President Türk addresses Slovenian emigrants

Nova Gorica, 4.7.2009  |  press release

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, today attended the 53rd traditional annual “Meeting in Our Country”, organised by the Slovenian Emigrant Association. In his opening address, Dr Türk said that the birth of the Slovenian state on 25 June 1991 had been the major landmark in Slovenia’s history and was also a holiday uniting all Slovenes around the world. He recalled that many Slovenian emigrants had actively participated in developments at that time. They helped to establish valuable links with influential stakeholders in the countries where they lived, and some also offered material and financial assistance. “We have not forgotten this help, which we still value today,” stressed Dr Türk.

The President highlighted a number of Slovenia’s achievements in the development of democracy and respect of the rule of law and human rights, as well as economic growth and a rising standard of living, and the prosperity of people. He also pointed to several uncompleted tasks, stressing, in particular, the need to continuously upgrade the state and improve public services and the quality of our life and existence. He highlighted the financial and economic crisis as a good opportunity to remedy deficiencies and make the transition to a new, higher level of the economy, politics and culture, along with values and awareness.

Slovenia must deliberate carefully on the matter and develop a new strategy for development which will focus on knowledge and creativity, new safe and environment-friendly technologies, more efficient use of energy resources and a responsible overall attitude towards the environment, asserted President Türk. In science and technology, he said, there are still ample opportunities for cooperation with Slovenes living abroad. In his address, Dr Türk also touched on the issue of patriotism, which he termed an importance social value linking emotional attachment to home with civil freedoms and responsibilities. He also advocated that archival material concerning emigrants, which is our common cultural and material heritage, be preserved. At the close of his address, Dr Türk wished all the participants a pleasant gathering and stay in Slovenia.