Israel Opens Fifth Embassy in a Year, Inaugurates Slovenia Mission

Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi inaugurated Israel's first permanent embassy in Slovenia on Tuesday, marking the fifth new Israeli embassy opened within the past year. The decision to establish the diplomatic mission was made by the new Slovenian government led by Prime Minister Janez Janša, described as a friend of Israel, shortly after its swearing-in. This move signifies a significant improvement in bilateral relations, contrasting sharply with the previous Slovenian government, which was reportedly hostile to Israel. The prior administration had halted arms deals, declared then-Prime Minister Netanyahu persona non grata, and canceled flights by Israeli airline Israir to Ljubljana, all of which have been reversed by the current government.

During the ceremony, Ashkenazi stated, "We are inaugurating the embassy two days before Rosh Hashanah, the holiest holiday for Jews. This is a sign of new beginnings and new hopes." His Slovenian counterpart, Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer, noted that the two nations signed cooperation agreements in youth, sports, education, and student scholarships, aiming to foster open, strong, and trusting relations.

Accompanying Ashkenazi was a business delegation of leading Israeli companies and economic organizations. They participated in a joint business forum alongside the foreign ministers of both countries, underscoring the economic dimension of the visit.