Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon’s recent visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marked the final leg of her tour of the Middle East. The focus of her discussions with Saudi officials centered on the dire situation in Gaza, with both parties emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid to reach the people in need.
During her meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister HRH Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister Fajon expressed her dismay at the current conditions at the Rafah crossing, where over two thousand trucks filled with humanitarian aid are waiting to enter Gaza. She highlighted the tragic reality of people starving and children dying in the 21st century, calling for immediate action to alleviate the suffering.
The two ministers also discussed the potential spillover of the conflict in Gaza into the wider region, underscoring the importance of promoting a ceasefire and working towards a two-state solution. Minister Fajon outlined Slovenia’s procedures for recognizing Palestine and received support from her Saudi counterpart for expediting the recognition process.
Economic cooperation was another key topic of discussion during Minister Fajon’s visit, as Saudi Arabia is Slovenia’s most significant economic partner in the Gulf region. The total value of trade in goods between the two countries in 2023 amounted to €1.132 billion, with both parties exploring opportunities to further strengthen their economic ties.
One notable achievement highlighted by Minister Fajon was the recent agreement between Slovenia’s Jožef Stefan Institute and the International Research Center on Artificial Intelligence and the Saudi Data & AI Authority. This collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence signifies the mutual interest in expanding cooperation across various sectors, including information and communication technology, infrastructure projects, energy, tourism, sport, and healthcare.
Minister Fajon also extended a warm welcome to Saudi tourists, noting the increase in Saudi visitors to Slovenia in recent years. She expressed her delight at the growing interest in her country as a travel destination and emphasized the potential for further growth in tourism exchanges between the two nations.
Overall, Minister Fajon’s visit to Riyadh highlighted the shared commitment of Slovenia and Saudi Arabia to addressing humanitarian crises, promoting economic cooperation, and fostering closer bilateral relations. The discussions held during her trip underscored the importance of international collaboration in resolving conflicts and advancing peace and stability in the region.