Slovenia officially opens embassy in PH

EXPANDING TIES. Visiting Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon (left to right), Slovenian Ambassador to the Philippines Smiljana Knez, and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro during the official opening of the Slovenian Embassy in the Philippines on March 11, 2025. The embassy, located at the RCBC Plaza in Makati City, commenced initial operations on May 10, 2024, but consular services at that time were somewhat limited as the chancery was still under construction phase. (Photo: Tanja Fajon/Facebook)

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Slovenian government formally opened its embassy in the Philippines, its first ever mission established in the Southeast Asian region.

The embassy, located at the RCBC Plaza in Makati City, commenced initial operations on May 10, 2024, but consular services at that time were somewhat limited as the chancery was still under construction phase.

Visiting Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon led the official opening of the embassy in a ceremony on March 11.

She was joined by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Slovenian Ambassador to the Philippines Smiljana Knez.

“The world is changing more and more and more, and today more than ever, we need strong partnerships. The Philippines, like Slovenia, is a strong advocate of multilateralism, respect for international law and human dignity,” Fajon said in a statement Wednesday.

“I believe that the embassy will not only strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, but will also open the door for Slovenian companies to new markets in the region and help citizens of both countries.”

The renovation of the embassy premises was co-financed by European funds -the Border Management and Visa Policy Instrument.

Fajon arrived in the Philippines for an official visit from March 10 to 12.

At the beginning of her visit, she and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo convened a meeting to review opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The two officials also exchanged views on a number of current international issues, including on the situation in the South China Sea, Myanmar, Ukraine, and the Middle East.