Slovenia has expressed full support for the Philippines’ candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), reinforcing Manila’s push for a stronger role in global peace and security.

Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon announced the endorsement during a press conference on March 11 after meeting with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo.

“We are a non-permanent member of the Security Council, strongly committed to international law, to the UN Charter, to human rights, and we share those values together with the Philippines,” Fajon said.

“We are also fully supportive of the candidacy of the Philippines to the Security Council in the near future,” she added.

She emphasized that, like Slovenia, the Philippines stands for the protection of international law in today’s complex geopolitical landscape. “We need like-minded countries such as the Philippines and Slovenia to work closely together and to protect our shared values,” she said.

Manalo underscored that the Philippines’ UNSC bid is rooted in its commitment to a rules-based international order. “Our campaign for the Security Council non-permanent seat is also based on these important values and principles,” he said.

The Philippines has been seeking international backing for its UNSC bid since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced it at the UN General Assembly in 2022. The elections for the 2027 to 2028 term will take place in June 2026.

Economic ties

Alongside diplomatic talks, Slovenia is expanding its trade and investment partnership with the Philippines. Fajon’s visit coincides with the opening of Slovenia’s first and only embassy in Southeast Asia, located in Manila.

Marcos thanked Fajon for Slovenia’s decision to establish an embassy in the Philippines, calling it a significant step in strengthening diplomatic relations.

At a memorandum of understanding signing between the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia in Taguig City on March 12, Fajon described the Philippines as a strategic economic partner.

“Business is built on trust, shared values, and long-term partnerships. That is precisely why we are here — to listen, to understand, and to explore new possibilities together. There is great potential to expand economic ties,” she said.

Fajon is leading a delegation of 40 Slovenian companies and institutions exploring opportunities in transport and logistics, infrastructure, food and agriculture, mechanical engineering, ICT, and human resources.

Backing Philippines’ fight for West Philippine Sea 

Before her historic visit to Manila from March 10 to 12, Fajon affirmed Slovenia’s support for the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea and called on states to abide by the 2016 Arbitral Award, which rejected Beijing’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.

“I would like to express my solidarity with the Philippines in the face of challenges to security and international law in the South China Sea — or more precisely, in the West Philippine Sea,” Fajon told the Philippine News Agency.

Slovenia, she said, is committed to international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). “It is imperative that all parties comply with the 2016 Arbitral Award, as it is final and legally binding,” she added.

The Philippines’ 2016 legal victory invalidated China’s so-called nine-dash line, which covers parts of the country’s exclusive economic zone. However, Beijing continues to reject the ruling.

As of January 2025, the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative has identified 27 governments that publicly support the ruling, 17 that have issued generally positive statements but stopped short of calling for compliance, and eight that have rejected it.

Manila lauds Slovenia’s support

Meanwhile, the National Maritime Council (NMC) welcomed Slovenia’s firm stance on the 2016 Arbitral Award, emphasizing the importance of upholding international law.

“Slovenia’s statement, along with support from other countries, reaffirms that we are not alone in our effort to uphold international law in the West Philippine Sea,” the NMC said in a statement on March 12.

The council condemned China’s “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions” in the region, warning that Beijing’s defiance of UNCLOS and the 2016 ruling undermines global stability.

Despite these challenges, the Philippines remains resolute in asserting its sovereignty.

The NMC also called for continued international vigilance, saying: “The world is watching, and no amount of coercion or disinformation can distort the real issue.”

Photo credit: Presidential Communications Office. Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon (right) meets with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr at Malacañang Palace on March 12, 2025.