The two ministers also exchanged views on cooperation in the areas of energy, manufacturing, digital technologies, connectivity, defence and major multilateral issues. The meeting confirmed Slovenia’s interest in bolstering collaboration with India, a key global economic and political power, and in identifying concrete opportunities for Slovenian businesses in India's rapidly expanding market.

Minister Kajzer also met with representatives from Vietnam, Canada, Azerbaijan and other countries to support Slovenia’s efforts to diversify its economic and political partnerships and strengthen its presence in regions of growing global importance. During a meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, the two ministers reviewed bilateral cooperation to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and explored ways to further enhance it. Particular emphasis was placed on energy and transport connectivity, including the supply of Azerbaijani natural gas to the Slovenian market and cooperation within the Middle Corridor. The process of normalising relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia was also discussed.

Human rights were among the key issues on Slovenia's programme in New York. Minister Kajzer met with Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to discuss the human rights situation in Belarus, Russia, as well as the Western Balkans, and broader international cooperation on human rights protection. As a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 term, Slovenia is committed to maintaining an effective international system for the protection of fundamental rights. Slovenia's participation in the 81st session of the UN General Assembly prioritises security, the economy, human rights and reform of the multilateral system.

Minister Kajzer also met with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a representative of democratic Belarus. Slovenia has reiterated its support for the Belarusian people and their democratic efforts, and noted that the situation in Belarus is increasingly a matter of European security as well as human rights.

Ukraine occupied a special place in the discussions, with Slovenia reaffirming its support for the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity and emphasising the importance of respecting the UN Charter and international law. In conclusion, Minister Kajzer pointed out that Russian aggression against Ukraine reveals a fundamental challenge to the current international system: a permanent member of the Security Council violating the very principles the United Nations has been created to uphold.

In an exchange with Slovenian correspondents, Minister Kajzer underlined the need to maintain an effective multilateral system, stressing that the talks in New York show the countries’ awareness of its importance: “There is no alternative to the multilateral system; the only alternative is chaos.” He pointed out that Slovenia is advocating not less but more international law and, above all, its consistent implementation.

During the week, Slovenia also paid a great deal of attention to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians. The Minister met with the ICRC President, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, to discuss the protection of civilians, respect for international humanitarian law and Slovenia’s continued cooperation with the Committee.

In addition to artificial intelligence and energy, the economic part of the programme focused on digitalisation, cybersecurity, investment and strengthening cooperation with technology companies. On the sidelines, the Minister also met with ServiceNow Vice Chairman Nick Tzitzon to discuss the possibilities for long-term cooperation and Slovenia’s potential to become a regional competence, development or education centre.

Closing the visit, Minister Kajzer said: “The week in New York has shown that Slovenia can make up for its size through active, confident and interest-driven diplomacy. Our goal is not just to be present in international forums, but to deliver actual results – from security and political partnerships to new economic, energy and technological opportunities for Slovenia. Nevertheless, we need a multilateral system that respects its own rules and is capable of delivering results. There is no alternative to effective multilateralism.”

The Slovenian delegation at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly was led by the Slovenian Prime Minister, Janez Janša. His address at the General Assembly was one of the key political moments of Slovenia’s participation in New York. In his speech, he recalled the double standards in the international community’s response to global crises, stressing that universal principles and international law must apply equally to all.

The Prime Minister also called for a more credible, transparent and impartial UN, and put forward concrete proposals to improve its functioning. His address rounded off the message of the Slovenian delegation at this year's session, emphasising that international law must be applied non-selectively, multilateral institutions must be able to respond to crises effectively, and Slovenia must represent its interests clearly and confidently.

Slovenia’s participation in this year's General Assembly session combined clear political messages with intensive bilateral diplomacy and concrete economic and strategic initiatives. From its relations with the United States and European allies to its closer integration with India and other important partners, Slovenia presented itself in New York as a country that advocates indiscriminate respect for international law, effective international cooperation and the active representation of its security, political and economic interests.

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