SLOVENIA, March 12 - Minister Fajon was received by the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who expressed his satisfaction with Slovenia's decision to open a resident embassy in Manila. Minister Fajon pointed out: "Slovenia and the Philippines may be far apart geographically, but they are close in terms of views and values". The two officials pledged to strengthen their partnership in a number of areas, particularly the green transition and the fight against climate change. In this context, they discussed the effectiveness of the newly established Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. The Minister congratulated President Marcos for hosting the headquarters of the Fund, which is also of great importance to Slovenia: "With a contribution of €1.5 million, we have joined the global efforts to combat climate change, which the Philippines, as an island country, feels most acutely". Geopolitical challenges in the face of uncertain political situations in the world and in both regions were also discussed.
Minister Fajon apprised President Marcos of the great interest of Slovenian companies and institutions in cooperation with the Philippines and the first Slovenia-Philippines Business Forum.
Speaking at the Slovenia-Philippines Business Forum, the Minister stressed: "We are here not only to strengthen economic cooperation, but also to build a future that brings continents and cultures together. I can assure you that the Ministry will continue to work for stronger political and economic ties between the two countries," and added: "I am very pleased that the chambers of commerce and industry of both countries will sign a memorandum of cooperation, which will build on the existing one and strengthen the exchange of information and best practices as well as economic cooperation." She concluded: "I am convinced that the Business Forum is an excellent opportunity for companies from both countries to get to know each other better and to establish business contacts that will stimulate mutual economic growth".
On the sidelines, Minister Fajon met with the Philippine Secretary of Trade and Industry, Cristina Roque. They agreed on the importance of such events in building long-term partnerships between two countries that are very similar despite their geographical distance. As they focused on the EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement, Secretary Roque said the Philippines was open to cooperation in agriculture and space technologies.
Minister Fajon concluded her visit at the Far Eastern University with a lecture on multilateralism, Slovenia's membership of the UN Security Council, and the activities of both countries in the field of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls around the world. The students showed great interest in Slovenia and Slovenian diplomacy, especially in the field of environmental protection and cooperation with the Philippines.