From state visits to economic ties, Algeria’s Ambassador to Slovenia reflects on her first year and the road ahead in bilateral diplomacy.
“I do not see diplomacy as a choice between assertiveness and conciliation, but as an art of balance, adapted to each context.”
“Living in Slovenia is a delight. It is a country that offers both serenity and dynamism.”
Her Excellency, Sabrina Kaci Bey, Algerian Ambassador to Slovenia
On July 23, 2025, it has been exactly one year since you officially assumed the ambassador position in Slovenia. When you look back and think of those first days in Slovenia, what are your memories of that period?
My first memories are filled with both excitement and responsibility. Opening a new embassy is a privilege that few diplomats experience, and doing so in Slovenia was particularly meaningful. From the very first day, I felt entrusted with a dual mission: to represent Algeria faithfully, and to help shape the foundations of a partnership that will endure.
“This has been a year of historic milestones.”
Those early days were a careful balance between ceremony and pragmatism — engaging with Slovenian authorities, establishing institutional structures, and building the embassy team from the ground up. What impressed me most was the professionalism and openness of Slovenia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, whose support greatly facilitated this process. Their warmth, efficiency, and genuine sense of partnership immediately created a climate of confidence.
One year later, I feel profound pride. This has been a year of historic milestones, foremost among them the official visit of His Excellency President Abdelmadjid Tebboune — the first ever by an Algerian Head of State to Slovenia. That visit marked not only a symbolic turning point but also a strategic realignment, placing our relations on a new trajectory of trust and long-term cooperation.
Equally important were the parliamentary exchanges. We welcomed the Speaker of the Slovenian National Assembly to Algeria, where fruitful discussions with the People’s National Assembly and the Council of the Nation reinforced the role of parliamentary diplomacy as a driving force for closer political dialogue and legislative cooperation.
On the economic front, the past year witnessed promising engagements: business forums connecting Algerian and Slovenian companies, meetings between chambers of commerce, and sectoral dialogues in renewable energy, maritime transport, and agriculture. These events laid the groundwork for diversifying our trade relations and attracting investment opportunities in both directions.
In short, the Embassy’s first year in Ljubljana has been dynamic and historic. From the symbolism of President Tebboune’s state visit, to the strengthening of parliamentary diplomacy, to the concrete economic initiatives that will shape our future partnership — it has been a year of building trust, visibility, and momentum.
“Diplomacy for me is not just a career, but a vocation”
Tell us a bit about your journey in diplomacy. How did you become interested in this field?
My entry into diplomacy was shaped both by destiny and by conviction. I began my studies in engineering, guided by curiosity for science and problem-solving. Yet life gradually steered me toward questions of international relations, peace, and cooperation among nations. I discovered that the same analytical skills and creativity I valued in engineering could serve diplomacy equally well. My formal path began at the National School of Administration (ENA), where my graduation class was named after “the first Algerian foreign affairs Minister, Saad Dahlab”, one of the architects of Algeria’s independence and a key negotiator of the Évian Accords. At the time, I had no idea that I would one day walk in the footsteps of such diplomats. Looking back, it feels like a premonition — as if history itself was gently guiding me toward this mission. Diplomacy for me is not just a career, but a vocation — a way to align personal values with professional service to my country and to the principles of dialogue, justice, and cooperation.
“Algeria has always believed in dialogue, impartiality, and the defense of just causes.”
What were the most significant diplomatic posts you’ve held before coming to Ljubljana?
Each post I have held was both a challenge and an opportunity — whether advancing regional cooperation, strengthening economic ties, or representing Algeria in multilateral forums. What truly shaped my career, however, was not only personal experience but the legacy of Algerian diplomacy itself. Algeria has always believed in dialogue, impartiality, and the defense of just causes. This compass has guided me in every assignment and continues to inspire me here in Ljubljana, where I am convinced that even small states, when working together with conviction and professionalism, can shape global debates. Slovenia’s foreign service is a perfect example of this truth: agile, principled, and respected well beyond its size.
Who were your mentors in the diplomatic world, and what did you learn from them?
