Türk said a reorganisation of the network was needed, but along with the closures, a projection should also be made for the opening of new embassies and consulates, especially in Africa and the Middle East, the president's office wrote after the regular meeting between the president and the foreign minister.

The Foreign Ministry is proposing that Slovenia close four of its embassies in EU member states and two of its consulates, aiming to save EUR 1.8m a year.

The proposal was backed by the parliamentary Foreign Policy Committee last week, but every closure or opening of a diplomatic representation must be signed by the president.