Text: M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

On the occasion of the Slovenian Statehood Day, H.E. Mrs. Tanja Strniša, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the Czech Republic, hosted a reception.

From left: Mr. Anton Strniša, H.E. Mrs. Tanja Strniša, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, H.E. Mr. Egemen Bağış, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, and Mrs. Beyhan N. Bağış

From left: Mr. Mikuláš Bek, Minister of European Affairs, Mrs. Markéta Beková, H.E. Mrs. Tanja Strniša, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, and Mr. Anton Strniša

From left: H.E. Mr Egemen Bağış, Ambassador of Turkey, Mrs Beyhan Nilser Bağış, spouse of Turkey’s Ambassador, H.E. Mr Ilirian Kuka, Ambassador of Albania, H.E. Mr Luís de Almeida Sampaio, Ambassador of Portugal, Mikuláš Bek, Minister for EU Affairs, Mrs Markéta Beková, Minister’s spouse, H.E. Mrs Tanja Strniša, Ambassador of Slovenia, H.E. Mrs Yosra Souiden, Ambassador of Tunisia, H.E. Mr. Daan Feddo Huisinga, Ambassador of Netherlands, Mrs Anne Francoise Daniéle Paret, spouse of Mr Huisinga, H.E. Mrs Rosaura Leonora Rueda Gutierrez, Ambassador of Mexico, Mr Anton Strniša, spouse of Mrs Strniša, and H.E. Mr Philippe Gérald Guex, Ambassador of Switzerland

Here are some highlights of Mrs. Tanja Strniša’s speech:

„The Republic of Slovenia was founded in 1991. Over three decades, the country has made substantial economic and social progress, and succeeded in joining the European Union, NATO, the Schengen Area, and the Eurozone.

Over these past 30 years, Slovenia has been a reliable and credible member of the UN family. We are proud that after having successfully completed our second Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2021, Slovenia launched its candidacy for its second non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the period of 2024–2025.“ „The Slovenian government is committed to further supporting EU policies and stronger EU integration, promoting European values and rule of law. We will continue to support the enlargement of the EU as a powerful tool for reforms and stability, and assure that Slovenia will be a supportive and constructive partner to the Czech EU Presidency.

Whilst we are delighted to be celebrating the anniversary of our independent and democratic state, we have to be considerate of the fate of the countries on the European continent that are still striving for the full implementation of EU values, and for becoming members of the European family. Allow me to continue with this thought, by saying that we cannot forget about the suffering of Ukraine and its heroic fight for its freedom and the freedom of all of us.

When speaking about Europe, let me be encouraged by the same speech of former Czech President Václav Havel, which was an inspiration for the motto of the Czech Presidency: Let us aspire for a Europe that, and I quote President Havel, „represents a common destiny, a common, complex history, common values, and a common culture of life. And more than that, it is also, in a way, an area characterised by a certain behaviour, a certain sense of will and responsibility“. Allow me to be a dreamer and express my Lennon-like thought:„Imagine all the countries of the European continent being part of a united Europe of peace.“

Finally, yet importantly, I would like to outline the excellent and friendly bilateral relations between the Czech Republic and Slovenia, which have sound ground in centuries-long historical and cultural ties. This year, we celebrate 30 years of our diplomatic relations and 150 years of the birth of Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik, who was entrusted to be Prague Castle‘s main architect by the first Czechoslovak President Masaryk.

I am confident that Slovenia and the Czech Republic will continue building strong bonds so that we will be able to also commemorate many common valuable achievements in the future.“