Slovenia Opens First Israeli Embassy Amid UK Sanctions Row

Israeli Foreign Minister G Gideon Saar is set to visit Ljubljana to inaugurate Israel's first embassy in Slovenia, marking a significant diplomatic step for the two nations. This visit, the first by an Israeli foreign minister to Slovenia since 2010, occurs against a backdrop of diplomatic tension between Israel and the United Kingdom, which recently imposed sanctions. Slovenia's new government, led by Prime Minister Janez Janša, has demonstrated strong support for Israel, both verbally and through actions within the European Union.

Israel announced the opening of its embassy in Ljubljana on June 4, with Prime Minister Janša welcoming the move and anticipating a "new era" in bilateral relations. The embassy's establishment was swift, with Israel appointing Ambassador Ruth Cohen-Dar as resident ambassador and inaugurating the new facility within three months of the announcement. Diplomatic ties between Israel and Slovenia were established in 1992, shortly after Slovenia's independence, with Slovenia opening its embassy in Israel in 1994. Until now, Israel's representation in Slovenia was through a non-resident ambassador.

During Saar's visit, he and his Slovenian counterpart will participate in a celebratory event for the embassy's opening. The visit also aims to strengthen political relations and expand cooperation, including the signing of a cultural cooperation program agreement. Accompanying Saar will be a business delegation of leading Israeli companies and economic organizations. A joint Israeli-Slovenian business forum will be held, featuring the foreign ministers and the Director-General of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Eden Bar-Tal, with meetings and agreements between economic entities planned.