Manila: Slovenia is looking to increase its recruitment of Filipino workers by signing a new labor mobility deal with the Philippines, as announced by Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon during a joint press conference with Filipino Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo in Manila.

According to Philippines News Agency, Fajon stated that she would be signing a memorandum of understanding on labor cooperation with the Department of Migrant Workers. The agreement aims to provide fair and transparent employment opportunities for Filipinos seeking to work in Slovenia. "Filipinos are held in high regard around the world for their dedication, strong work ethic, and loyalty, and we look forward to welcoming more workers from the Philippines to Slovenia," Fajon said.

Currently, there are approximately 413 Filipinos residing in Slovenia, primarily employed in roles such as clerical support, service and sales, and technical professions, based on the latest data from the Department of Foreign Affairs. As part of her three-day official visit to the Philippines from March 10 to 12, the Slovenian Embassy in Manila is organizing a labor event to inform recruitment agencies about the Slovenian labor market.

During a bilateral meeting, Fajon and Manalo discussed potential cooperation in areas such as space, science and technology applications, nuclear energy, maritime education, training, and sports. This visit marks the first by a Slovenian foreign minister to the Philippines, which Manalo described as a "milestone" in the 31 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. "The positive trajectory of Philippines-Slovenia bilateral relations is largely a result of our shared values and an alignment of views on regional and global issues," he added.

Accompanying Fajon is a Slovenian business delegation comprising about 40 companies from sectors including mobility, manufacturing, food and beverage, information and communications technology, science and technology, and hospitality. The delegation will engage with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the Slovenia-Philippines Business Forum on March 12, aiming to encourage collaboration between the countries' Chambers of Commerce and Industry and businesses.

Additionally, Minister Fajon is set to formally open the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Manila, which will be Slovenia's only diplomatic mission in the Southeast Asia region.