The Republic of Slovenia opened its embassy in Manila on Tuesday afternoon (March 11), marking its first diplomatic mission in Southeast Asia.
During the official visit of Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, she met with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo to discuss areas of cooperation, particularly as both countries seek to strengthen ties with the establishment of the Slovenian Embassy.
“The opening of an embassy by Slovenia in the Philippines is certainly an indication of their growing strong ties, and the presence of the embassy here in Manila will also provide an opportunity for direct interaction between officials of the Philippine Government and the Government of Slovenia, as well as our private sector,” Manalo said.
Fajon echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Slovenia’s “strong desire and interest to work closely with the Philippines.”
“We are delighted to have a like-minded partner in the Philippines, and that has been confirmed again very strongly today. This visit marks the beginning of a new and very promising relationship between our two countries and our peoples,” Fajon said.
Fajon was accompanied by a significant delegation of nearly 40 Slovenian companies and institutions, representing various industries, including highway maintenance, food production, manufacturing, information and communication technologies, and even the space sector.
The delegation also included representatives from the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Spirit Slovenia, the country’s export and investment promotion agency.
“This high number shows the great interest of Slovenian businesses and institutions in cooperating with the Philippines. And in addition, the Slovenian and the Philippine Chambers of Commerce and Industry will re-sign the Memorandum of Understanding,” Fajon said.