Foreign Dignitaries Congratulate Slovenia on National Day

Ljubljana, 24 June

Ahead of the 14th anniversary of Slovenia's independence, President Janez Drnovsek received congratulations from statesmen such as UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Pope Benedict XVI, German President Horst Koehler, Russia's Vladimir Putin, Czech Vaclav Klaus and Serbian President Svetozar Marovic.

In view of the National Day on 25 June, Annan wrote this was an important year for the UN in view of the organisation's 60th anniversary. He also reminded that five years have passed since the adoption of the Millennium Declaration.
"I hope the states seize the opportunity with a vision, benevolence and courage, and are prepared to adopt long term measures to adapt and renew the UN," Annan stated in his letter.
The Pope, who sent his blessings to the Slovenian nation, said he hoped the nation would develop well in a material as well as spiritual sense, respecting the values which have formed it as a nation.
According to Koehler, Slovenia has had a successful year, marked with entry into the EU and NATO and the chairing of the OSCE, and can therefore afford to be optimistic about the future.
"Our countries have continued to strengthen good business, cultural and social relations. This fills me with hope and happiness about our common EU path," the German president wrote.
Meanwhile, Putin stated his conviction that similar standpoints on key international policy issues provide an opportunity to increase bilateral ties. Klaus also said he believes in future bilateral cooperation in the spirit of friendship.
"Slovenia's success and that of its citizens delight us and encourage us in our efforts," wrote the president of Serbia and Montenegro, who also said he expected further strengthening of bilateral relations to benefit the citizens of both countries.
Drnovsek also received letters of congratulation by British Queen Elisabeth II, Japanese Emperor Akihito, Austrian President Heinz Fischer, Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, Irish President Mary McAleese and Israeli President Moshe Katzav, to name but a few.

Foreign Dignitaries Congratulate Slovenia on National Day

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