Minister Fajon calls on NATO Secretary General to visit the Western Balkans and reaffirms support for Ukraine

SLOVENIA, December 4 - During the meeting, King Abdullah II of Jordan joined as a special guest to discuss NATO's southern neighbourhood and the role of Jordan in mitigating the spread of conflict in the Middle East and beyond. Minister Fajon expressed her gratitude to the King for his support in Slovenia’s efforts to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and emphasised Jordan’s excellent cooperation and partnership with NATO. She remarked: "Jordan is a vital partner, and the forthcoming establishment of a NATO liaison office in Amman will be instrumental in fostering stability in the Middle East."

At an informal working dinner of the NATO-Ukraine Council, Minister Tanja Fajon engaged with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. She stressed the need to continue supporting Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression and the ministers agreed on the need to continue providing political and military assistance. "Slovenia regrets the irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, which poses a risk of escalation," Minister Fajon told the gathered participants and called for continued support for Ukraine from NATO members. "The only response to such actions is to ensure continued support to Ukraine so that it can effectively exercise its legitimate right to self-defence."

Regarding Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership, Minister Fajon said on the sidelines of the meeting: "I do not believe that the circumstances are ripe for full membership at this time. However, it is not a question of whether Ukraine will join NATO, it is a question of when," Minister Fajon stressed, adding that "this process is irreversible."

On the second day, the ministers convened to review the progress of commitments made at this year's NATO Summit in Washington, with a particular focus on the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) coordination mechanism and the delivery of military equipment by NATO members. Discussions also addressed hybrid threats, global challenges and the Alliance’s responses to them. Minister Fajon took the opportunity to underscore the strategic importance of the Western Balkans and called for sustained attention to the region under the new NATO leadership. She extended an invitation to the new NATO Secretary General to visit the region at the earliest opportunity. She also welcomed the appointment of former Macedonian Defence Minister Radmila Shekerinska as Deputy Secretary General, noting the significance of this decision for the region, the Alliance and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. After all, NATO is first and foremost an alliance built on shared values.