Israel Opens First Permanent Embassy in Slovenia

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar inaugurated Israel's first permanent embassy in Slovenia on Wednesday. This marks the fifth diplomatic mission Israel has established in the past 18 months, according to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The decision to open an embassy in Ljubljana was announced on the day the new Slovenian government, led by Janez Janša, took office. Israel views Janša's government as a close ally.

Since assuming office in June, the Slovenian government has shown strong support for Israel, including within European Union forums. This contrasts sharply with the policies of the previous Slovenian government, which had seen relations with Israel significantly deteriorate. The former government had canceled flights by Israir to Ljubljana, declared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu persona non grata, and suspended several arms agreements with Israel. These actions have since been reversed by the current administration.

During the ceremony, Sa'ar stated, "We are inaugurating this embassy two days before Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It is a symbol of new beginnings and new hopes." His Slovenian counterpart, Tone Kajzer, announced the signing of several cooperation agreements between the two nations, focusing on youth, sports, education, and student scholarships. Kajzer expressed a desire for "open, strong, and trust-based relations with Israel."

Sa'ar's visit also includes an economic component, with a delegation of representatives from major Israeli companies and organizations accompanying him. An Israeli-Slovenian business forum is scheduled to take place with the foreign ministers of both countries in attendance.