Ministers from the Middle East and the Gulf discussed major efforts to achieve peace and ease tensions in the region

SLOVENIA, February 6 - During the discussion, the foreign ministers of Slovenia, Jordan, Bahrain and Egypt – Tanja Fajon, Ayman Safadi, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and Badr Abdelatty – highlighted the risk of new tensions in the region and praised Slovenian foreign policy for its significant contribution to finding a solution to the Palestinian question over the past two years.

In his opening address, former Slovenian president Danilo Türk said that discussions about the Middle East tend to arouse strong emotions: “Today, we will be discussing one of the most intractable problems of the modern world. This is not a time when we can afford to think superficially, nor when the world can afford superficial diplomacy. The time for that is long past.”

Jordanian Minister Safadi reiterated that everyone in the region is working to end the violence in the Middle East, emphasising that the two-state solution is the only option for peace. He stated that the aggression ceased after US President Donald Trump presented his 20-point plan, resulting in the current ceasefire in Gaza, and said that this should be built upon. To move from a ceasefire to stability and address the terrible consequences of war, it is necessary to implement this plan in full, he stressed. Minister Safadi also praised Slovenia which, although it is a small country, it is big on principles and has had a tremendous impact over the past two years.

Egyptian Minister Badr Abdelatty said that the main goal is to protect the interests of all countries in the region. There are many crises, and the countries in the region do not want a new regional war, especially because of Iran. Therefore, he added, these countries are making additional efforts to calm the situation and prioritise diplomacy.

The Bahraini Foreign Minister stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved through consistent respect for values and principles, especially in difficult times. He highlighted the importance of diplomacy and inclusive peace efforts by all parties involved, expressing cautious optimism that current international initiatives and leadership could pave the way for a two-state solution and broader regional stability. He added that military solutions only deepen the conflict.

Minister Fajon thanked her colleagues for visiting Slovenia and said: “I believe that Slovenia has succeeded in remaining true to our values: being an honest broker, advocating international law and the UN Charter and taking a principled approach to various conflicts around the world. By deciding to recognise Palestine as a sovereign and independent state, we have proven, in my opinion, that we are on the right side of history. This visit is the best proof that we have gained a great deal of trust in the region.”