President Pahor in Trieste: "The return of the National Hall is proof of what can be attained if we work together."

At the invitation of the representatives of the Slovenian minority in Italy, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, visited Trieste today.

Prior to his farewell meeting with the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, which will take place in Rome on Monday, 5 December 2022, President Pahor accepted the invitation of the presidents of the umbrella organisations of the Slovenian national community, Ksenija Dobrila and Walter Bandelj, to meet the representatives of the Slovenian national community living in Italy at a reception organised at the National Hall.


Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA

With this ceremony, the Slovenian national community in Italy wanted to thank President Pahor for his long-term efforts and decisive support regarding the return of the National Hall in Trieste to Slovenians and his help with other issues that are important for the existence and development of the Slovenian community in Italy. They particularly highlighted the significance of the joint contribution by presidents Pahor and Mattarella relating to the reconciliation.

Ksenija Dobrila initially thanked the Slovenian President for the ten-year cooperation and added, "We have felt that you are also our President, that you are a part of all of us. But you are not only a man of words, you are also a man of action. Under your watchful eye and in cooperation with the diplomacy, 13 July 2020 happened." Dobrila wished the President all the best in the future and emphasised that they would always consider him President Emeritus and a good friend.

In his address, Walter Bandelj underlined in particular two unforgettable moments, i.e. one in Trieste/Basovizza and the second one in Klagenfurt, and expressed hope that these events would find their place in history books. "The return of the National Hall to Slovenians on 13 July 2020 will remain forever," he said and added, "It is easy to tear apart and divide, but it is much harder to build harmony and respect mutual differences. Your efforts for dialogue and reconciliation are like planted seeds and also point to a vision of the future. Sincere congratulations on receiving the Alcide De Gasperi: Builders of Europe Award," Bandelj said.

In his speech, President Pahor mentioned certain events and numerous discussions with the representatives of the national community, diplomacy and the Italian President Mattarella, which eventually led to the return of the National Hall. He added that he was exceptionally proud that the National Hall was back in Slovenian hands, which he understood as proof of what could be attained if we cooperate and work together.


Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA

During today’s visit in Trieste, the Slovenian President will also visit the headquarters of the Primorski dnevnik newspaper.

On the occasion of the national holiday, Restoration of Primorska to the Motherland Day, the President of the Republic conferred the Silver Order for Merit on the Primorski dnevnik newspaper for its contribution to preserving the national identity of Slovenians living in Italy, its loyalty to values such as freedom, friendship between nations and peace, and its contribution to better mutual knowledge and cross-border cooperation on the 70th anniversary of the newspaper at a special ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in September 2015.