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Swedish Royal Couple to visit Slovenia at the invitation of the Slovenian President
Ljubljana, 06/14/2004 | press release
Following an invitation from the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Janez Drnovšek, the Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia will be visiting Slovenia from the 15 to 17 June. They will be accompanied by a delegation from the Swedish business community, that will, during discussions with their Slovene colleagues, try to identify new opportunities to improve economic co-operation between the two states. The visit by the Swedish Royal Couple, which will take place at the highest level, is an expression of the excellent relations between Slovenia and Sweden, and signifies a recognition of the development of multifaceted co-operation between the two countries.
Sweden was among the first countries to recognise Slovenia as a sovereign state in 1991, thus showing an understanding for the country's endeavours towards freedom and independence. The two countries also share some interesting historic links. At the time of the Illyrian Provinces, one of the provincial administrators was Napoleon’s Marshal Jean Baptiste Bernadotte. At that time, the Slovene language was introduced into schools for the first time. Throughout the centuries of existence in multiethnic states, the language represented the most important unifying force and focus for the nation, helping it to survive. When, in 1810, Marshal Bernadotte became the heir to the Swedish Crown and started the royal family of the Bernadottes, this created a permanent connection between Slovenia’s and Sweden’s history.
During their visit, King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia will meet with the highest representatives, representatives of the civil society and other public figures. The programme of the Royal Couple’s visit includes visits to a number of important natural and cultural sights.
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Office of the President of the Republic
Erjavčeva 17
SI-1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
phone: +386 1 478 12 22
fax: +386 1 478 13 57
gp.uprs@up-rs.si
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