Slovenian President receives representatives of Slovenian minorities from neighbouring countries

Ljubljana, 7.2.2011  |  press release

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Danilo Türk, received representatives of Slovene national communities from the Italian Republic, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Hungary to mark the Slovenian Cultural Holiday. The President and the representatives of the Slovene umbrella organisations and cultural organisations from neighbouring countries discussed the common Slovenian cultural area and the conditions in which Slovenian national communities function in the neighbouring countries.

The representatives of the Slovene organisations reported positive movements in the political climate between the majority populations and minorities in the neighbouring countries, with the exception of Hungary where, in particular regarding finance, the Slovene minority is facing increased difficulties.

After the meeting, President Türk hosted a reception for representatives of Slovenian national communities from Austria, Croatia, Hungary and Italy to mark the Slovenian Cultural Holiday. In his address, he thanked them for all they have contributed thus far and continue to contribute to the development of the Slovenian culture and language, the common Slovenian cultural area, coexistence in this part of Europe and the European future of this part of Europe.

The President emphasised recent positive developments regarding the issue of Slovene minorities in the neighbouring countries and an improved atmosphere in relations with the neighbouring countries. However, he emphasised that the issues of teaching the Slovene language, care for linguistic education and the development of Slovenians in the neighbouring countries, as well as the care for coexistence of languages and cultures were still relevant and, for this reason, the work in these areas remains important and vital.

President Türk wished all reception participants a pleasant holiday and much good will. He recalled that this year we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Slovenia, which gives us additional reasons for optimism. If here and there a pessimistic tone was sounded or an issue or dispute arose, these in no way should sadden or demotivate us in our joint efforts, he added.