I draw inspiration from great Algerian diplomats such as Saad Dahlab and Sadek Benyahia, whose clarity, patriotism, and unwavering commitment continue to guide Algerian diplomacy today. But they are part of a broader tradition of Algerian statesmen and diplomats who have made our country a respected voice on the international stage. Algeria has always stood as a mediator and a defender of just causes. Our diplomacy played a central role in the release of the American hostages in Iran in 1981, in the mediation of the Iran–Iraq conflict, and later in Eritrea’s independence process. Algeria’s approach has consistently been one of dialogue, impartiality, and respect for international law — principles that earned it credibility even in the most polarized contexts. This legacy extends to the present day. Algeria remains an anchor of stability in the Sahel, tirelessly advocating for peaceful solutions, regional cooperation, and the rejection of foreign interference. It continues to defend the rights of peoples to self-determination, upholding international law and supporting causes such as Palestine and Western Sahara with unwavering consistency. From these mentors and this tradition, I learned that diplomacy is not merely a profession but a mission: to give voice to principles, to mediate where others impose, and to stand firm on the side of justice. It is a diplomacy that is both humble and ambitious — humble in its respect for dialogue, ambitious in its vision of a fairer international order. And here, I must add that working with Slovenian diplomacy reinforces this conviction. Slovenia, too, is a principled actor: it speaks clearly on international law, advocates for dialogue, and contributes actively within the EU, NATO, and the UN. It is precisely this convergence of values that makes our partnership so promising.
How would you characterize the current global geopolitical landscape?
The tragedy in Gaza today epitomizes the collapse of our collective peace architecture. What we are witnessing is not merely a conflict, but the deliberate starvation and a full qualified genocide unfolding under the eyes of all humanity. It strips human beings of their very humanity — children starved, families erased, an entire population reduced to survival under rubble — while the world hesitates, divided, or chooses silence. This tragedy demonstrates the collapse of the collective peace architecture. International law, once the golden shield for the vulnerable, is being trampled. The logic of power has replaced the power of logic. Institutions designed to uphold peace and human dignity appear paralyzed, while double standards undermine their credibility. Yet, there is also a sober lesson: such a breakdown may eventually force a breakthrough. Out of this chaos, there must come a reckoning — though it will come at a heavy cost. The international community must decide whether it will reclaim its moral and legal foundations or resign itself to anarchy. Algeria, for its part, has been unambiguous: in the Security Council, in the African Union, and in the Arab League, we continue to call for an immediate ceasefire, for unimpeded humanitarian aid, and for the recognition of Palestinian self-determination. But here again, I must recognize the principled role of Slovenia. Slovenia’s clear stance in favor of international law, its humanitarian voice within the EU, and its readiness to act with integrity rather than expediency — these qualities make it a valuable partner in defending a more just and rules-based order. And this context, I cannot help but express my admiration for the courage of UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese. Despite immense political pressure, she has had the integrity to speak out loudly and clearly, to call this massacre by its name, and to remind the world that silence is complicity. Her voice embodies what international law was meant to be — a defense of truth and of human dignity against the tide of power politics.
Do you believe multilateral institutions are still effective in addressing global challenges?
Multilateralism is indispensable, though under strain. Its legitimacy lies in giving voice to all nations; its weakness lies in structural blockages, particularly the veto. This is precisely why Algeria, both through the voice of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and that of our Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Attaf, has consistently reaffirmed the urgency of revitalizing multilateral institutions. Their statements emphasize that the credibility of the United Nations depends on its ability to uphold international law without double standards, particularly when faced with crimes against humanity and the flagrant violation of the UN Charter.
As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2024–2025 mandate, Algeria has shouldered its responsibility with clarity and resolve. We have been at the forefront of initiatives to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, for the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, and for the recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. These are not rhetorical positions but concrete diplomatic actions that reflect Algeria’s long-standing doctrine: fidelity to the principles of the UN Charter, solidarity with just causes, and a steadfast defense of international legality.
From a broader perspective, the Algerian position highlights both the strengths and the weaknesses of multilateralism. Its strength lies in its legitimacy — it is the only forum where the voices of all nations, large and small, can be heard. Its weakness lies in structural blockages, particularly the use of the veto, which undermines the universality of decisions. As President Tebboune has underlined, reform of the Security Council and of global governance is no longer a matter of choice, but of survival for the multilateral system itself.
In this sense, bilateral diplomacy may achieve quicker results, but only multilateralism can generate the norms and collective legitimacy necessary for sustainable peace and global stability. Algeria’s engagement today — in the Security Council, within the African Union, and as part of the Arab League — seeks precisely to restore this balance and to ensure that international institutions live up to their founding promises.
“The ability to protect data, guarantee cybersecurity, and preserve the integrity of national decision-making is now a matter of sovereignty as vital as territorial integrity.”
How has technology transformed diplomacy?
