Photo: Suvereni malteški viteški red
Only solidarity can pave the way for peace, stability, and justice
During her official visit to Rome and Vatican, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, met with the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM), Fra' John Dunlap. Slovenia has maintained close cooperation with the SMOM, especially after the signing of the Cooperation Agreement in 2022. During the meeting, President Pirc Musar expressed her deep appreciation for the SMOM's humanitarian efforts, highlighting its support for refugees, victims of natural disasters and those affected by violence around the world. "Your contribution to reducing and alleviating suffering is invaluable, especially today when the fundamental principles of solidarity and humanity are being tested in so many parts of the world,” the President said.
Rome, 4 Dec 2024
The President also expressed her concern about the escalating war in Ukraine, noting the increasing toll on civilians. She highlighted the importance of continued support for Ukraine, particularly in light of the targeted attacks on energy infrastructure, which are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, especially during the harsh winter months. "Such acts constitute war crimes and could potentially amount to crimes against humanity," she warned. She also underlined the importance of ensuring the safety of nuclear facilities and addressing the wider impact of the war on global food security – issues of particular concern to Slovenia. The President reaffirmed Slovenia's commitment to supporting Ukraine through initiatives such as mine clearance, rehabilitation of war victims, psychosocial support for children and strengthening local communities. She also highlighted the vital role of SMOM's efforts in Ukraine, where volunteers are providing assistance to the most vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly and the sick.
The President called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, stressing that "this is the only way to end the cycle of violence, destruction and displacement and pave the way for a lasting peace." She recalled that on 13 September Slovenia had welcomed a group of ten Palestinian children from Gaza for medical treatment. Since 2009, Slovenia has already helped 207 children affected by this conflict.
The President emphasised that solidarity with those in need is one of the key priorities of Slovenia's foreign policy. In 2023, Slovenia increased its humanitarian aid by almost 80% compared to 2022. The majority of bilateral development assistance is directed to partner countries in the Western Balkans. The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has (co-)financed more than 30 development and humanitarian projects implemented by Karitas Slovenia in different parts of the world, including the Western Balkans, the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, Haiti and Sri Lanka. "International solidarity is essential to address global issues such as climate change, poverty, hunger and migration. Solidarity paves the way for peace, stability and justice, and we must continue to strengthen it," the President said.
She thanked the Sovereign Military Order of Malta for their contribution and paid special tribute to the volunteers of the Maltese Aid society. "During the floods in August, you were among the first to respond. Your teams worked tirelessly in the hardest hit areas, such as Luče and Solčava, providing assistance in the critical first hours after the disaster. We will never forget your support," she stressed. The President also thanked volunteers from Germany and Hungary for their generous donations of equipment and resources in this time of need.
In the afternoon, the President will attend a cultural event at the Church of Santa Maria dell'Anima, featuring a performance by musician Izidor Erazem Grafenauer and a presentation of Pope Pius II's writings about Slovenian territory. At the end of the event, she will meet with representatives of the Holy See in Rome, as well as with officials of United Nations organisations based in the Italian capital.
