Israel and Slovenia Hold First Political-Strategic Dialogue in Ljubljana

Israel and Slovenia held their first political-strategic dialogue in Ljubljana, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said on November 5. Gilad Cohen, the ministry’s political director, led the Israeli delegation. The talks addressed diplomatic and strategic issues and opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. “Discussions focused on key diplomatic and strategic issues,” the ministry said. Cohen also met Slovenia’s deputy defense minister, the prime minister’s economic adviser and national security adviser, and an adviser to the defense minister. The ministry linked the dialogue to Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s September visit and the opening of Israel’s embassy in Slovenia. On September 9, Slovenia’s Foreign Ministry said Sa’ar’s visit was the first by an Israeli foreign minister in 16 years. The two foreign ministers signed a programme for cooperation in education, science, culture, youth and sport for 2026–2030. It covers university links and scholarships, as well as cultural heritage, archaeology, literature, film, libraries, youth exchanges and sporting cooperation. Under the September programme, Israel offers up to five postgraduate scholarships of one academic year each. Slovenia offers Israeli postgraduate students scholarships totaling up to 27 months. These commitments formed part of the earlier programme, rather than a new agreement announced at the November dialogue.