The Slovenia Times

Pahor receives both councils for Slovenians abroad

Nekategorizirano


One of the councils represents Slovenians in neighbouring countries and the other those living in all the other countries around the globe.

The reception was an opportunity to thank those who cherish and spread Slovenian culture and national identity, which is "important for the country and for each of its citizens", the president's office said after the reception.

A Slovenian choir from the Argentinian city of Mendoza, which gave a performance at last week's National Day ceremony, also attended the reception and was given the Slovenian flag as a gift.

Gabriel Hribar of the Government Council for Slovenians in Neighbouring Countries congratulated Slovenia on its 25th independence anniversary.

He thanked Pahor for having attended as prime minister in 2011 the erection of the first additional German-Slovenian town sign in Austria's Carinthia.

He said that this act showed that Slovenia was a reliable ally of Slovenians in neighbouring countries. He also expressed hope for Slovenia to develop an increasingly stronger presence in the Alpine-Adriatic region.

Martin Črnugelj of the Government Council for Slovenians Abroad, who comes from Brazil, thanked the president for his care for and interest in Slovenians around the world. He said that Slovenians abroad like to remember their ancestors who had longed for independence and fought for it.

"This celebration should not be just about remembering, but also about realising the responsibility we have to our descendants, onto whom we must transfer our values, language, culture, the development of which we must foster," said Črnuglej and added that all this can be achieved if we stay united.

Minister for Slovenians Abroad Gorazd Žmavc thanked President Pahor for today's reception, which he said showed that Slovenia had a special relationship with Slovenian national identity even beyond its borders.

The reception is part of events dedicated to the Slovenian diaspora. On Thursday, a host of Slovenians living abroad gathered for a get-together at the National Assembly, where Minister Žmavc and Speaker Milan Brglez praised their contribution to the international recognition of Slovenia 25 years ago.

On Saturday, a joint formal sitting of both government councils will be held in Ljubljana. The sitting was called by PM Miro Cerar, who will address their members.

About half a million Slovenians live beyond Slovenia's borders. The country's Constitution safeguards Slovenians minorities in neighbouring countries, Slovenian emigrants and Slovenian migrant workers.

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