The Embassy of Slovenia in Israel held a National Day celebration Thursday night in honor of Statehood Day, marking Slovenia's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia on June 25th 1991. The event was hosted by H.E. Ambassador Mrs. Andreja Purkart Martinez at the ambassador’s residence in Herzliya Pituach.
Upin arrival, the Ambassador and members of the Embassy staff received the guests. The residence was decorated with bouquets of flowers in the colors of the Slovenian flag, while the flags of Slovenia, the European Union and Israel stood in the garden.
The formal part of the evening opened with the national anthems of Slovenia and Israel. Her excellency Ambassador Andreja Purkart Martinez.
said that: "Both countries have become true partners, and we are very keen on building our relationship further, expanding into areas that are more topical today, which is energy and climate change."
Moreover, the ambassador mentioned that Slovenia believes there are great opportunities for both countries in sustainable development and green technologies.
"I'm personally delighted to be posted in this country which is one of the leaders in innovations, and it is a privilege for me to work with such exceptionally talented and driven people that I meet here." Furthermore, there are many opportunities to learn from each other in close dialogue.
The ambassador praised the resumption of direct flights from Ljubljana, Slovenia, to Tel Aviv after two years.
In concluding, Ambassador Martinez shared appreciation: "thank my embassy team that always supports my activities with great dedication, both honorary consuls, Adi Rosenfeld and Eival Gilady, who are great enthusiastic supporters always who have many ideas on your cooperation, the president of our bilateral chamber of commerce Eiran Bolless, and CEO Orel Hershkovitz and I would also like to thank a very small but important Slovenian community here in Israel and also for this opportunity to thank Ambassador Eyal Sella who is leaving us for new opportunities, but he is a dear friend, and I hope he will not forget us and we'll stay in touch."
Mr. Yoaz Hendel, the Minister of Communications, spoke on behalf of the Israeli government.
His statement further enriched the strong bonds Israel and Slovenia share: geographic size, the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, and respect for the law, order, and human rights.
Mr. Yoaz also valued the Ambassador's initiative in bringing a delegation of Slovenian entrepreneurs to acquaint themselves with the innovation ecosystem in Israel.
Minister Hendel promised even stronger relations in the future: "We very much hope that this will result in greater cooperation that will prove mutually beneficial for both sides."
After the speeches the guests enjoyed delicious traditional dishes. The ambassador had even made some mouth watering sweets, and invited the guests to taste a traditional, walnut-made baked sweet: Potica. Potica is a traditional Slovenian cake, typically served on special occasions and holidays.
The pleasant atmosphere was further enhanced with live music by a jazz ensemble "The Ram Erez Band " .
Among the honored guests who took part in the celebration were Dan Catarivas, Director of the division of Foreign Trade and International Relations at the Manufacturers’ Association of Israel; Honorary Consul of Slovenia Adi Rosenfeld, Honorary Consul of Slovenia Eival Gilady, Chairman of the Western Galilee College; Eiran Bolless, Chairman of the chamber of commerce, Israel Slovenia; Former Minister Ophir Pines Paz; and many foreign Ambassadors and business leaders.
The Staff of www.diplomacy.co.il
Photos Silvia Golan
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