Golob confident of Slovenia's success on UN Security Council

As a small country Slovenia has always been in favour of balanced relations. Consistency in foreign policy speaks in its favour as well, he told a meeting of Slovenian diplomats dedicated to the UN Security Council stint.

Golob noted that the Middle East conflict will be an even more prominent issue on the Security Council in the next few months, whereby Slovenia will work towards a solution. He is confident it will be successful in that.

Slovenia is slated to chair the Security Council in September. "I'm convinced that I will be able to be very proud of you, and that the citizens will be proud of you as well," he told the diplomats.

The prime minister also spoke about diplomacy more broadly, thanking in particular diplomats in crisis areas such as Tel Aviv, Kyiv and Ramallah. "Your role is particularly important now," he said.

Commenting on the latest EU summit, he said that the EU's strength lay in unity on international issues, which is no simple task. In these processes, Slovenia pursues "a balance between unity and solidarity".

He said the camp of countries which feels that a humanitarian disaster is underway in Gaza, that the measures are disproportionate and that civilians need to be protected is gaining strength.

"We are united in condemning attacks by Hamas, we condemn the taking of hostages, and we recognize Israel's right to self-defence in compliance with international law," he said.

Minister for Slovenians Abroad Matej Arčon also attended the conference on Monday, meeting with ambassadors and consuls posted in countries and regions with sizeable Slovenian communities.

Embassies and general consulates are an important pillar that connects Slovenian communities with Slovenia, the minister was quoted as saying by his office. He emphasised the importance of close cooperation between representations and the communities.

Arčon moreover welcomed connecting activities in economy and agriculture, and said his office would encourage connections among cultural organisations. He also said that the government established a body last week in charge of drafting measures to encourage the return of Slovenian expats and their descendants.