Israel Opens First Permanent Embassy in Slovenia

Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi will travel to Ljubljana on September 9 and 10 to inaugurate Israel's first permanent embassy in Slovenia. This marks the fifth new embassy established by Israel in the past two years. The opening follows a period of closer ties between the two nations, particularly since the election of the Slovenian government led by Janez Janša, whom Israeli diplomacy considers a friend of Israel. Janša's government has consistently supported Israel, including within the European Union, and both countries have expressed a desire to enhance their cooperation.

Israel announced its intention to open an embassy in Ljubljana on June 4, an initiative welcomed by Janša, who stated, "Welcome to Ljubljana. We look forward to a new era in relations between Israel and Slovenia." Three months later, Ruth Cohen-Dar was appointed as Israel's first resident ambassador to the country. Slovenia recognized Israel's independence early on, and diplomatic relations were established in 1992. Slovenia opened its embassy in Israel in 1994, while Israel had previously been represented in Slovenia by a non-resident ambassador.

Ashkenazi's visit will be the first by an Israeli foreign minister to Ljubljana since 2010. Senior Slovenian officials are expected to attend the embassy inauguration ceremony. Discussions will focus on strengthening political relations and bilateral cooperation, including the signing of a cultural cooperation agreement. Ashkenazi will be accompanied by a delegation of Israeli business and economic representatives. An Israeli-Slovenian business forum is scheduled, with the participation of the foreign ministers and the Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yuval Rotem. Business meetings and the signing of economic agreements are also on the agenda.