Minister Tanja Fajon presents the first Lifetime Achievement in Diplomacy Award

22. 5. 2025

Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

On Slovenian Diplomacy Day, Minister Tanja Fajon presented the Lifetime Achievement in Diplomacy Award to Ambassador Dr Boris Frlec. "The award is an expression of special respect and gratitude to individuals who, through their many years of work, achievements and efforts, have left an indelible mark on Slovenian diplomacy," said Minister Fajon at the ceremony.

predaja priznanja dr. flrecu, ministrica mu čestita — On Slovenian Diplomacy Day, Minister Tanja Fajon presented the Lifetime Achievement in Diplomacy Award to Ambassador Dr Boris Frlec. | Author Boštjan Podlogar/STA

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"Dr Boris Frlec was Minister of Foreign Affairs between 1997 and 2000, when Slovenia greatly accelerated its efforts to join the European Union and NATO. During this period, Slovenia also held a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the first time, which undoubtedly strengthened its position in the international community, and I am delighted to share this experience with you, Dr Frlec, of serving as foreign minister during the UN SC mandate," stated the Minister in her address to the diplomatic corps and the Ministry's staff. In conclusion, she congratulated Dr Frlec and handed him the award certificate and a glass globe made by Steklarna Rogaška.

This year, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs awarded the first Lifetime Achievement in Diplomacy Award selected by a special commission and will from now on present it annually on Slovenian Diplomacy Day. The formal presentation ceremony will be an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the diplomatic profession and its role in strengthening Slovenia's international position.

Slovenian Diplomacy Day is celebrated every year on 22 May, the day on which Slovenia joined the United Nations in 1992, becoming an equal member of the international community. "That is why 22 May is our day, Slovenian Diplomacy Day. Joining the UN allowed our young country to develop a diplomacy we can be proud of. Through an active foreign policy focused on European and Euro-Atlantic integrations and openness to dialogue with all countries, Slovenia has established a diplomatic service that is effective, dedicated, proactive and trusted by diplomats from other all over the world as well as the general public. This is the result of your excellent work, for which I would like to sincerely congratulate you all today," said Minister Fajon.

She also thanked the Ministry staff for their contribution to strengthening Slovenia's visibility, reputation and power in the world: "Without people, without you, there is no diplomacy, so let me thank all the staff in the internal and external services who work hard to uphold the interests of our country and our citizens around the world. You seek new development opportunities around the globe and open doors for the Slovenian economy, science and culture. You contribute to raising the profile of Slovenia and to the implementation of a credible, principled and successful foreign policy."