"Slovenia is very close to becoming a superpower in this respect. Beekeeping and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle are the advantage recognised by our partners all over the world," Agriculture Minister Dejan Židan told the STA on the occasion.

At the meeting the minister presented several aspects of the initiative, including the economic, social and environmental aspects and expressed the belief that the initiative could connect all countries in the world.

Židan said in his address to the meeting that it is "our moral commitment to provide future generations with clean and healthy environment so that they could enjoy diverse and nutrient-rich food."

He stressed that bees and other pollinators played an important role in food safety, which was one of the objectives of sustainable development. Agriculture is becoming increasingly dependent on pollination, the minister added.

Židan is convinced that, under a realistic scenario, World Honeybee Day could be celebrated in all UN members on 20 May 2018. Slovenia would prepare an official programme for the celebration.

On Wednesday, the minister had an audience with Pope Francis, speaking with the pope about the importance of beekeeping and the World Honeybee Day initiative.