SARAJEVO 

Slovenia and Palestine signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday to strengthen political dialogue and cooperation, with Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon reaffirming her country's strong support for Palestinian statehood and calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Agabekyan Shahin is visiting Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana, at Fajon's invitation, as tensions in the occupied Palestinian territories continue to escalate due to Israeli aggression.

The memorandum sets up a formal framework for systematic dialogue, regular political consultations, and practical cooperation between the two governments, officials explained.

“We agreed that the Palestinian authorities are the only legitimate representatives that should lead and govern Gaza. Slovenia is ready to assist Palestine also in the field of state administration. In Gaza, weapons must be replaced by peace,” Fajon said following the MoU signing.

She stressed that Slovenia remains one of the most ardent supporters of Palestinian statehood in the European Union and globally, including at the UN Security Council.

“We need an immediate and lasting cease-fire, the release of all hostages, rapid and safe delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and strengthened efforts toward the realization of a two-state solution,” she said.

According to Slovenia’s STA news agency, Shahin will also meet with the country’s wider political leadership during her visit, with talks expected to focus on international developments, particularly the Middle East.

Slovenia, among the EU’s most vocal supporters of Palestinian rights, has in recent months repeatedly condemned Israeli actions in Gaza.