Reception by the Ambassador of Slovenia to the United States in honor of the Prime Minister’s Visit to New York

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Mirošič emphasized the Embassy’s efforts to strengthen its ties with the Slovenian community and welcomed the many important events celebrating the Slovenian community in New York these days, including the 110th anniversary of the Slovenian church in New York, which has served for decades as an important center for bringing Slovenians together.

He welcomed a new chapter in Slovenian-American relations, strengthened by special ties, friendships, and connections, including the Slovenian heritage of U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, as well as the growing presence of Slovenian companies in one of the world’s leading technology hubs. Relations between Slovenia and the United States have thus gained new momentum. The Embassy will continue working in the interest of the shared interests of Slovenia and the United States and of the Slovenian community in the United States, of which it is an indispensable part.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Janez Janša, the guest of honor, thanked the large number of attendees for coming to the reception and highlighted the strong and vibrant Slovenian community in New York, an important international center. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Slovenians living around the world. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone who has helped preserve the Slovenian church in New York, a lasting symbol of Slovenian identity in the United States.

The community was also addressed by Father Martin Krizolog, who has successfully led the Slovenian parish in New York since 1991.

The reception at St. Cyril’s Slovenian Church in New York, an important gathering place for the Slovenian community, was attended by numerous Slovenians living and working in New York. The event was also attended by the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer, Minister of the Environment and Spatial Planning Polona Rifelj, PhD, Minister of the Environment Tadej Ostrc, PhD and former President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor.

The event was sponsored by the Slovenian company Klet Brda, which has established a successful presence in the U.S. market with its products. The cultural program featured Slovenian saxophonist Igor Lumpert, who lives in New York, and the Virilis vocal ensemble.