Minister Işıkhan attended the opening ceremony of Honorary Consulate of Republic of Türkiye in Novo Mesto, Slovenia.

Minister of Labour and Social Security went to Slovenia to hold various contacts and attend in programs. Minister Işıkhan attended the opening ceremony of Honorary Consulate of Republic of Türkiye in Novo Mesto within the scope of his visit to Slovenia.

Minister Işıkhan attended the opening ceremony of Honorary Consulate of Republic of Türkiye in Novo Mesto, Slovenia.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Işıkhan stressed that Honorary Consulates are the most important pillars of diplomatic activities, and said: "Honorary Consulates which build bridges of friendship between countries and strengthen economic cultural and social relations are also a gateway of trust, a beacon of support and symbol of belonging for our citizens living abroad. In addition to our honorary consulate in Koper with our newly opening honorary consulate in Novo Mesto our country’s representation in Slovenia will be further strengthened”.

Noting that relations between Türkiye and Slovenia are improving further day by day on the basis of mutual respect and common interests, Minister Işıkhan went on as follows:

“Slovenia is our valued strategic partner and also a friendly country and our NATO ally. In this context deepening of political economic and cultural relations between two countries is of great importance to us. Yesterday, together with my Slovenian counterpart Mr. Luca MESEC, we signed an important and historic social security agreement, which will help improve economic and social relations between two countries. Today we are also inaugurating our honorary consulate in Novo Mesto to contribute to economic relations and cooperation between our countries. The decision to open an honorary consulate here is not taken by coincidence. Standing out as key industrial and production centres of Slovenia, Novo Mesto is one of the most vibrant spots particularly with its firm infrastructure in automotive, pharmaceutical and export oriented sectors. Its industrial establishments, international trade volume and logistical advantages place Novo Mesto in a strategic position not only locally but also on regional scale”.

Drawing attention to the fact that economic dynamism presents significant opportunities for Turkish businesspeople and entrepreneurs, Işıkhan stated: “Establishment of honorary consulate in Novo Mesto is not only aimed towards todays needs, but is also an attestation of a strong vision for our economic commercial and cultural relations which increasingly continue in the future. Our honorary consulate will serve as an important bridge contributing to boosting commercial collaborations between two countries, creating new investment opportunities and establishing stronger ties between business communities.

At the end of his speech, Minister Işıkhan acknowledged his thanks to everyone who contributed to the building of the facility that will operate as the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Türkiye as well as the Slovenian authorities and local officials for their cooperation.

Expressing his belief that relations improving on the basis of mutual understanding and respect will be further strengthened in the future, Minister Işıkhan wished the opening of Novo Mesto Honorary Consulate to be auspicious.

The ceremony was attended by Slovenian Minister of infrastructure, Ms. Alenka Bratušek; Turkish Ambassador to Ljubljana, Ms. Hayriye Kumaşçıoğlu; officials from both countries and invited guests.