Joint Statement by Slovenia and the Kingdom of Spain on the anniversary of Palestine's recognition

SLOVENIA, May 29 - The meeting in Madrid serves as preparation for two upcoming leaders' summits in June: the NATO summit in The Hague and the European Council summit in Brussels. Slovenia and Spain are friendly and like-minded Mediterranean countries, both EU Member States and NATO members, which have recently been cooperating more closely, particularly on European security and defence issues, as well as on the situation in the Middle East, with a focus on Gaza.

Before the meeting with the Spanish Prime Minister, Prime Minister Golob signed the guestbook upon his arrival at the Palace of Moncloa. "I reflect with deep gratitude on the strong friendship between our two nations. We are committed to shared values and a strong dedication to democratic principles, peace, and prosperity in Europe and around the world," wrote Prime Minister Golob, adding that he looks forward to further cooperation with Prime Minister Sánchez and to strengthening their partnership.

Following the official reception, the two leaders held a one-on-one meeting and then gave a joint press statement.

In the press statement, Prime Minister Golob began by thanking his Spanish friend, Prime Minister Sánchez, for his hospitality and warm welcome, expressing respect for his leadership. "I am pleased that Spain has a Prime Minister who never forgets to care for his fellow citizens, while also recognizing that his responsibility extends to the European family and the global community," said Prime Minister Golob. "It is precisely by uniting people who believe in fundamental civilizational values and uphold these values in the toughest times that humanity has a bright future," he added, highlighting the active role of the Spanish Prime Minister in efforts to end the war and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

"Today the Prime Minister of Spain and I signed a special statement marking the first anniversary of the recognition of Palestine," said Prime Minister Golob. "In this statement, we wish to reaffirm that international law, humanitarian law, and human rights must always come first. Therefore, we advocate for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and above all, an immediate increase in humanitarian aid," the Prime Minister stated clearly, expressing hope that the upcoming meetings will finally bring some relief to the civilian population in Gaza. "We are working to get as many like-minded countries as possible to join us," added Prime Minister Golob.

Prime Minister Golob further expressed support for the Spanish Prime Minister’s views on European security and defence. "With Prime Minister Sánchez, a path has opened within the European Union that the rest of us are also following. That path involves shifting discussions about security away from just weapons purchases," he said. "Security is not just about purchasing weapons; it is something much broader. By broadening the concept of security to include building the resilience of society as a whole, which involves both a positive foreign policy and strengthening the social cohesion of the country, we will be able to make countries, and thus Europe, more secure," stressed Prime Minister Golob.

In closing, Prime Minister Golob reaffirmed his respect for the Spanish Prime Minister and stressed the importance of good bilateral relations and shared values in building a better future.

Prime Minister Sánchez thanked Prime Minister Golob for the excellent relations and alliance between the two countries in terms of their common membership of NATO, the European Union and MED9, where the two countries share values, interests, and goals. Prime Minister Sánchez also highlighted Slovenia's role in the international community. "Slovenia will chair the MED9 summit in October and the United Nations Security Council in December. I cannot think of a better country to pass the Security Council leadership to than Slovenia, as it will conclude its two-year term as a non-permanent member of this important institution. I believe your leadership will be crucial in promoting peace where conflicts persist."

Prime Minister Sánchez went on to emphasise that the two countries share views on resolving the catastrophic situation in Gaza. "Both countries support the two-state solution as the only viable solution," he said, adding that today's talks also touched on the war in Ukraine, where, in accordance with international law, both countries support the Ukrainian people, who are being attacked by a third force – in this case, Russia.

Prime Minister Sánchez also expressed special recognition to Slovenia for its support in the enlargement of the European Union, particularly regarding the Western Balkans. "Our two countries know from their own experience what it means to join Europe. From historical experience, Spain and Slovenia share a vision of a strong, closely connected union and strongly support the efficiency of its institutions," said Prime Minister Sánchez. He thanked Prime Minister Golob for his trust and support in recent years, adding that he looks forward to continued cooperation and contribution to shared agendas.

During the official visit of Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez to Slovenia in 2023, he and Prime Minister Golob discussed key European and international issues: the Russian invasion of Ukraine, enhancing the competitiveness of the European economy, challenges in the energy sector, a unified European response to migration, and EU enlargement policy with a focus on the Western Balkans.

A year later, during Prime Minister Sánchez's repeat visit to Slovenia, the discussions focused on the situation in the Middle East, especially the war in Gaza. The two prime ministers also touched on the issue of recognition of Palestine. At a joint press conference, Prime Minister Golob emphasised that by sharing similar views with his Spanish counterpart, they feel a common responsibility. "We are aware of our responsibility towards the people of Gaza. We are united in the belief that we cannot watch these events unfold sitting on our hands," said Prime Minister Golob. On this occasion, Prime Minister Sánchez thanked the Slovenian Government for its responsible stance and efforts in seeking solutions to the war in Gaza and the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe there.

Let us recall that the prime ministers of Ireland, Malta, and Spain had already signed a special statement in March 2024, on the margin of a special European Council meeting, in which they agreed on the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and a rapid, large-scale, and lasting increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.

In March 2025, on the margins of another special European Council meeting, Prime Minister Golob also spoke with the Spanish Prime Minister about strengthening European defence and security. He emphasised that consultations with Prime Minister Sánchez contributed to a broader understanding of the concept of security. They agreed that defence issues must be addressed comprehensively, with a vision of building a more resilient and secure Europe.

In May 2025, on the margins of the European Political Community meeting in Tirana, the two leaders also attended a gathering of like-minded European leaders concerning the situation in the Middle East, with a focus on Gaza. Prime Minister Golob joined a resolute call by the leaders of Spain, Norway, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Malta, emphasising that we must not remain silent in the face of a man-made humanitarian catastrophe unfolding before our eyes in Gaza.