Congratulations pouring in as Slovenia marks Statehood Day

Ljubljana – Congratulations to Slovenia are pouring in on Friday as the country is marking Statehood Day and the 30th anniversary of its independence. Congratulations to President Borut Pahor were sent today by the leaders of Italy, Austria, Croatia Germany, the Czech Republic, Russia, Japan, Belgium and Switzerland, the president’s office said.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella congratulated Pahor and the friendly Slovenian nation personally and on behalf of Italy. He wrote that the countries were enriched by frequent visits at the level of civil society and both ethnic minorities.

Mattarella expressed the conviction that the path set by him and Pahor with visits in Trieste and Basovizza last July has opened new perspectives, and wished Slovenia a successful presidency of the EU Council in the second half of the year.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen also wished Slovenia a successful presidency in his congratulation message, while noting that the development of good bilateral relations in the last 30 years had contributed to well-being and better understanding between the countries’ citizens.

Croatian President Zoran Milanović wished the Slovenian nation progress and prosperity. “Our countries are connected by many ties, from historical roots to European values – 30 years ago we embarked on the same path towards independence and the Euro-Atlantic family, which additionally strengthens relations between the countries.”

Prosperity and progress was also wished to Slovenians by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who expressed satisfaction with the Russian-Slovenian relations, which are based on good traditions of friendship and cultural and spiritual closeness.

Putin expressed the conviction that further development of constructive bilateral cooperation in various fields would suit the interests of both nations.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier wrote that 25 June 1991, when the first democratically elected Slovenian parliament declared the country’s independence also meant a new beginning in relations between Slovenia and Germany.

Today, cooperation of our countries in economy, politics and culture is closer than ever, and the challenges of the present time are being tackled together and with solidarity, the president’s office quoted the German president.

Slovak President Zuzana Čaputova said in her congratulation message that the friendly relations between Slovakia and Slovenia were based on common values and the partnership in the EU and NATO, and that she believed that this would be built on in the future.

Czech President Miloš Zeman meanwhile expressed satisfaction with the relations between the Czech Republic and Slovenia developing well both bilaterally and multi-laterally.

Pahor has also received congratulations from other leaders. Last week congratulations came from US President Joe Biden, while also to congratulate Slovenia are Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Belgian King Philippe, Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf, Spanish King Felipe VI, Irish President Michael D. Higgins, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, Swiss President Guy Parmelin, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Peruvian President Francisco Sagasti, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and others.

Congratulations to Slovenia have also been published on social networks by the European Parliament, EU Council and European Commission.

In some countries, landmarks were lit up in the colours of the Slovenian flag, including the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, a fountain in Athens and Telstra Tower in Canberra, show posts on Twitter by the respective Slovenian embassies in Brazil, Greece and Australia.

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