Photo: Siniša Kanižaj / STA
First meeting between the Presidents of Slovenia and Ireland highlights shared values and commitment to multilateralism
President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar held her first bilateral meeting with the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, who took office in November last year, on the sidelines of the Arraiolos Group meeting. The two Presidents reaffirmed the excellent and friendly relations between their countries and highlighted their shared positions on numerous key European and international issues, particularly the importance of respect for international law, human rights and effective multilateralism.
Publish date Brdo pri Kranju,
President Pirc Musar expressed her pleasure at meeting her Irish counterpart for the first time and emphasised the importance of further deepening political and economic cooperation. In January next year, the two countries will mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, providing an additional opportunity to strengthen their partnership. President Pirc Musar also welcomed Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and recalled that Slovenia had joined the EU in 2004, during Ireland’s Presidency.
A significant part of their discussions focused on current international developments, particularly the situation in the Middle East, efforts to achieve lasting peace and the importance of consistently upholding international humanitarian law. The two Presidents agreed on the crucial role of the United Nations in finding peaceful solutions to international conflicts. President Pirc Musar thanked Ireland for its valuable support during Slovenia’s term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Both leaders also emphasised the importance of continued cooperation in the field of human rights. They further discussed the European perspective of the Western Balkans, with the Slovenian President highlighting Ireland’s valuable experience in reconciliation and peacebuilding.
Slovenia and Ireland are united not only by excellent bilateral relations but, above all, by a shared conviction that respect for international law and the protection of human dignity must form the foundation of every effort to achieve peace. At a time when these principles are increasingly being put to the test, cooperation between countries that consistently uphold them is more important than ever. The two Presidents will have a further opportunity to deepen this cooperation during President Connolly’s forthcoming official visit to the Republic of Slovenia.
