LJUBLJANA, Sept. 3 — Slovenia will provide an additional 4 million euros (4.66 million U.S. dollars) to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) between 2025 and 2028, the country’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs said Tuesday.
The agreement was signed by Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon and UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum, the country’s leading foreign policy and economic conference.
“UNRWA continues to play a key role in ensuring essential services for Palestinian refugees. This partnership confirms our dedication to humanitarian principles, regional stability, and the protection of the rights and dignity of Palestinian refugees,” Fajon said in a statement.
Since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, Slovenia has contributed 2.55 million euros to UNRWA. Lazzarini welcomed Slovenia’s “strong political and financial support,” noting that it is crucial for the agency to continue its assistance to refugees.
Slovenia, currently a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, recognized the State of Palestine in June 2024 and has consistently called for a ceasefire and peace in Gaza. Several international leaders at the Bled forum also voiced calls for peace.
The 20th edition of the Bled Strategic Forum is being held under the theme “A Runaway World” on Monday and Tuesday. (1 euro = 1.16 U.S. dollars). (Xinhua)
