LJUBLJANA
Considering the expanding scope and level of cooperation between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia and the Department of Defense of the United States of America, the Embassy has the honor to propose that the above-referenced Memorandum continue to represent a basis for a framework document on bilateral cooperation in the field of defense and military relations between the Republic of Slovenia and the United States of America. The above-referenced Memorandum reads as follows:
'Building on the expanding defense and military relationship formally initiated during the inaugural May 1994 meeting of the Slovenian-U.S. bilateral Working Group on Defense and Military Relations;
Reaffirming the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, as well as the principles guiding relations between states as set forth in the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (1975), particularly the inviolability of frontiers, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and peaceful resolution of disputes;
Endorsing the objectives of democratic accountability, transparency in defense planning, programming and budgeting, and legitimate civilian control of military establishments;
Underscoring the need to broaden and deepen interaction and consultations between the Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia and the Armed Forces of the United States of America and the Slovenian Army in the areas of defense and security;
Recognizing that enhanced relations and cooperation in defense and national security matters offer an opportunity for the Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia to increase understanding, avoid misperceptions, and learn from each other;
Recognizing our common interest in fostering greater cooperation between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Republic of Slovenia and desiring to reinforce and complement fullest possible participation within the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Partnership for Peace;
Emphasizing that such cooperation is important in the promotion of peace, stability, and security in Europe and is not directed against the interest of any other country; and
Recognizing the importance of dialogue on issues concerning peacekeeping and international security and stability, and of understanding national security policy, military strategy, and programs of military development;
The Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia affirm their readiness to broaden and expand defense and military relations between the United States of America and the Republic of Slovenia based upon the principles of equality, partnership and mutual benefit and understanding. Among the steps which may be taken, subject to the conclusion of necessary implementing agreements, where appropriate, and which may generate additional proposals in this are:
I. Expansion of defense contacts under the auspices of the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America and the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia, including:
– Continued meetings of the U.S.-Slovenian Bilateral Working Group on Defense and Military Relations at least annually for the purposes of, among other things, expediting expanded defense and military relations and discussing regional security issues.
– Regular meetings between senior and mid-level officials of the Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia to deepen mutual understanding of the international security environment and to seek enlargement of bilateral cooperation.
– Maintenance of a Defense Attaché of the United States of America accredited to the Republic of Slovenia and a Defense Attaché of the Republic of Slovenia accredited to the United States of America.
– Exchange of delegations to participate in the conferences, symposia, seminars and courses on defense and military issues and use of programs, resources and facilities of respective educational institutions.
– Implementation of related United States assistance and training programs for the Republic of Slovenia.
– Exchange of civilian and military officials for the purpose of sharing experiences and ideas regarding civilian controlled and democratically established principles, organizations, and activities relevant to defense establishments.
II. Expansion of military contacts and cooperation under the auspices of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States of America and the Chief of General Staff of the Republic of Slovenia, including:
– Visits and exchanges of officials of the Armed Forces of the United States of America and the Slovenian Army, to facilitate greater cooperation and understanding between the Armed Forces of the United States of America and the Slovenian Army, to possibly include discussions on such issues as military doctrine, law, logistics, medicine, and military science.
– Continuation of visits of both defense and military delegations, building on the Joint Military Contact Team Program, initiated by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and implemented by the United States European Command, and tailoring of such visits to the specific and evolving needs of the United States of America and the Republic of Slovenia.
– Efforts by respective General Staffs, individual military services and commands, and organizations of the Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia to develop further initiatives for expanded bilateral military-to-military contacts.
The Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia intend to ensure the protection of information received in the course of cooperation and to observe any agreed-on level of its confidentiality. The transfer of such information to a third party is intended to be carried out only with knowledge and consent of the generating side. Towards this end, the Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia intend to jointly consider an agreement governing protection of such information.
The Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia also recognize the need for discussions related to the status of military and Defense related civilian personnel.
Where appropriate, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia and the Department of Defense of the United States of America will consider tailoring of bilateral programs and activities to assist in reform, modernization and establishment of civilian control over the Slovenian Army and to reinforce and complement fullest possible cooperation undertaken within the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and its Partnership for Peace program.
The above areas of defense and military cooperation are not exhaustive. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia and the Department of Defense of the United States of America will strive to reach new areas of cooperation. Under the auspices of the Slovenian-U.S. Bilateral Working Group on Defense and Military Relations, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia and the Department of Defense of the United States of America intend to discuss specific cooperative activities, schedules, and procedural arrangements at least annually and will seek to formulate a plan for contacts and activities by an agreed date. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia and the Department of Defense of the United States of America also intend to address expeditiously through the Slovenian-U.S. Bilateral Working Group on Defense and Military Relations any impediments which may arise to such expanded defense and military relations.'
If the foregoing is still acceptable to the Republic of Slovenia, the Embassy has the honor to confirm that the Memorandum on Cooperation in the Field of Defense and Military Relations between the Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia is valid, and a foundation for future bilateral cooperation, confirmed with the exchange of notes between the Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.
The Embassy of the United States of America avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia the assurances of its highest consideration."
The Embassy of the United States of America
Ljubljana, August 14, 2013
No. 5611-216/2012/9
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honor to refer to the Embassy's Note No. 19/2013 dated August 14, 2013, which reads as follows:
"The Embassy of the United States of America presents its compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and has the honor to refer to the Memorandum on Cooperation in the Field of Defense and Military Relations Between the Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia, signed in Washington on March 10, 1995. The Embassy has the further honor to refer to the North Atlantic Treaty, signed in Washington, D.C., on April 4, 1949, and to the Agreement Between the Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty Regarding the Status of Their Forces, done at London on June 19, 1951, to which the United States of America and the Republic of Slovenia are Parties.
