Dear fellow citizens,

This year's celebration of the Prekmurje Slovenians’ reunification with the mother nation comes at a time when our country and its inhabitants are facing the consequences of a major disaster. It is a time when solidarity, unity and mutual help and support are put to the test.

Prekmurje has also suffered, but as always in these difficult times for our country, the people of Prekmurje, like the rest of the Slovenian population, are proving day in and day out that the whole country can join forces when we need to.

"Only those who know their past well can see clearly into the future" is a thought I often use to mark the anniversary of great events that have radically shaped the image of our places and landscapes.

The Mura River region is famous for its rich history, preserved cultural and natural heritage, a range of excellent tourism products and services, culinary delights and, lastly, for its warm-hearted and friendly people, citizens, of whom all Slovenians can be justifiably proud. A rich past, I might add a common past, has brought us together, and I can say with certainty that the harmony and coexistence of followers of different religions, members of different minorities and nationalities in the case of Prekmurje can be an example not only for Slovenia, but for the whole of Europe.

Prekmurje is no longer just a region of the past. Every day we can see that Prekmurje is ready to take on a leading role in several areas of social life. For a long time now, we have been reading weekly news about successful companies from Prekmurje that have received the highest business awards.

I am grateful to each and every one of you for your invaluable and inimitable contribution to the rich mosaic of Prekmurje and Slovenia, as we know them today.

Dear fellow citizens, I wish you a happy Unification Day.

Robert Golob
Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia