“Unity is our greatest strength” – Robert Golob, Prime Minister of Slovenia
Edited by Anna Popper
In 2024, Slovenia and its people commemorate three significant anniversaries that have shaped the country’s modern history:
the 33rd Statehood Day (Dan državnosti) observed annually on 25 June, marking the day of the country’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 and the establishment of the Republic of Slovenia as an independent state; and the 20th anniversary of its accession to the European Union and NATO.
It is also noteworthy that the Republic of Slovenia has recently undertaken an important responsibility by serving as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Elected by the UN General Assembly, Slovenia’s term runs from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2025. As a credible, responsible and active UN Member State, Slovenia is committed to fulfil its duties in the UNSC for the second time in its history.
To honour these momentous occasions, H.E. Dr. Marjan Cencen, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Hungary, and Mrs. Lilijana Pogorevčnik Cencen hosted a diplomatic reception at St. Ladislaus Community House in Budapest.
The event was graced by Hungarian officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from business, cultural and academic circles, as well as members of the Slovenian community in Hungary, including Ms. Erika Köles Kiss, Slovenian National Community’s Advocate in the Hungarian Parliament.
The commemoration began with the national anthems of Slovenia, Hungary and the European Union, performed by a Slovenian-Hungarian piano and cello duo.
In his address, Ambassador Cencen welcomed all attendees, extended his greetings to the Guest of Honour, State Secretary Zsolt Kutnyanszky from the Ministry of Defence, and then delivered his celebratory remarks:
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to mark the Statehood Day with you, which coincides closely with the 20th anniversary of the EU enlargement, when Slovenia and Hungary, together with eight other countries, entered the largest trading bloc and the strongest democratic unity in the World. 20 years ago was our moment of triumph, joy and great expectations. Today we reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of peace, social well-being and solidarity represented by the European Union.
Our journey since we joined the European Union has not only been long, but also full of insights. During this time, we have learned that Europe is only strong if it is united and only as strong as its solidarity is strong. And Europe’s strength determines our safety. Today we see that Europe is much more than just a community of countries. It is a community of values, such as inclusion, cohesion among nations and diversity. A community that recognises the dignity and value of every individual and strives to create a society in which every person has the chance to succeed.
On 1 July, Hungary takes over the EU Council Presidency and we believe that despite all the challenges it will be a successful one. So, let me convey our best wishes for a smooth navigation through institutional transition!
Membership in the EU allowed Slovenia and Hungary, once separated by a strictly controlled border, to fully develop cooperation in many areas, from politics to economy, defence, culture and others. In the years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, personal and physical communication between the two countries was also strengthened, from the highway connecting the two capitals to the railway and electric grid, and hopefully soon also gas pipelines. The opening of the border and especially the introduction of the Schengen area enabled national minorities to flourish on both sides of the border, and we are happy that the status of minorities between the two countries is well regulated and there is a mutual will to improve it further. For this reason, both countries have agreed to support economic and social development of the border regions with a special development fund, which started to operate this year with two test projects on each side.
This year we celebrate another important milestone for the Republic of Slovenia. In addition to the 75th anniversary of NATO, the year 2024 also marks the 20th anniversary of our membership in it. Slovenia joined this political-defence Alliance in 2004, thus achieving one of the main foreign policy and defence objectives we set at the time of gaining our independence in 1991. The Prime Minister of Slovenia, Dr Robert Golob recently emphasised: ‘We are convinced that unity is our greatest strength, and this is something that must be preserved. Our shared view on Ukraine is of key importance, and I hope that this view will be further reinforced.’
The bilateral relations between Slovenia and Hungary are fruitful. President Nataša Pirc Musar hosted President Tamás Sulyok in April, together with other Presidents of the three neighbouring countries: Austria, Croatia and Italy, to mark the 20 years of EU membership. We exchanged several ministerial visits, including the visits of defence ministers.
We are pleased that Minister Péter Szijjártó attended the annual Bled Strategic Forum in last September and the C5 ministerial meeting in March in Slovenia.
C5 foreign ministerial meeting (Photo from gov.si)
He also took part at the signing ceremony of BlueSky Project between three neighbouring countries (Slovenia, Serbia and Hungary) in Budapest, which will strengthen the energy market in the Central European region.
Speaking about defence cooperation let me express our gratitude for the air policing work of the Hungarian Air Force in Slovenia and especially for the immediate assistance of the Hungarian helicopter unit during the devastating floods in Slovenia in August 2023.
Our bilateral trade is growing year by year, as are investments, and if we mentioned two major Hungarian investments in Slovenia last year, I am glad that this year we are on a good way to execute Slovenian investments in Hungary as well. I would also like to thank the Hungarian Ministry of Interior for the close cooperation in addressing joint security challenges.
Cultural cooperation is also being strengthened in different cultural genres, from painting exhibitions to musical performance, film and literature. Cultural cooperation between cities has also been enhanced, for example between Primorska University in Koper and Nyíregyháza University, which recently hosted each other’s painting exhibitions.
Finally, I would like to thank the supporters of today’s event, such as Jožef Koruncij who serves again dried ham from Slovenia, and Unicum with famous Hungarian liqueur, my colleagues at the Embassy who worked tirelessly to prepare this reception, the musicians Ms. Nataša Lazič and Ms. Emese Börcsök, and all of you who dedicated some of your time to celebrate our National Day with us.
So let me conclude with verses of a prominent Slovenian poet France Prešeren (1800-1849):
‘At last to our reunion –
To us the toast! Let it resound,
Since in this gay communion
By thoughts of brotherhood we’re bound.
May joyful cheer
Ne’er disappear
From all good hearts now gathered here.’
Köszönöm szépen – Hvala – Thank you!”
Representing the Hungarian government, State Secretary Zsolt Kutnyanszky from the Ministry of Defence addressed the audience, congratulating the Republic of Slovenia on their National Day and the significant anniversaries that one of the greenest and most sustainable countries in the world is celebrating this year. He emphasized the excellent relations between the two neighbouring nations, highlighting regional cooperation and the shared 102 km long border. State Secretary Kutnyanszky praised Slovenia’s supportive policy towards national minorities, including Hungarians, as an exemplary model.
Hungary and Slovenia traditionally have strong cooperation in defence and military fields. Kutnyanszky noted that Hungary, in collaboration with Italy, has been involved in protecting Slovenian airspace. He also recalled the massive floods last year that devastated some Slovenian regions and during which helicopters of the Hungarian Defence Forces were dispatched to support rescue operations. “Neighbouring countries can always count on Hungary’s help”, stressed Hungarian Minister of Defence Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky in August 2023.
The celebration continued with a delightful reception featuring exquisite Slovenian specialties and live music from a talented duo, creating a friendly atmosphere and a great vibe. Happy Statehood Day Slovenia!
Source: Embassy of Slovenia in Budapest
Photos by the Embassy of Slovenia and DPA
