SPEECH OF THE DOIEN OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORP H.S.H. AMBASSADOR PRINCE WINDISCH-GRAETZ
Diplomatic Address to H.E. Ms Tanja Fajon , Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia
Honourable Madam Deputy Prime Minister and Minster of Foreign Affairs
Distinguished Members of the Government, Dear Colleagues of the Diplomatic Corps, Ladies and Gentlemen
As we end this year 2022, as Vice Dean of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Republic ofSlovenia, I am honoured to present my best wishes to you, Madam Deputy Prime Minister, to the Government of this Country, and through you to all Slovenian citizens. 2022 has been an important year for the Slovenian peoples, with the Election of a new President of the Republic, parliament and local elections throughout the Country. It is, however, a year tragically and dangerously marked by the hostilities In Ukraine, which serves to remind us all of the blessings of peace which we all have enjoyed for many years, which can, in turn, be so quickly called into question.
However the brutal events in Ukraine have had a unifying effect for the EU, and we begin to really appreciate the strength and resilience of the European Union in the face of this war. For many, more particularly the young, the War 1939-1945 is in the past, now this type of conflict has brought it back into our collective consciousness.
The Republic of Slovenia has shown the EU, particularly with her Presidency in 2022, her ability to move effectively in many and varied diplomatic efforts to promote peace through dialogue also from the perspective of the Balkans. The Diplomatic Corps congratulates your Excellency; Foreign Minister for these initiatives. Finding solutions in today’s fraught and highly inter-connected world is difficult, and we do urge your Government to continue these efforts which are important for us all as together we face many dangers, which a year ago, would have been considered unthinkable.
Looking forward, the coming year 2023, is going to be a year of significant challenges for the EU, however the Diplomatic Corps is sure that the Republic of Slovenia will be effective in contributing to those initiatives which will be instrumental in helping to restore peace on this Continent.
Allow me, Madam Deputy Prime Minister in concluding this address on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps to present to all Slovenians, through your person, its good wishes for these endeavours in the coming year; aI thank you.
