Minister Fajon at the Raisina Dialogue: Building trust is key to a secure future

SLOVENIA, March 17 - During her visit, Minister Fajon met with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyan Jaishankar. The two officials confirmed their mutual interest in building on their excellent cooperation, particularly on trade, the green transition, science, research, mobility and advanced technologies. Minister Fajon emphasised: "India is our second most important foreign trade partner in Asia. It is also one of the world's largest and fastest growing economies. I am pleased that the two countries are strengthening their cooperation. The Slovenian-Indian Day of Science and Innovation has already been held twice, a regional hub for innovative technologies has been created and a partnership on river basin management has been established." The two leaders supported the upgrading of the EU-India strategic partnership, including the conclusion of a free trade agreement. Minister Fajon invited Minister Jaishankar to this year's Bled Strategic Forum. They also discussed the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Before attending the Raisina Dialogue conference, Minister Fajon visited the Piali Ashar Alo Educational Center in Kolkata, which was founded in 2008 by a Slovenian woman and her husband. In the beginning, only a few dozen children attended the school, but today there are more than 300 children, mostly girls. "The story of the Piali Ashar Alo Educational Center is incredibly inspiring. One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world. And that is exactly what they do here every day. This is a place of hope, solidarity and kindness.  It was a privilege to visit," said Minister Fajon.

In addition to regular classes, the centre organises educational courses (applied English, computer science, drawing) and vocational training (tailoring, hairdressing). In this way, people from the village acquire skills that help them become more financially independent. The school also provides hot meals, school supplies, uniforms and access to medical care.