This is the first time after 12 years that Slovenia will be represented at the WHO office in Europe.

Petrič's appointment enables Slovenia to take part in decisions on the office's priority areas, the Health Ministry said.

Petrič, who was appointed for a three-year term, said her membership of the committee would give her a chance to increase the recognition of Slovenia's health experts and of the country itself as a partner of the WHO.

The WHO Regional Office for Europe is a decision-making body which includes all European members of the WHO. Its standing committee is its consultative body, comprising of 12 member state representatives.

Before Petrič, Slovenia was represented at the committee by Božidar Voljč between 2001 and 2004.