Ljubljana - President Borut Pahor has urged people to join forces in overcoming the Covid pandemic, stressing in his New Year's message that "we have to help each other, persevere, and win together."

"Whether it be sports, school, business or politics, a game is a game and you have to fight for everything. If we are led by a clear goal and higher purpose, it is much easier," he said, quoting from a congratulatory note he received from the star cyclist Tadej Pogačar.

According to the president, apathy is out out of the question. "The final stretch is longer than we thought. But the thrill of crossing it together victoriously will be immense.

Hopeful that this will happen as soon as possible, he wished all Slovenians "determination, tolerance and courage".