President Obama, Pope Francis and Emperor Akihito Offer Congratulations to President Pahor on Statehood Day

On the occasion of the Statehood Day, a Slovenian national holiday, the President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor received many congratulations by foreign leaders of state. Among others, he received a congratulatory message from Pope Francis who on this national holiday extended his wishes that values such as brotherhood and peace would prevail in Slovenia and that all Slovenians would be happy and their hopes fulfilled. The President of the Republic also received sincere congratulations from the Japanese Emperor Akihito.

The President received a letter from President Obama, who, on behalf of American citizens, wrote that the United States of America appreciate the close friendship between the two countries, especially when facing the challenges of modern times. He expressed his pride of the fact that both countries are allies in NATO, and emphasized Slovenia's contribution to the preservation of peace, especially in the Western Balkans.

The German President Joachim Gauck congratulated Slovenia on its efforts to push forward reforms, adding that Slovenia's actions contribute to a Europe that will continue to offer peace, stability and prosperity to its citizens.