Technology is now structural to diplomacy — enabling real-time coordination, outreach to foreign societies, and data-driven insights. It democratizes access but also generates risks: disinformation, cyberattacks, and the erosion of confidentiality. The opportunities are clear: digital diplomacy democratizes access to audiences, enhances transparency, and enables faster mobilization around global issues — from humanitarian relief to climate advocacy. It also allows for more sophisticated data analysis, giving diplomats insight into public sentiment and geopolitical trends with unprecedented speed and accuracy. Yet the risks are equally formidable. The same tools that connect can also fragment. Disinformation campaigns, cyber intrusions, and the weaponization of digital platforms threaten the very fabric of trust on which diplomacy rests. The erosion of confidentiality — once the sanctum of diplomatic practice — creates vulnerabilities that can compromise negotiations and national security alike. Moreover, the temptation to privilege immediacy over reflection risks diluting diplomacy’s essential qualities of patience, discretion, and long-term vision. A further strategic dimension is the question of digital sovereignty. In a world where the critical infrastructures of communication, finance, and even security are increasingly dependent on digital platforms — often controlled by private actors or concentrated in a handful of countries — states are compelled to secure their autonomy. The ability to protect data, guarantee cybersecurity, and preserve the integrity of national decision-making is now a matter of sovereignty as vital as territorial integrity. For countries like Algeria, ensuring digital sovereignty means not only defending against external vulnerabilities, but also fostering indigenous innovation and strengthening regional cooperation on digital governance.
Finally, the unfolding race around artificial intelligence (AI) presents both promise and peril. On one hand, AI can empower diplomacy with predictive analytics, enhanced multilingual communication, and faster crisis assessment. On the other hand, it raises grave ethical concerns: the potential manipulation of public opinion through deepfakes, the automation of disinformation at scale, and even the risk of delegating sensitive diplomatic or security judgments to algorithms. The challenge lies in balancing innovation with responsibility, ensuring that AI remains a tool to assist human judgment rather than replace it.
“The principle remains that technology must serve diplomacy, not replace it.”
For Algeria, as for all responsible actors, the challenge is to harness the transformative potential of digital diplomacy while safeguarding its ethical and professional foundations. The principle remains that technology must serve diplomacy, not replace it. The human dimension — dialogue, empathy, and trust-building — is irreplaceable. Digital tools may amplify messages, but only principled, value-driven diplomacy can sustain peace and cooperation in the long term. Digital sovereignty and AI governance are, therefore, not optional debates, but core elements of the future of international relations
What is your approach to diplomacy?
My approach is principled yet constructive: firm on core interests, open to dialogue on methods. I do not see diplomacy as a choice between assertiveness and conciliation, but as an art of balance, adapted to each context.
What is your message to women in Algeria and Slovenia?
Leadership has no gender. My message is simple: be confident in your competence, seek mentors, and never underestimate the impact of your voice. Even small changes can ripple outward and shape societies. Slovenia is a strong example of women’s leadership in public life — a source of inspiration for all of us.
How do you balance national interests with ethics in foreign policy?
For Algeria, this is not a dilemma. Our foreign policy is rooted in the ethics of our liberation struggle: sovereignty, dignity, justice. National interests and ethics are not opposites but inseparable. Ethics safeguard legitimacy; legitimacy sustains interests. Slovenia understands this well. Its principled positions on international law, climate, and humanitarian solidarity show that small states can lead by example when values guide policy.
“Algerians in Slovenia – Natural ambassadors of people-to-people diplomacy.”
How big is the Algerian community in Slovenia?
It is small in number but rich in meaning, composed mainly of former students from the former Yugoslavia and their families. They are well integrated in Slovenian society, yet maintain strong ties to Algeria. We see them as cultural and academic bridges — natural ambassadors of people-to-people diplomacy.
What are the main fields of cooperation between Algeria and Slovenia?
Several sectors stand out:
- Energy transition & renewables, where Algeria’s solar and hydrogen potential meets Slovenia’s technological expertise
- Maritime transport & connectivity, with the Port of Koper as a gateway for Algerian goods to Central Europe
- Tourism & culture, combining Algeria’s vast heritage with Slovenia’s eco-tourism experience
- Higher education & research, particularly in water management, health sciences, and digital technologies
- Agri-food & water security, linking Algeria’s food sovereignty agenda with Slovenia’s expertise in sustainable agriculture
Mentioned domains confirm that our partnership is not only bilateral but anchored in a broader vision of sustainable, principled cooperation.
How do you find living in Slovenia?
Living in Slovenia is a delight. It is a country that offers both serenity and dynamism — where the Alps meet the Adriatic, where culture thrives, and where people are warm and welcoming. For a diplomat, it is an ideal environment: peaceful, inspiring, and conducive to dialogue.
And finally, your favorite Slovenian dish?
Without hesitation: Štruklji. Its versatility — savory or sweet, boiled or baked — makes it a dish for all occasions. To me, it embodies the heart of Slovenian hospitality: simple, authentic, and deeply comforting.
