Minister Logar and Japanese Minister Motegi on strengthening economic cooperation

The ministers agreed that relations between the two countries are excellent, noting the great potential for strengthening economic cooperation. In the strategic sense, Japan is considered one of the main trading partners and investors under the National Program for the Promotion of Investment and Internationalization of the Slovenian Economy 2020-2024. Slovenia sees opportunities especially in the high-tech sector and the automotive and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in renewable energy resources, artificial intelligence, tourism, health and infrastructure.

Minister Logar noted that “all the ongoing Japanese investments in Slovenia have proved to be very beneficial for both sides, which is why we hope that our cooperation will be strengthened in the future”, while Minister Motegi expressed a keen interest in finding new investment opportunities in all areas. of mutual interest.

Minister Logar also briefed the Japanese Foreign Minister on the priorities of the upcoming Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU and expressed satisfaction that the two countries attach great importance to cybersecurity, which will be one priorities of the Slovenian Presidency.

They paid particular attention to the cooperation between their two Western Balkan countries and positively assessed Japan’s contribution to demining projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the ITF Enhancing Human Security organization, which helped clean up a 2.68 km area.².

Ministers Logar and Motegi then discussed the Indo-Pacific region. They agreed that Slovenia and Japan share similar values ​​and promote an international order based on the rule of law, including maritime law, the tramp trade, an open and fair business environment, investments, reciprocity, building resilience and supporting connectivity. “These values ​​and principles are essential for Slovenia and the port of Koper. In this regard, our wish is to continue the bilateral dialogue, ”Minister Logar stressed.

The Japanese Minister also met with Slovenian President Borut Pahor and Prime Minister Janez Janša.