President Drnovšek decorates George Voinovich

Ljubljana, 05/03/2005 | press release

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Janez Drnovšek, today conferred on George Voinovich the Golden Order for Services in the diplomatic and international field. Dr Drnovšek decorated Mr Voinovich for his services and acts to the benefit of the Republic of Slovenia in its international affirmation and integration, and his contribution to the strengthening of Slovene-American friendship.

On this occasion, President Drnovšek addressed those present with the following words:

As President of the Republic of Slovenia I have the pleasant opportunity to confer this decoration on Slovenia's friend of longstanding. A friend with whom all Slovene statesmen who ever travelled to the United States of America had a chance to meet and hold very enjoyable and candid discussions. First as Governor of the State of Ohio and later as a prominent Senator, Mr Voinovich was always ready to give us a good advice or opinion on how a young country such as Slovenia can engage in the international arena, develop its relations particularly with the US and NATO, and enhance its international status. This is why I am glad to be able to thank him with this decoration for the support he has provided to us throughout all these years, when Slovenia was in the process of joining NATO and endeavouring to improve its relations with the US.

Furthermore, he helped build up our excellent relations with the Slovene community in Ohio, where he is from. I feel sure that our friendship will endure, and that we will continue to meet to jointly solve numerous international issues. Now that Slovenia has taken its place in the international community and become a member of NATO, it is able to take on this role. Allow me to take this opportunity to wish you, your family and relatives who have gathered here to commemorate this pleasant and important day, all the best — also for the future.