Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon formally opened on Tuesday, March 11, the Slovenian Embassy in Manila, making it the first and only Slovenian embassy in the Southeast Asian region.
(Seated, from left) DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac and Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon sign a Memorandum of Cooperation on labor and employment on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Photo from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia)
“I am pleased that (Slovenia) has opened its only embassy in the ASEAN region right here in Manila. I believe it will not only strengthen bilateral relations between (Slovenia) and (the Philippines), but also open doors to new markets for Slovenian companies and help citizens of both countries,” the minister wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Fajon and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of employment.
“The aim of the established intergovernmental cooperation is to ensure and promote decent work based on safe & fair employment,” she said in a separate X post.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo said that the memorandum “represents our shared advocacy for safe, orderly, and regular migration.”
During an Employment Service event organized by the Slovenian Embassy in the Philippines, the Fajon noted how “(Filipinos) have a reputation for hard work & professionalism.”
“Many of them are already working in Slovenia and contributing to the country's cultural diversity,” she added.
“The purpose of this employment event is to provide Filipino job seekers with credible information on working and living conditions in Slovenia, as well as to ensure and promote decent work, safe working conditions and social security.”
The minister, who arrived in Manila on Monday, March 10, met with Manalo on Tuesday for a bilateral meeting to discuss common issues and areas of cooperation.
In her speech, she expressed how Filipinos are “held in high regard around the world for dedication, strong work ethic, and loyalty.”
“We look forward to welcoming more workers from the Philippines to Slovenia,” she added.