Slovenia will be represented by Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec and the region by its Premier Debora Serracchiani.

The standing commission was established to foster friendly ties and cooperation with the region neighbouring on Slovenia which is home to a sizeable Slovenian minority.

Slovenia views good relations with Friuli-Venezia Giulia as extremely important and believes the joint body is a platform for promoting economic, cultural and social ties.

Cooperation with the region is also a means of strengthening ties with Italy, the Foreign Ministry said ahead of the meeting.

The Slovenian minority in Italy and the Italian minority in Slovenia meanwhile represent a strong bond between the two countries.

Erjavec and Serracchiani are also scheduled to hold bilateral talks prior to the meeting of the body, which held its inaugural session in Italy's Trieste in April 2015.