The main task of the first meeting of Slovenia-Azerbaijan Economic Cooperation Working Group to be held in Baku will be to identify concrete business and investment opportunities, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia Tanja Fajon said in an exclusive interview with Trend ahead of the visit to Azerbaijan.
"We are pleased with the positive and regular political dialogue between our two nations. As we approach the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in February 2026, we are proud to reflect on the deepening of ties between Slovenia and Azerbaijan. The main objective of my official visit to Baku is to further strengthen the bilateral partnership between our respective countries, focusing on expanding cooperation in political, economic and multilateral areas of mutual interest. My wish is to provide a platform to advance our common goals, particularly in the energy sector, where Slovenia and Azerbaijan have made significant progress in recent years. A key focus is to continue to build on the positive economic developments, especially in energy cooperation," she said.
Fajon pointed out that Azerbaijan is an important trade partner for Slovenia in the region.
"In 2024, the value of trade between the two countries increased by 57%, reaching EUR 37.7 million. We look forward to further strengthening economic cooperation between our two countries, to which both the Azerbaijani-Slovenian Business Forum and the inaugural meeting of the Working Group on Economic Cooperation, which will be held in Baku on 17 April 2025, will undoubtedly contribute. Both countries have substantial markets and strategic positions that offer valuable opportunities for expanding business activities," noted the deputy PM.
She went on to add that as a young and dynamic country, Slovenia is proud of its membership in the world’s most important international organizations, including the OECD.
"Our achievements are well recognized in the multilateral arena: in the beginning of 2025, Slovenia became a full member of the European Space Agency (ESA) and is now preparing for full membership of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). Our country also hosts the headquarters of UNESCO’s International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI). With its advanced high-tech expertise and innovative achievements, Slovenia offers a highly skilled workforce, excellent infrastructure, access to regional markets and a high quality of life. Slovenia has an open, export-oriented economy with a broad industrial base, ranging from pharmaceuticals to information technology and the automotive industry. During my visit to Baku, I will be accompanied by representatives of a number of Slovenian companies from a wide range of sectors, including information and communication technology, unmanned vessel manufacturing, maritime automation systems, construction and manufacture of metal structures," said the deputy PM.
Fajon pointed out that Slovenia is the first country in the world that was awarded the title of a Green Destination of the World.
"Slovenia and Azerbaijan have traditionally enjoyed close cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector; international generic pharmaceutical companies Krka and Sandoz have been present in Azerbaijan for many years, as well as in the field of information technology through the company Kontron. There is further potential for increased cooperation in the construction of small hydropower plants, photovoltaics, sports infrastructure, the electrical engineering industry and the use of space technologies for river basin management and climate resilience," she said.
Fajon noted that today’s global circumstances require companies to remain adaptable and explore business opportunities in new markets.
"In the context of the war in Ukraine, Azerbaijan has become particularly important for the development of the Middle Corridor for East-West Trade, which is set to become the fastest and most direct trade route between Asia and Europe. The Slovenian-Azerbaijani Business Forum, organized by SPIRIT Slovenia and AZPROMO, takes place on the sidelines of the official visit and provides an excellent platform for expanding business relations, promoting direct investment and opening up new opportunities for both countries. In addition, the first meeting of the Economic Cooperation Working Group has set the stage for a future of increased cooperation and growth in various sectors," she said.
The Slovenian deputy PM noted that the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation is a decisive step in strengthening the partnership in the crucial sector of energy.
"The MoU paves the way for increased collaboration in energy production, supply and innovation, which is vital not only for our two countries, but also for regional and European energy security. By fostering closer ties between Slovenian and Azerbaijani businesses, we aim to create new opportunities for trade, investment and innovation. The Business Forum will be a key event during this mission, highlighting the potential for further economic cooperation. In addition to economic objectives, we are also committed to continuing our efforts to promote regional stability," she said.
