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Slovenian President confers the Orders for Exceptional Services upon the Swedish Royal Couple

Brdo by Kranj, 06/15/2004  |  press release

At the invitation of the Slovenian President, Dr Janez Drnovšek, the Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia began this morning their official visit to Slovenia. Following the reception with military honours in front of Brdo Castle, King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia met their host, Dr Drnovšek. On this occasion Dr Drnovšek conferred decorations – the Order for Exceptional Services of the Republic of Slovenia – upon the Swedish King and Queen. King Carl XVI Gustaf presented to President Drnovšek the Royal Order of the Seraphim. After the talks between the President and the Royal Couple a press release was given in which Dr Drnovšek stated: (unedited transcription)

“It is a great honour and pleasure for me today to be able to host Your Majesties, the Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. Ever since Slovenia gained independence the relations between Sweden and Slovenia have been very good and friendly. During this time we have established numerous ties in different fields ranging from the political, economic and cultural to sports. It gives me especial satisfaction to crown these excellent relations with today’s official visit at the highest level. I am convinced that this visit will further strengthen our mutual relations.

A large Swedish economic delegation has also arrived in Slovenia and will hold discussions with our businessmen tomorrow. I believe that such contacts can promote new business activities and investment as well as strengthen bilateral trade. We have always considered Sweden as a country that could serve as an example. It has managed to attain a high degree of social welfare and simultaneously maintain economic competitiveness at a high level. And this is what we are all striving for – to maximise economic efficiency and at the same time ensure a cohesive state with a suitably high level of social justice and standard of living for all citizens. This visit will also provide an opportunity to learn about the Swedish experience, which we would like to transpose in the best possible way to our country. Sweden has strongly supported Slovenia also in our accession to the European Union, for which we are most grateful.”

The Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf stated his pleasure at the visit since he and Queen Silvia had heard so many interesting and beautiful things about Slovenia. He congratulated the Slovenian President on accession of his country to the European Union, which facilitates enhanced cooperation between the two countries. He also recalled the visit of the former Slovenian President to Sweden, to a Swedish university and its scientific park. The Swedish King highlighted the field of high technology offering numerous possibilities for enhanced cooperation and expressed his belief that businessmen meeting their Slovenian colleagues tomorrow will examine these opportunities. He thanked the Slovenian President for the invitation and kind hospitality, adding his conviction that three interesting days are awaiting them.

The Swedish Royal Couple today also met the Prime Minister, Mr Anton Rop. In the afternoon the Swedish King and Queen will visit the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, the city municipality of Ljubljana, the old city centre and the exhibition “the Birth Certificate of Slovene Culture” at the National and University Library.