Manila: Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon on Tuesday expressed support for the Philippines' bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). 'We are a non-permanent member of the Security Council (we are) strongly committed to international law, to UN Charter, to human rights, and we share those values together with the Philippines,' she said in a joint presser with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo in Manila.
According to Philippines News Agency, Fajon emphasized Slovenia's full support for the Philippines' candidacy for a Security Council seat in the near future. She highlighted the critical importance of promoting and respecting international law, particularly in today's complex geopolitical environment. Fajon noted the necessity for like-minded countries, such as the Philippines and Slovenia, to collaborate closely to protect shared values.
Manalo agreed, stating that cooperation and commitment to a rules-based order are essential in navigating the current geopolitical landscape. He reiterated that the Philippines' campaign for the Security Council non-permanent seat is rooted in these significant values and principles.
During their meeting, Manalo and Fajon also exchanged views on significant international issues, including developments in the Indo-Pacific, the West Philippine Sea, Ukraine, and the Middle East. On the matter of the South China Sea, both emphasized the importance of a 'free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.' Manalo noted Fajon's expression of solidarity with the Philippines concerning security and adherence to international law in the South China Sea.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the Philippines' UNSC bid during the 77th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2022, citing the country's peace-building efforts as a qualification for UN body participation. Elections for the UNSC 2027-2028 term are scheduled for June 2026 in New York. The Philippines has previously served as a non-permanent UNSC member in 1957, 1963, 1980-1981, and 2004-2005.
