Blanar Discusses Regional Cooperation with New Slovenian FM in a Phone Call

Bratislava, 12 June (TASR) - Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar held a telephone call on Friday with Slovenia's new Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer, congratulating him on his appointment to the post, which he has held since the beginning of June. Blanar also praised the long-standing good relations between Slovakia and Slovenia, their cooperation within international organisations, and their principled support for adherence to international law, the Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Ministry's press department told TASR on the same day. "Slovakia and Slovenia are linked by excellent relations and similar views on many European and international issues. I am convinced that our partnership will continue to benefit the citizens of both countries, as well as the stability and prosperity of our region," Blanar said. Regarding regional cooperation, the Slovak foreign minister informed his Slovenian counterpart about Slovakia's forthcoming presidency of the Visegrad Group (V4: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia), which it will take over from Hungary on 1 July. Slovakia also places strong emphasis on the expanded V4+ format of the platform, under which Slovenia could also join. According to Blanar, the two countries also share a consensus within the Friends of the Western Balkans grouping, of which Slovakia and Slovenia are founding members, maintaining a consistent commitment to supporting the European Union integration efforts of countries in the region. The Slovak foreign minister also noted that Slovakia will host the Three Seas Initiative summit in spring 2027. The initiative brings together 13 countries located between the Black, Baltic and Adriatic seas with the aim of strengthening energy, security and digital connectivity. The two ministers also discussed current European and security issues, including cooperation within the European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance. During the telephone conversation, Blanar also informed his Slovenian counterpart of Slovakia's ambition to participate in the prestigious Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia. In 2025, Slovakia was represented at the forum by Blanar himself. mf