Logar talks migration and Afghanistan with Spanish counterpart

Madrid – Foreign Minister Anže Logar met his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares in Madrid on Monday to exchange views on current EU and international issues. The pair discussed migration, the situation in Afghanistan, climate change, efforts to tackle the impact of Covid-19 and economic recovery, Logar’s ministry said.

The ministers also talked about the security situation in the region following the developments in Afghanistan. Slovenia and Spain have similar views when it comes to efforts to prevent illegal migration, particularly in the Mediterranean and along the Balkan route, the ministry said in a press release.

Moreover, the countries share concerns over how the developments in Afghanistan might affect illegal migration trends.

Logar and Albares agreed that constructive cooperation and concerted approach by all EU member states were key in tackling all current and future challenges and would allow for a stronger and more unified EU that would be resilient to new global challenges in the future as well.

They also discussed the EuroMed 7 alliance, which Slovenia is expected to join in September.

The pair noted that Logar’s visit was a welcome opportunity for exchanging views, best practices and visions for a shared and better future. Logar highlighted the importance of continuation of EU enlargement to the Western Balkans and cooperation with the region, saying Slovenia will host an EU-Western Balkans summit on 6 October to promote these efforts.

The ministers described economic cooperation between Slovenia and Spain as very good. Bilateral trade totalled EUR 1 billion in 2020.

They also lauded the introduction of direct flights between Ljubljana and Madrid, noting those would serve as an additional opportunity to boost tourism.

Logar also met today members of Spain’s parliamentary committees on foreign and EU affairs.

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