Brazil is Slovenia's leading trading partner in Latin America and now the two countries have signed accords to also improve air connectivity and cooperation in tourism.

Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon signed an air transport agreement and a memorandum on cooperation in tourism with her Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira as they met in Brasilia on 4 July at the outset of her three-day visit aimed at boosting bilateral ties.

The air transport agreement will serve as a foundation for better air connectivity and a potential establishment of scheduled flights between the countries once conditions are met, the Slovenian Foreign Ministry said.

The memorandum on cooperation in tourism will allow for more exchanges in tourism, help establish ties between tourism organisations and stimulate investment in the tourism industry.

Brazil accounts for more than half of Slovenia's trade with Latin America. Last year, merchandise trade topped €253 million, making Brazil Slovenia's 35th largest trading partner globally.

"Brazil is our key economic and political partner in Latin America. With the Koper port and the interest of the Slovenian economy we have the potential to strengthen cooperation in areas such as renewables, AI, digitalisation, space and water management," Fajon said.

The ministry said her meeting with Vieira affirmed the excellent relations between the countries. "Even though Slovenia and Brazil are geographically distant, we share values based on multilateralism, international law and the UN Charter," said Fajon.

The pair discussed efforts to strengthen cooperation between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean and in the framework of international organisations and multilateral initiatives.

They exchanged views on the Russian aggression in Ukraine, the war in Gaza, the situation in the Middle East and in Latin America, and key global challenges.

Fajon will further discuss ways to boost economic cooperation as she meets representatives of the Slovenian-Brazilian and Slovenian-Argentinian chambers of commerce.

She is also due to visit the Slovenian community centre in Sao Paolo on 6 July. The Slovenian community in Brazil numbers 3,000 to 5,000 members, according to the Foreign Ministry.