Joint declaration between Slovenia and Algeria

Tags : Slovenia, Algeria joind declaration, Tanja Fajon, Ahmed Attaf, Sahara Occidental

Ljubljana, 30 August 2024

1. H.E. Ms Tanja Fajon, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, and H.E. Mr Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria met during the official visit of H.E. Mr Ahmed Attaf to the Republic of Slovenia on 30 August 2024. During the visit, both Ministers reaffirmed excellent relations between Slovenia and Algeria and exchanged views on bilateral, multilateral and regional issues of common interest.

Bilateral Cooperation

2. The Ministers emphasized the importance to continue to develop and deepen our bilateral relations across multiple sectors: economy, energy, artificial intelligence, digitalisation, migration, among others. Looking ahead, the Ministers are committed to exploring new avenues of cooperation that will benefit both countries. In this regard, Slovenia and Algeria welcomed the opening of embassies in their respective capitals.

3. Regarding economic cooperation, both Ministers agreed that it is an important part of our bilateral relations and to this end and committed to enhancing economic ties between our two countries. They look forward to the implementation of the agreement on economic cooperation, in force since March 2024. Both sides will encourage their respective business communities to engage in dialogue and partnership to foster sustainable economic growth.

4. The Ministers welcomed the enhanced cooperation in the energy sector and the signing of the Annex to the 2022 Agreement on the supply of natural gas between Geoplin and the Sonatrach group.

5. The Ministers welcomed the progress in bilateral cooperation in the fields of migration and security, which they are committed to developing further.

Multilateral Cooperation

6. The Ministers reaffirmed their joint commitment to working together in multilateral fora and exploring possibilities to cooperate on global issues, whereby emphasizing the importance of effective multilateralism.

7. As non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, both countries recognize the importance of joint efforts in maintaining peace and security. During our tenures, we will continue to work closely together on regional and international issues of common concern.

8. The two ministers commended the coordination between their countries’ delegations in the Security Council, particularly on the Palestinian question. In this context, they urgently called for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and detainees, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza, in line with the relevant Security Council resolutions. They also called for credible steps towards a lasting solution to the conflict, firmly grounded in a two-state solution.

9. The Ministers expressed deep concern about the war against Ukraine, which continues to inflict immense human suffering, death and destruction. They underlined the need for a just and lasting peace in line with the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

10. Regarding the question of Western Sahara, both Ministers emphasized their countries’ long-standing support for the UN-led process, including the Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General and MINURSO, with the aim of reaching a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution based on compromise, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, in accordance with all resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council on the question of Western Sahara and with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations.

11. Both countries agreed that the issue should be resolved through peaceful and diplomatic means on the basis of international law.

Signed in Ljubljana on 30 August 2024 in two original copies in the English language.

For the Republic
of Slovenia
H.E. Tanja Fajon
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs

For the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria

H.E. Ahmed Attaf

Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad 

Source : Slovenia Foreign Affairs Ministry