President Pirc Musar discusses closer political and economic cooperation with Spanish leadership

In meetings with Spain's highest representatives, President Pirc Musar stressed that relations between Slovenia and Spain are excellent at the bilateral, European and multilateral levels, and that Spain is an important ally and close friend of Slovenia. She underlined the importance of further strengthening this partnership, as well as maintaining regular political dialogue and close cooperation within the European Union and NATO. The two countries share similar views on key European and international issues and, as like-minded partners, expressed common concern over the war in Ukraine and developments in the Middle East, Greenland, Iran and the Western Balkans.

In this context, the President highlighted the importance of multilateralism as well as respect for international law and human rights, with the United Nations playing a central role. She also noted that Slovenia advocates an active role for the European Union as a reliable and credible partner of the UN.

President Pirc Musar reaffirmed Slovenia's commitment to peace and stability in international relations. Slovenia supports a ceasefire in Gaza, a just and lasting solution in Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilian populations. She underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, including in relation to developments in Iran and Georgia, and highlighted the significance of EU enlargement and the active integration of the Western Balkans into European processes. In her assessment, the EU enlargement process is crucial for peace, security and stability in Europe.

Considerable attention was also devoted to strengthening cooperation in economic and other sectors. Slovenia and Spain are already closely connected economically: in 2024, trade in goods reached EUR 1.7 billion, trade in services amounted to EUR 192 million, and tourism continued to grow, with the number of Spanish tourists visiting Slovenia increasing by 18 per cent.

Slovenia welcomes Spanish investment and sees strong potential for cooperation in the automotive industry (Gonvarri Industries–Hidria, Irizar e-mobility–LPP/Marprom), the food industry, aviation, the production of medical equipment, information and communication technologies (Arctur), renewable energy sources and innovation (Cosylab – the IFMIF-DONES nuclear fusion project in Granada), science, artificial intelligence (Jožef Stefan Institute, IRCAI, inter-university cooperation), joint investments in Latin America, Africa and the Western Balkans, tourism, logistics (Gran Canaria–Koper), as well as the space and defence industries (Airbus, Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia/Defence Industry Cluster of Slovenia).

The President also underlined the importance of cooperation between the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Spanish business associations, particularly in third markets in Latin America and North Africa. She further highlighted the importance of establishing direct air connections between Madrid and Ljubljana, Barcelona and Ljubljana, and Gran Canaria and Ljubljana.

On this occasion, President Pirc Musar invited King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to pay a state visit to Slovenia in 2027, marking the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. She also congratulated King Felipe VI on his birthday, which he celebrates today.