China's top diplomat Wang Yi met with Slovenia's top leaders on Saturday to discuss bilateral relations, mutual trade and cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative during his visit to the country. Slovenia's Prime Minister Marjan Sarec and Foreign Minister Miroslav Cerar were among the officials Wang Yi met with.

Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry 

China is interested in maintaining good relations with Slovenia, seen as a potential economic hub that would allow Beijing to transport goods into Central and Western Europe. The visit comes at a time when Slovenia is preparing to take over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU for the second time, in the second half of 2021.