Israel Opens New Embassy in Slovenia, Fifth in Two Years

Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi will officially inaugurate Israel's new embassy in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on September 9-10. This marks the first-ever Israeli embassy in Slovenia and the fifth opened by Israel in the past two years. The establishment of the embassy follows a warming of relations between Jerusalem and Ljubljana since the formation of a government led by Janez Janša, which has demonstrated friendly stances towards Israel and offered support within European Union forums.

The shared desire between the two nations is to expand their cooperation. The official announcement of the new mission was made on June 4, with the Slovenian Prime Minister hailing the move as the start of a "new era in relations." The entire process was completed in just four months, with Ruth Cohen-Dar appointed as the first resident ambassador.

Foreign Minister Ashkenazi's visit will be the first by an Israeli foreign minister to Slovenia since 2010. The program includes participation from the Slovenian government leadership, a diplomatic dialogue to strengthen cooperation, and the signing of a cultural cooperation agreement. Ashkenazi will be accompanied by a delegation of Israeli business leaders for an Israeli-Slovenian business forum aimed at tightening commercial ties and forging new economic agreements.

This development represents a historical full circle, as Israel was among the first to recognize Slovenia's independence in 1992, and diplomatic relations were established that same year. Slovenia opened its embassy in Israel in 1994, but Israeli representation in Slovenia had previously been handled by a non-resident ambassador.