Addressing the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the return of the western region to Slovenia, Bervar said that, looking from today's perspective, the national liberation movement in WWII was the most credible referendum confirming that the people of Primorsko were part of the Slovenian nation.

The people of Primorsko won their freedom with their own rebellion, he said, adding that today the area was being integrated again within the common European space and is having its voice heard.

Slovenia regained the littoral region under the Paris Peace Treaty, which took effect in the night from 15 to 16 September 1947.

In line with the treaty, Italy returned the lands annexed after WWI to Yugoslavia, including around 4,000 square kilometres of what is now the western Slovenian region of Primorsko.

"In today's unpredictable global world, we are truly an independent country, but because of the geo-strategic position our safe future is by no means a given. Only united and joined in love of our roots and homeland will we be able to find answers to all challenges."

Bervar, the keynote speaker, added that the decisions that we had made so far would significantly shape our future and the future of our descendants, as were the decisions of our mothers and fathers in the long efforts for an independent state.

Bervar also touched on the importance of good neighbourly relations: "Today's time constantly proves us that the efforts to build good neighbourly relations on the foundation of mutual respect, understanding and recognition of rights of a sovereign nation, have never ended."

The ceremony was attended by a number of high-profile guests, including President Borut Pahor, Prime Minister Miro Cerar and Speaker Milan Brglez.

Pahor, a native of Primorsko himself, held an open house day at the Presidential Palace earlier today, telling some 230 visitors that the people of Primorsko did not let themselves be Italianized during the time they were not a part of the Slovenian territory.

This fact can be observed with pride today, the president said, adding that the holiday which remembers the return of Primorsko to Slovenia was an important part in the "mosaic of the creation of the Slovenian state".

Meanwhile, Cerar praised in his written message the efforts of the people of Primorsko to get back to Slovenia, which "actually started already after the Italian occupation in the autumn of 1918".

These efforts have remained until today an example for a Slovenia of the future, as it is important to be "brave and united" to create a Slovenia we would like to have.

What is also important is that "we have the right vision on our path, that we enter the future peacefully and with stability, in dialogue and mutual respect".

The main ceremony was held this year in Nova Gorica as the town too is celebrating its 70th anniversary. It was created after the city of Gorizia became part of Italy after the Second World War.

Festivities marking the anniversary have been taking place since February and will culminate on Saturday, with more than 150 musical groups and performers giving concerts, including Big band NOVA and the Reunion ensemble.

As part of the celebrations, young volunteers and brigades will take part in various recreational events from Wednesday to Saturday next week.

Voluntary brigades started first construction works to build Nova Gorica, a planned town built according to the principles of modernist architecture, in December 1947, three months after the signing of the Paris Peace Treaty.