FM: Slovenia needs new foreign policy strategy

Slovenian Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec called on Monday for the promotion of national interests and international position by working out new foreign strategy. "The world is changing fast, what was valid once, isn't valid any more today," Erjavec said at annual consultations of Slovenian diplomats. Noting that the existing strategy is outdated, the foregin minister demanded a modern one that attaches great importance to sustainable development, green policy and peaceful resolution of disputes. He also stressed efforts to close relationship with the European Union, and to preserve Slovenia's credibility as an European Union member through a good economic situation and the lowest possible deficit. Stressing that financial problems remain a challenge in 2014, Erjavec underscored the importance of economic diplomacy. The Slovenian foreign ministry is reorganizing diplomatic network to promote national economy, he said. He expressed hope to upgrade relations with the United States, France and Russia, and described Washington as Slovenia's strategic partner. Slovenia also plans to open an embassy in Tanzania as well as one in either Kuwait, Saudi Arabia or United Arab Emirates, according to Erjavec.