Foreign Minister Fajon for strengthening partnership between the EU and the African Union

Brussels – Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon on Wednesday advocated for strengthening partnerships at the ministerial meeting between the EU and the African Union in Brussels. “Stability and peace can only be achieved together – through coordinated action and a united voice,” she said. The high representative for foreign affairs Kaja Kallas also highlighted cooperation for peace, security, and sustainable growth.

Minister Fajon, in the discussion on peace, security, and governance, advocated for strengthening partnerships and emphasized that stability and peace can only be achieved together. “Adapting to new transactional relationships causes more harm than good. Instead, we must strengthen partnerships and political dialogue. I am pleased that there is a willingness for this in the EU and Africa,” she said.

She assured that Slovenia is actively working to strengthen cooperation with African countries. She also recalled her visits to African countries, where she was last year on a tour in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya, and most recently visited Togo and Benin on behalf of Kallas. “I believe that such meetings and visits strengthen mutual trust, which is crucial for the safe future of all of us,” she said.

Fajon assessed the partnership between the EU and the African Union as strong, but at the same time called for even more cooperation, especially in multilateral forums. As a leading force in promoting international cooperation, justice, and lasting peace, she highlighted the United Nations, as reported by the foreign ministry.

She also emphasized the importance of preventive diplomacy in addressing the root causes of conflicts in a timely manner, mentioning the issue of water. “Access to clean water is taken for granted by most people, but for some, it represents a source of conflict,” she said, advocating for more cooperation and activities in this area. (May 21)