Exclusive: “I am not taking Gaza Riviera seriously,” says Vice Prime Minister of Slovenia and the Minister of Foreign Affairs

In an exclusive conversation with India Today Global, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon, shares his ideas about the global challenges pressed. Speaking with frankness about the role of Slovenia in the UN Security Council, it addresses paralysis in global decision making, the Ukraine War, India-EU relations and the collaboration of the workforce. Fajon also discusses Slovenia’s position on the members of the EU of Ukraine and the conflict of Israel-Palestine, advocating for humanitarian and fire aid. As geopolitical tensions increase, it underlines the need for a strong multilateralism and diplomacy of principles to shape a more stable world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwrftag1bh0

Ask: You are the first to hold meetings with the Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Jaishankar. How was the meeting? We are seeing many European leaders, so there are many things that we would like to discuss, but starting with their bilateral conversations.

Banja Fajon: We certainly discuss the global challenges we both face. My main message was that, as a non -permanent member in the Security Council, we see a lot of paralysis, and for a country such as Slovenia, it is extremely important to have a strong multilateralism, respect for international law and the letter of the Union. So, I said that we are building solid associations and allies because we want to be a credible partner, but we also want to be principles to address all the crises around the world with the same principles and standards. We argued and touched those bilateral issues because India and Slovenia really developed good family relationships. There is a growing interest in business, science, innovation and hydroelectric, so we discuss the options to boost our cooperation. I also firmly supported the current negotiations for a commercial agreement between the European and Indian Union.

Ask: In addition to trade, labor is a very important aspect when it comes to India. In this cooperation with several European countries, is that talent something that Slovenia would also like to immerse themselves?

Banja Fajon: We are certainly investigating it. We discussed it, Minister, because we do lack the workforce in Slovenia. Actually, we currently have more than 50% of foreigners as a workforce in Slovenia. That is a question that must be addressed, and we are open to it. I can only say that so far we have had very positive stories. One that I want to point out is that our space agencies are working together with Indian counterparts that use satellites and technology to observe climate change and its effects on agricultural and life conditions. This is a very good association, also in the sectors of pharmaceutical products and the environment. I hope we strengthen our relationships on both sides not only through investments, but also political, economic and through people’s connections.

Ask: Speaking of Slovenia now, the fact that you are part of the United Nations Security Council, a very important role, but that you can also feel very suffocating sometimes. The Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Jaishankar, has mentioned the paralysis that is seen in the United Nations at a time when there is a war faced by Europe. How vulnerable do you think Europe is today?

Banja Fajon: You’re right. Paralysis is also part of the frustrations at a table with great powers in the Security Council and seeing that no conflict cannot end. Russian aggression in Ukraine for the third year is really causing not only political and economic consequences, but also a weakened Europe. This is a fact. We are trying to rebuild resilience, recover the economy and restore our credibility in the world through the creation of solid associations worldwide. The entire geopolitics of today has changed the Indo-Pacific, so we need to strengthen Europe, build strong economies and be a credible partner. It was very significant that the entire University of the European Commission, almost all the commissioners, were recently in India on their first visit outside the European Union. This really shows that Europe is very interested and committed to working closer to India. India is also the second largest Asian commercial market in Slovenia, so we want to work in close collaboration.

Ask: Do you think that Indian Prime Minister Modi can and has a role to play in the conflict of Russia-Ukraine, considering that he has met with President Zelensky and President Putin?

Banja Fajon: I spoke today with the Indian minister, and for us, it is extremely important that we understand the struggle of Ukraine for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Do we want to see peace? Yes, we want to see peace, but we want to see a lasting and fair peace based on principles. If there are peace negotiations, and India is involved, we certainly need broader support and understanding. It has to be based on the UN.

Ask: President Trump in power, or do you see a change? There has been an important geopolitical change in the War of Russia-Ukraine. In such a scenario for Slovenia, because for everyone else it is a matter of survival is a matter of how the future of Europe will look. How do you see the point of view of President Trump about the Russian-Ukraine war and his support withdrawal when it comes to Zelensky and the oval office meeting that the two leaders had?

Banja Fajon: Let me say that in Slovenia, we make support tools. We support the fire, which was also accepted as an initiative of President Zelensky. When it comes to peace negotiations, we really want to see the Ukrainians first at the table, followed by a peace agreement that is acceptable to them. Now, with respect to the meetings and efforts of the United States, Ukraine, Europe and its conversations with Putinthere there are still many uncertainties under which the conditions would be negotiated. I can only repeat: we want to see a lasting and fair peace for Ukraine, and we need strong security guarantees for Ukraine. We need to make sure that Ukraine and Europe remain safe and strong. We are also supporting the membership of Ukraine in the European Union and will be a strong partner in its reconstruction.

Ask: Do you think EU membership will happen to Ukraine? Because NATO membership is not likely.

Banja Fajon: It depends on the political will and commitments on both sides. This is the adhesion process. The Ukrainians are really trying to fulfill the criteria, and if they continue along that path and there is a real preparation on both sides, then I do not see a reason why Slovenia would not support the membership of Ukraine. We also support the membership of the three countries of the Eastern Association once they are ready. However, we must also remember the direct neighborhood of Western Balkansour and we also firmly support his adhesion. In my opinion, it is a geostrategic need for Europe to become stronger, more united and expand as soon as possible by 2030.

Ask: Another very important conflict that we are witnessing is the conflict of Israel-Palestine. Too many lives have been lost. In such a stage at the ANHC, what role would you like to play Slovenia? Because from time to time, we see resolutions that try at least to stop the conflict and avoid a greater loss of civil life.

Banja Fajon: Slovenia has been very vocal. This was the first topic on the agenda last year in the Security Council, and is the author of many resolutions, including the first that requested a cessation of high unfortunately, it was not implemented. Our position is very clear about what we see today in Gaza. The war in Gaza, with so many lost lives, including children and women, with the famine used as a gun and the hunger of people, clearly constitutes violations of international law. We are asking for a permanent fire, additional humanitarian assistance, the continuous release of hostages and prisoners, and the implementation of the status of state. Slovenia recognized the independent and sovereign state of Palestine last year because we firmly believe that the Palestinians deserve their own state. We support the reforms of the Palestinian authority and we are deeply concerned about illegal settlements in the West Bank and the growing violence there. I hope that the second phase of negotiations takes place because we need peace in the region. Even when we recognized Palestine, our message was clear: we want security for both the Israelis and the Palestinians.

Ask: Then you are not supporting the Gaza Riviera.

Banja Fajon: I am not taking it seriously.