Moreover, the general consulate in Düsseldorf will close on 15 September and the one in New York on 31 October, the ministry noted.

The government's decision to close four embassies and two consulates, which was adopted on 31 May, was backed by the parliamentary Foreign Policy Committee, while the decrees were signed by President Danilo Türk on Thursday.

The Foreign Ministry said the decision to close the embassies and consulates was made due to the harsh economic situation of Slovenia, which has forced the government to adopt austerity measures in all fields.

Slovenia does not own the embassy and consulate premises, and the cancellation of contracts will entail additional costs in just one case, where they will be minimal, the ministry told the STA.

The cost of closing the four embassies is projected at EUR 250,000, while the country plans on saving EUR 1.8m per year with the closure.