Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon recently embarked on a significant visit to Japan, emphasizing advanced technologies, particularly in green hydrogen. This visit, which took place on April 15 and 16 and included a business delegation, marks her as the first Slovenian foreign minister to visit Japan in 16 years. Fajon's agenda also includes plans to continue on to China.
During her time in Japan, Fajon met with several key figures including her Japanese counterpart Yoko Kamikawa, Kazuchika Iwata, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and various Japanese business leaders. "Japan stands as a crucial investor in Slovenia, and our goal is to draw even more investment from this technologically advanced nation," Fajon stated, advocating for enhanced Japanese investment in Slovenia to boost science and innovation collaboration.
Fajon highlighted sectors like hydrogen, automotive, science, and robotics as areas of particular interest for collaboration between Slovenian and Japanese entities. She engaged with top executives from Japan's largest business organization, Keidanren, as well as leaders from Hitachi and SMBC bank. Joining her were Igor Papič, Slovenian Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and Uroš Kerin, coordinator of the Slovenian hydrogen consortium.
The Slovenian hydrogen consortium, recently established by 18 Slovenian entities including companies, organizations, and municipalities, aims to develop a low-carbon hydrogen ecosystem to secure a Japanese partnership and compete for funding from Japan's advanced technology agency NEDO.
Reflecting on a previously successful three-year smart grid and smart city project with Japan, Slovenia is optimistic about partnering again to develop the hydrogen ecosystem. "Our collaboration extends to the UN Security Council where we are addressing climate security and solutions to climate change. This project is a practical step towards achieving green transition goals," Fajon remarked.
Papič, who was involved in the smart grid project as an expert, described the envisioned low-carbon hydrogen ecosystem as "one of the largest international demonstration projects." He added, "Our past project on smart grids was a global success, even earning us an award for best project in this field."
Over the coming days, Papič will hold additional meetings in Japan, including with Shigenori Mitsushima, head of the Japanese association of hydrogen energy systems.
Fajon's discussions also covered bilateral relations and their shared efforts in the UN Security Council as non-permanent members. "Slovenia and Japan share similar views, evident in our close cooperation within the UN, where we strive for an effective, rules-based international order," she noted. Topics of their discussions included conflict prevention, civilian protection, nuclear disarmament, and enhancing the role of women in peace and security.
The ministers agreed on the importance of a "free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific" and acknowledged the growing relevance of the EU-Japan strategic partnership, especially in terms of economic and climate security.
Fajon is set to continue her discussions in China, accompanied by a delegation of over 50 Slovenian companies, focusing on strengthening trade relations.