Photo courtesy of the Slovenian embassy in Egypt.
The celebration was attended by Egypt’s Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Sherif Farouk, who represented Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, alongside officials, ambassadors and diplomats.
Slovenia and Egypt enjoy traditionally strong and friendly relations that extend beyond their 34 years of official diplomatic ties, underpinned by regular political dialogue and cooperation on issues of mutual interest.
Egypt remains Slovenia’s most important trading partner in Africa.
Over the past year, bilateral relations have continued to advance through high-level visits and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
Speaking at the celebration of Slovenia’s National Day in Cairo, Slovenia’s Ambassador to Egypt, Sašo Podlesnik, reflected on the country’s journey since gaining independence.
"It is a great pleasure to welcome you to this year’s celebration of Slovenia’s National Day.
On 25 June, we marked 35 years of Slovenia’s statehood, a moment to honour the determination, unity and courage that set the Slovenian people on the path towards an independent, democratic and peaceful future," he said.
"Today, Slovenia stands as a responsible member of the international community, firmly committed to democracy, the rule of law, human rights, multilateralism, and regional and global security," Podlesnik said.
He added that these were also the guiding principles of Slovenia’s recent non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, as well as its efforts to prevent conflict, protect civilians, uphold international law, and promote peace through dialogue.
Addressing regional developments, Podlesnik reiterated Slovenia’s position on the Middle East.
"Slovenia remains committed to a just peace in the Middle East and will persist in its calls for full respect for international humanitarian law," he said.
"We hope recent positive momentum can be seized to pursue lasting peace and security in the region, and that other conflicts and human suffering, such as the protracted war in Sudan, can finally be brought to an end.
"We will also continue to provide support to Ukraine in defence of its sovereignty," he added.
The ambassador also stressed the importance of preserving the international rules-based order.
"The ongoing weakening of the international order, marked by the erosion of respect for international law and growing mistrust in multilateral institutions, threatens global stability, particularly the security of small and medium-sized states.
"In such an environment, alliances and effective multilateralism are indispensable to defending the UN Charter, human rights, and open, rules-based trade," he said.
Highlighting bilateral ties, Podlesnik described Egypt as Slovenia’s closest regional partner.
"Slovenia greatly values its close relationship with Egypt, our foremost partner and a key pillar of stability in the region.
"Over the past year, our excellent and friendly relations have also been reflected in the exchange of several ministerial visits.
"Bilateral cooperation is steadily expanding in trade, development partnerships that empower women and advance environmental sustainability, as well as academic and cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts," he concluded.
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