Considering the expanding scope and level of cooperation between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia and the Department of Defense of the United States of America, the Embassy has the honor to propose that the above-referenced Memorandum continue to represent a basis for a framework document on bilateral cooperation in the field of defense and military relations between the Republic of Slovenia and the United States of America. The above-referenced Memorandum reads as follows:
'Building on the expanding defense and military relationship formally initiated during the inaugural May 1994 meeting of the Slovenian-U.S. bilateral Working Group on Defense and Military Relations;
Reaffirming the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, as well as the principles guiding relations between states as set forth in the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (1975), particularly the inviolability of frontiers, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and peaceful resolution of disputes;
Endorsing the objectives of democratic accountability, transparency in defense planning, programming and budgeting, and legitimate civilian control of military establishments;
Underscoring the need to broaden and deepen interaction and consultations between the Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia and the Armed Forces of the United States of America and the Slovenian Army in the areas of defense and security;
Recognizing that enhanced relations and cooperation in defense and national security matters offer an opportunity for the Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia to increase understanding, avoid misperceptions, and learn from each other;
EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
LJUBLJANA
Recognizing our common interest in fostering greater cooperation between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Republic of Slovenia and desiring to reinforce and complement fullest possible participation within the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Partnership for Peace;
Emphasizing that such cooperation is important in the promotion of peace, stability, and security in Europe and is not directed against the interest of any other country; and
Recognizing the importance of dialogue on issues concerning peacekeeping and international security and stability, and of understanding national security policy, military strategy, and programs of military development;
The Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia affirm their readiness to broaden and expand defense and military relations between the United States of America and the Republic of Slovenia based upon the principles of equality, partnership and mutual benefit and understanding. Among the steps which may be taken, subject to the conclusion of necessary implementing agreements, where appropriate, and which may generate additional proposals in this are:
I. Expansion of defense contacts under the auspices of the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America and the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia, including:
– Continued meetings of the U.S.-Slovenian Bilateral Working Group on Defense and Military Relations at least annually for the purposes of, among other things, expediting expanded defense and military relations and discussing regional security issues.
– Regular meetings between senior and mid-level officials of the Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia to deepen mutual understanding of the international security environment and to seek enlargement of bilateral cooperation.
– Maintenance of a Defense Attaché of the United States of America accredited to the Republic of Slovenia and a Defense Attaché of the Republic of Slovenia accredited to the United States of America.
– Exchange of delegations to participate in the conferences, symposia, seminars and courses on defense and military issues and use of programs, resources and facilities of respective educational institutions.
– Implementation of related United States assistance and training programs for the Republic of Slovenia.
– Exchange of civilian and military officials for the purpose of sharing experiences and ideas regarding civilian controlled and democratically established principles, organizations, and activities relevant to defense establishments.
II. Expansion of military contacts and cooperation under the auspices of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States of America and the Chief of General Staff of the Republic of Slovenia, including:
– Visits and exchanges of officials of the Armed Forces of the United States of America and the Slovenian Army, to facilitate greater cooperation and understanding between the Armed Forces of the United States of America and the Slovenian Army, to possibly include discussions on such issues as military doctrine, law, logistics, medicine, and military science.
– Continuation of visits of both defense and military delegations, building on the Joint Military Contact Team Program, initiated by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and implemented by the United States European Command, and tailoring of such visits to the specific and evolving needs of the United States of America and the Republic of Slovenia.
– Efforts by respective General Staffs, individual military services and commands, and organizations of the Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia to develop further initiatives for expanded bilateral military-to-military contacts.
The Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia intend to ensure the protection of information received in the course of cooperation and to observe any agreed-on level of its confidentiality. The transfer of such information to a third party is intended to be carried out only with knowledge and consent of the generating side. Towards this end, the Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia intend to jointly consider an agreement governing protection of such information.
The Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia also recognize the need for discussions related to the status of military and Defense related civilian personnel.
Where appropriate, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia and the Department of Defense of the United States of America will consider tailoring of bilateral programs and activities to assist in reform, modernization and establishment of civilian control over the Slovenian Army and to reinforce and complement fullest possible cooperation undertaken within the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and its Partnership for Peace program.
The above areas of defense and military cooperation are not exhaustive. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia and the Department of Defense of the United States of America will strive to reach new areas of cooperation. Under the auspices of the Slovenian-U.S. Bilateral Working Group on Defense and Military Relations, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia and the Department of Defense of the United States of America intend to discuss specific cooperative activities, schedules, and procedural arrangements at least annually and will seek to formulate a plan for contacts and activities by an agreed date. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia and the Department of Defense of the United States of America also intend to address expeditiously through the Slovenian-U.S. Bilateral Working Group on Defense and Military Relations any impediments which may arise to such expanded defense and military relations.'
If the foregoing is still acceptable to the Republic of Slovenia, the Embassy has the honor to confirm that the Memorandum on Cooperation in the Field of Defense and Military Relations between the Department of Defense of the United States of America and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Slovenia is valid, and a foundation for future bilateral cooperation, confirmed with the exchange of notes between the Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.
The Embassy of the United States of America avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia the assurances of its highest consideration."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia has the honor to confirm that the above mentioned is acceptable to the Republic of Slovenia and the Note of the Embassy of the United States of America No. 19/2013 and this Note in reply constitute a framework document on bilateral cooperation in the field of defense and military relations between the Republic of Slovenia and the United States of America, which shall enter into force on the date of the receipt of the notification, with which the Slovenian side informs the American side that all the internal procedures necessary for its entry into force have been met.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its highest consideration.
Ljubljana, 26 March 2014