Juan David Latorre
Slovenian Ambassador Robert Krmelj held a reception at his residence last Wednesday on the occasion of his country’s National Day, which is celebrated every year on 25 June and is now in its 32nd year.
Robert Krmelj recalled that last year marked 30 years of diplomatic relations with Spain, pointing out that the level of trade has been steadily increasing. “The excellent level of relations between the two countries in recent years culminated at the beginning of this 2023 with the highest level political visits from Spain to Slovenia. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares and Speaker of Congress Meritxell Batet visited within just a few weeks of each other in Slovenia.”
“One of the main conclusions of the meeting between the presidents of the two governments was that it was necessary to institutionalise cooperation between the two countries with the aim of giving a new impetus to the excellent development of our relations. It was agreed that in the near future, an intergovernmental summit between the two nations would be reported.”
The Slovenian ambassador noted that the trade exchange between the two countries “reached a new record last year and the trade exchange between the two countries amounted to 1.27 billion euros.”
The ambassador recalled that in the 1995 referendum in his country, 85% of voters voted in favour of Slovenian independence. “These results, he pointed out, reflected an excellently high level of national unity which gave a strong political, legal and moral basis for our independence. An independence based on democratic principles and values, human rights and the rule of law.”
Robert Krmelj underlined that “Slovenia is part of the core of the most integrated EU member states.” For the second time, Slovenia became a week ago a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2024-25, “this represents a great recognition for my country, noted the Slovenian ambassador, and at the same time a strong commitment to defend in that Council international peace and stability, territorial integrity of states and respect for fundamental human rights. Slovenia will act on this stage as a country that knows how to listen, build dialogue and strengthen trust”.
In conclusion and with regard to the “Russian aggression in Ukraine”, the Slovenian ambassador indicated that “Ukraine has every right to defend its independence and territorial integrity. It is our duty to offer all possible support and solidarity. We are defending an area of freedom, respect for law and democracy”.
Former Slovenian President Borut Pahor, guest of honour at the reception, then took the floor. Referring to Spain and the relationship it has had with Slovenia since its independence, he said: “Your friendship has meant a lot to us and I am sure that we will continue to act together in these challenging times. I am optimistic that we will achieve justice for ourselves and our friends in Europe and in the world.
The diplomatic event was attended by numerous guests, including the ambassadors of Oman, Iran, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Nepal, Moldova, Armenia, Slovakia, India, Malta, Kwait, Qatar, Croatia, Bulgaria, Dominican Republic, Panama, Hungary, Sweden, Haiti, Poland and Romania, as well as representatives of the embassies of Iraq and Montenegro, among others.
