The committee most recently discussed the draft declaration in February in a session that also saw attendance by President Borut Pahor. Public consultation has been running since the beginning of the year.

Drafted by a group of experts appointed by the ministry, the document will replace a similar one dating from 1999. It will state the country's foreign policy interests, goals and priorities.

The final version of declaration will be passed by the National Assembly at the proposal of the government. The initial plan was for the document to be adopted in the first half of this year.

The document will set the guidelines for foreign policy that will be implemented through a foreign policy strategy which is being drafted by the government and will be passed by parliament as well.

The priorities set out in the new strategy include business diplomacy, promotion of exports, tourism and foreign direct investment and helping Slovenian culture go global.

The five-page draft document also lists strengthening of relations with neighbours, the protection of Slovenian minorities and comprehensive implementation of the agreement on succession to the former Yugoslavia.