German Ambassador Hans-Joachim Goetz has praised the relations his country has had with Slovenia ever since diplomatic ties were established between the two 15 years ago. Moreover, economic ties can definitely be labelled a "success story", Goetz said addressing a reception upon Day of German Unity at the embassy's residence just outside Ljubljana on Tuesday.
In support of this claim, the ambassador said that bilateral trade had surged by 64% since 1991. He also revealed plans to set up a German-Slovenian chamber of commerce in the following months.
Goetz pointed to the stint at the helm of the EU that Germany, Portugal and Slovenia would hold in succession between January 2007 and June 2008. "This is a project of special significance that will bring us closer together still."
Germany played an important role in Slovenia's independence aspirations and efforts to win the country's international recognition. Germany, joined by Sweden and Iceland, were in fact the first West European countries to recognize Slovenia on 19 December 1991.
What is more, Germany was among the first to establish diplomatic ties with Slovenia on 15 January 1992. On the same day, it abolished visas for Slovenian citizens, while its ambassador was the first to assume diplomatic post here.
As the name of the holiday suggests, the Day of German Unification celebrates German re-unification on 3 October 1990.
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