Ljubljana/Berlin - Marking the 30th anniversary of Germany's recognition of Slovenian independence, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that this jubilee in German-Slovenian relations was an incentive "to continue to advocate European interests and values consistently and to shape our future in the EU together and in a positive way".

The minister said that "with the establishment of diplomatic relations 30 years ago, Slovenia and Germany laid the foundations for the vibrant partnership that exists between the two countries today: a comprehensive and close relationship between Slovenians and Germans that goes far beyond the political sphere and goes deep into our society", reads a press release by the German Embassy in Ljubljana.

She added that more than 70,000 students who learn German in Slovenia every day were "an expression of this stable bridge, which today stretches from the Slovenian Adriatic Sea to the German coast of the North and Baltic Seas".

The EU has opened important doors: from free travel, economic development and opportunities to have security and lasting peace, Baerbock said as quoted by the embassy on Saturday.

The buildings of the German Embassy in Ljubljana and the Slovenian Embassy in Berlin were illuminated in the colours of the Slovenian and German flags yesterday to mark the anniversary. On top of that, a light installation depicting the number 30 was projected onto the buildings.

On 15 January, 30 years have passed since the members of the European Community, a predecessor of the EU, including Germany, recognised Slovenia as independent country.