**Israel to open an embassy in Slovenia**

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced this evening his decision to open the first Israeli embassy in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.

The Foreign Minister instructed the Director General of his office, Adv. Eden Bar-Tal, to act quickly and efficiently to establish the new embassy and immediately begin the necessary procedures to select the ambassador.

Minister Sa'ar made the announcement immediately after the Slovenian parliament approved the formation of the new government headed by Janez Janša.

Minister Sa'ar: "Janez Janša is a clear friend of Israel, and his election creates a unique opportunity to advance bilateral relations between the countries, which have been at a low point in recent years due to the hostility of the previous government in Ljubljana. The Foreign Ministry under my leadership will act without delay to seize this opportunity."