A diplomatic reception in honor of Slovenia's Statehood Day was held in Kyiv

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Ukraine held a festive reception on Monday, June 24, in honor of one of the country's most important holidays – the day of statehood, which is celebrated annually on June 25 in memory of the proclamation of the country's independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.

According to the Embassy's press service, the guests at the event included representatives of the diplomatic missions of foreign states accredited in Ukraine, Ukrainian statesmen, and members of the Slovenian community.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Slovenia to Ukraine, Mateja Prevolšek, gave a welcoming speech, thanking everyone present for their attention to this important day and stressing that Ukraine and Slovenia have much in common.

“Slovenia, tiny in territory and population, may at first glance seem unlike Ukraine, except perhaps a little in language. If we go beyond the first impression and ideological, cultural or geographical surprises of one kind or another, we can easily recognize the similarity and, if one may put it that way, the sisterhood between our two countries,” she said.

The ambassador noted that, against the backdrop of the shifting balance of power in the 1980s, the people of Slovenia decided in favor of independence and the start of new relations with their neighbors, other European countries and the world.

“It was not easy, we were attacked and bombed. Our military and diplomats managed to limit the aggression to 10 days. The support we received was especially important,” Prevolšek stressed.

The head of the diplomatic mission assured that Slovenia consistently supports Ukraine and its brave people in the fight against Russian aggression and is a steadfast friend and partner of Ukraine.

“The celebration of Slovenia's independence is a time to reaffirm our commitment to help Ukraine not only to defend itself but also to commit to a bright future in the family of the EU and NATO,” the diplomat summed up.

On June 27, the President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, plans to visit Kyiv. During the visit she will sign a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine.

On December 11, 1991, the Assembly (Skupščina) of Slovenia recognized the state independence of Ukraine. On the same day, Ukraine became one of the first European countries to recognize the state independence of the Republic of Slovenia. On March 10, 1992, the agreement on the establishment of diplomatic relations was signed between Ukraine and Slovenia. The Embassy of Slovenia in Kyiv was established in April 2004.

More photos from the event can be found at the link: https://www.facebook.com/UkrDiplomatic/