Slovenia Hails Morocco’s Distinguished Role as Strategic EU Partner

The Republic of Slovenia hailed on Tuesday in Rabat the distinguished role played by the Kingdom of Morocco as a strategic partner of the European Union (EU). In a joint communiqué issued at the end of talks held between Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, and Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, Tanja Fajon, Morocco and Slovenia stressed the centrality of the historic and privileged partnership between the Kingdom and the EU, emphasizing the importance of this strategic partnership for both parts. The two countries reiterated their commitment to contribute to the strengthening of cooperation, dialogue, and partnership in the Euro-African region and between the European Union and its southern neighborhood, in order to address the common challenges, particularly in the fields of security, stability, migration and social and economic development. On regional issues, Slovenia and Morocco exchanged views on topics of common interest, and on the new challenges to peace and security in the Sahel region, emphasizing their positive and constructive role in maintaining stability, security and peace in their respective regions. They also affirmed their commitment to international legality and the peaceful settlement of conflicts and disputes, the Communiqué adds, noting that Slovenia recognizes Morocco’s important role in promoting security in the region and commends its commitment to stability, the fight against terrorism and cooperation on cross-border migration management. The two parties further discussed possibilities for closer cooperation in the field of internal security and law enforcement especially in the areas of fighting organized crime, sexual exploitation of children, cybercrime, money laundering, fraud and economic crime, corruption, forgery, and trafficking of documents as well as terrorism. Bourita also congratulated Tanja Fajon on the membership of Slovenia to the UN Security Council for 2024-2025, and appreciated the inclusive approach that Slovenia is bringing to the work of the Security Council and to the relevant priorities of its mandate within this UN body, in favor of the maintenance of international peace and security. Both sides committed to work closely and to continue consultation and coordination within international organizations on multilateral issues of common interest. Within the framework of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), the two ministers encouraged cooperation between the Piran-based EMUNI Euro-Mediterranean University and the Euromed University of Fez, and agreed to promote bilateral and regional academic cooperation in the fields of science, research, innovation and the blue economy, to create opportunities for empowering young people throughout the Euro-Mediterranean region. The Slovenian Foreign Minister is paying an official visit to Morocco, at the invitation of Bourita, to mark the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Slovenia.