Address by the President at the diplomatic reception ceremony

Brdo pri Kranju, 24.1.2011  |  speech

Address by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, at the diplomatic reception ceremony
Brdo pri Kranju, 24 January 2011


Your Excellency, Dean of the diplomatic corps,
Excellencies,
Dear guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends,

It is my great pleasure to warmly welcome you to this traditional New Year's reception on behalf of Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, Ms Tanja Peèar, my wife Barbara and myself.

The year just passed has been full of trials and challenges. The financial and economic crisis brought forth a variety of unforeseeable consequences. Although the initial signs of recovery can already be observed, we still cannot be satisfied. Slovenia will need to do more to improve the functioning of the corporate sector, to enhance the social security of our people and launch new development opportunities, particularly for our younger generations. The tasks of our country, our government and other authorities are no less significant or less demanding today than those a year ago – quite the contrary, in fact. Therefore, we need to mobilise all the domestic potential at our disposal and improve international cooperation efforts.

The tasks ahead of us on the international stage are no less important. The reforms made to international financial systems, as well as the structural reforms already implemented have thus far proved inadequate. We are concerned about the lack of unity and determination demonstrated so far in introducing the changes required in the European Union. The eurozone faces a difficult test. There is no way back now. We, members of the EU, must all demonstrate our unflinching confidence in the euro and endeavour to find ways to strengthen the eurozone as a whole. We are delighted that Estonia has now joined the eurozone. We also hope that the discussions held on the issue of EU bonds develop further and bring tangible results. We must close ranks and strive to find a common strategy to overcome the crisis. We must introduce safeguards and mechanisms, which will prevent the crisis from recurring. In this context responsibility and solidarity of all will be of paramount importance.

Europe is not adapting quickly enough to changes in the international community. We have begun to lag behind in terms of economic growth and innovation. Compared to the new centres of economic and political power, Europe appears cumbersome and inflexible in spite of the enormous potential of its young, highly educated people, who, however, are not provided with the right opportunities. Despite the ageing of the population, there are still far too many reservations held about immigrants, irrespective of the fact – as established by the EU Reflection Group in its report of last year – that the European Union needs immigrants in order to sustain its development. Rather than imposing forced expulsions, a restrictive visa regime and the building of barriers, the EU needs a carefully considered immigration and integration policy.

Last year, the EU completed the establishment of new institutions, in compliance with the Lisbon Treaty. We expect that the initial difficulties encountered in defining the relationships between these institutions and Member States will soon be overcome and that an effective two-way process will be initiated.

The time has now come for the EU to expedite the process of determining priorities of its Common Foreign and Security Policy. It must define anew its relations with its strategic partners, such as the US, Russia, India and China. It must revive the Eastern Partnership and the Mediterranean Neighbourhood. The Common Foreign and Security Policy should involve a clearer definition of priorities, amongst which, cooperation with its eastern neighbours should be at the top of the agenda.

The EU enlargement process must not stall. The genuine prospect of EU membership is the strongest possible stimulus for the reforms and the process of democratisation that need to take place in candidate countries. EU membership is the best way to stabilise the Western Balkans. Turkey must continue to make progress in its negotiations for accession to the EU membership. Turkey’s membership will be of great strategic and economic benefit for the EU as a whole. On the other hand, candidate countries must, of course, also be aware that meeting the criteria for membership is essential and that there are no short cuts.

The recent EU-US Summit indicated that the development of transatlantic relations is moving in a positive direction. The EU-Russia Summit and, before that, the NATO Summit and the NATO-Russia Council, ensured renewed quality in existing relations, founded on equal footing and genuine partnership. This process is expected to ensure the establishment of a common Euro-Atlantic security area. My official visit to the Russian Federation in November of last year, during which time President Medvedev and I signed the Declaration on Partnership for Modernisation, is also an integral part of this process.

The OSCE Summit in Astana was also characterised by the efforts to introduce a new concept for European security. A step forward was taken. However, as has been the case on many occasions in the past, the adoption of a more ambitious action plan was hindered, above all as a result of disagreements about a variety of unresolved conflicts. I discussed this problem at some length during my visits to Russia, Armenia and Turkey last year, and the Cyprus issue was discussed during my visit to Cyprus. The disputes concerning Nagorno-Karabakh and Cyprus are among the oldest problems in Europe. The efforts to settle these issues need to be intensified. This is not only because of the risk that the status quo might become a permanent situation and, consequently, a never-ending source of instability, but also because of the implications for the resolution of other unresolved disputes.

