Slovenia has reaffirmed its support for Armenia’s efforts to deepen ties with the European Union, welcoming progress in the visa liberalization dialogue and pledging continued assistance with reforms. Slovenian Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer made the remarks during a joint press conference with Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan in Yerevan on Tuesday. “Slovenia firmly supports Armenia’s efforts to deepen cooperation with the European Union,” Kajzer said, adding that his country was committed to supporting Armenia’s reforms and strengthening its ties with the EU. He also welcomed progress in the visa liberalization dialogue between Armenia and the European Union, as Yerevan continues to advance its European integration agenda. Drawing on Slovenia’s experience of joining the EU in 2004, Kajzer said the accession process required extensive reforms across various sectors. He highlighted the importance of the rule of law and an independent judiciary, stressing that citizens must feel that everyone is equal before the law. He also pointed to reforms in healthcare, education and public administration as important elements of the integration process. Slovenia’s experience could provide valuable lessons for Armenia as it pursues closer relations with the European Union, Kajzer said. The Slovenian foreign minister also welcomed the first Armenia-EU summit, held in Armenia in May, describing it as an important milestone in strengthening the partnership between Yerevan and Brussels. Kajzer further expressed support for EU measures aimed at strengthening Armenia’s economic, energy and democratic resilience. During the press conference, Mirzoyan thanked Slovenia for its support for Armenia’s European integration efforts and discussed bilateral cooperation in a range of areas, including the economy, health care, education, science and innovation. The two ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding on expanding political dialogue between their foreign ministries, aimed at providing a framework for closer cooperation. Mirzoyan said Armenia and Slovenia had a growing bilateral agenda and expressed confidence that the memorandum would help advance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.