Last year, the Middle-East conflict raised hopes and created even more disappointment. The time left to find a viable two-state solution is running out. The Quartet must be united and steadfast in its support in order to break the most recent deadlock and propose key elements for a solution, which alone can generate productive negotiations towards the establishment of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.

The international community has intensified its efforts and generated renewed vigour in order to stabilise the situation in Afghanistan. Slovenia takes an active role in these activities to the best of its ability. The solution can only be political in nature, and not a military in tone. It must be an Afghan solution, achieved in close cooperation with the neighbouring countries.

Last year, Slovenia demonstrated great levels of involvement, initiative and drive, both in the bilateral and multilateral areas of its foreign policy. We have made significant progress in our relations with our neighbouring countries. The arbitration agreement regarding the settlement of the border dispute between Slovenia and Croatia, which entered into force at the end of 2010, has considerably eased the burden on our relations. The meeting of the presidents of Slovenia, Croatia and Italy in July last year in Trieste brought a breath of fresh air to our relations with Italy. My state visit to Italy last week confirmed the fact that a new page has been turned in these relations. I am very happy with the progress made at the political level. Over the coming months, I wish that both Governments will take steps forward in all aspects of the relations between the two countries, including steps in favour of the national minorities.

In order to support the EU's efforts in reinforcing the processes of confidence and cooperation in the Western Balkans, the Republic of Slovenia initiated the Brdo Process, and appointed a special representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the ongoing regional processes and initiatives, we see real opportunities creative communication and mutually beneficial cooperation. We are strongly supporting the formulation of the strategy for the Danube region and the formation of the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region. Within the scope of these initiatives, the EU will afford its partners new forms of cooperation, particularly in the areas of transportation, environmental protection and intercultural relations.

As a responsible member of the international community, highly committed to multilateralism, Slovenia plays an active role in the discussions held on key political, economic and social issues within the scope of the United Nations. Slovenia participated in the discussions held at the Millennium Development Goals Summit, the Biological Diversity Summit and the Cancun Climate Change Summit. Although we want to achieve more ambitious goals and make even more rapid progress, we should not be dissatisfied with the results achieved at these meetings. The international community confirmed its determination in persevering with the pursuit of the objectives set, despite the economic crisis. In the discussions held on climate change, we pay particular attention to the issue of water which is increasingly becoming an international security issue.

In Slovenia, we have seriously started to design an effective system of development and humanitarian aid. The largest portion of development aid will continue to be earmarked for South East Europe; however, we will also continue to carry out the humanitarian project underway for the rehabilitation of children from Gaza, which I launched two years ago and which has already yielded positive results.

At the celebration of the 20th anniversary of our independence, we will certainly think a great deal about what we have already achieved in this relatively short period of time. We can be proud of all our accomplishments in the realm of foreign policy. Through our accession to membership of the OECD, the process of integration into international organisations has been completed. Through holding the presidencies of the UN Security Council, the OSCE, the EU Council and the Council of Europe, Slovenia proved its ability to meet demanding challenges. Therefore, I firmly believe that we will be able to cope with all the challenges that might arise in the future. Slovenia is currently campaigning for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council. Through our continued engagement, I am confident, we will once again demonstrate that Slovenia is a constructive member of the international community. Our membership of the Security Council during the period 1998–1999 was successful. There is every reason to believe that, in the event of election, we will be successful once again.

Slovenia feels part of Europe and part of the global community, in its role as an good “citizen of the world” with the desire to contribute to the peace, security and wellbeing of all the nations of this world. In this context, we respect the contribution made by diplomacy and, particularly, the contributions made by you, ambassadors and all the diplomats who play a key role in developing cooperation with the Republic of Slovenia.

I would especially like to express my gratitude for the contribution made by His Excellency, Monsignor Santos Abril y Castello, Apostolic Nuncio, who will soon be ending his term of office in Slovenia. Your responsible and sensitive work, your Excellency, dean of the diplomatic corps in Ljubljana, helped strengthen relations between Slovenia and all the countries linked through diplomatic communication for which we in Slovenia are grateful to you, indeed.

I ask you, your Excellency, the Apostolic Nuncio, to extend our best wishes for the New Year to the Holy Father. Furthermore, I ask you all, dear Ambassadors, to extend our best wishes to your respective heads of state. Please count on the continued positive and amicable cooperation with the Republic of Slovenia and on our willingness for the further deepening and development of our friendly relations.

Thank you very much.