Diplomatic Events

The Embassy of Slovenia in Israel held a National Day celebration Wednesday 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.

Upon arrival, the Ambassador and members of the Embassy staff received the guests, who enjoyed Hors d'oeuvre while jazz music was played in the background by the Gil Livni Trio. The flags of Slovenia, the European Union and Israel stood in the garden, behind the podium where the Ambassador delivered her speech.

Ambassador Martinez opened her remarks by noting that it will be 32 years of Slovenia’s independence, and at the same time 30 years since the opening of the Slovenian Embassy in Israel, during which the countries have developed close and friendly ties as well as strong cooperation in many other fields. More particularly, the Ambassador expressed her wish to foster cooperation in the fields of science and innovation, inspired by the many people she met who aim to improve our future.

Next, Ambassador Martinez emphasized Slovenia’s support for Ukrainian independence and territorial sovereignty, and that the country will continue helping Ukraine in every possible way.

Then, she mentioned Slovenia’s recent achievement of being elected as a non-permanent member of the UN security Council for the 2024-2025 term, following the “Building Trust-Securing Future” campaign. The campaign reflects Slovenia’s goal to act as a unifying force seeking constructive solutions while respecting international law in areas such as accountability, conflict prevention, transparency, women rights, peace and security agenda. The second part focuses on climate and security, water diplomacy, food security and children in armed conflict areas. She also expressed Slovenia’s wishes to deepen the dialogue with other UN members and strengthen confidence in multilateralism while building trust.

Last, Ambassador Martinez thanked her team at the Embassy, as well as others such as the Honorary Consuls Adi Rosenfeld and Eival Gilady, Chairman of the Western Galilee College, Eiran Bollesl, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Israel- Slovenia and Orel Hershkovich, and concluded with proposing a toast for friendship, health and peace.

Among the honored guests who took part in the celebration were Honorary Consul of Slovenia Adi Rosenfeld, Honorary Consul of Slovenia Eival Gilady, Dan Catarivas, President of the Israeli Federation of Bi-National Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Dr. Andy David - Director of the Innovation Task Force Israel MFA; Dr. Ophir Falk, Foreign Policy Advisor at the Prime Minister Office; Adi Barouh, Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff at the Prime Minister Office; Dr. Laurence Weinbaum, Director General, World Jewish Congress Israel;  Boaz Waksman Chairman of Ophir Tours, Stanley Morais, El Al Acting Director of International Affairs, and many foreign Ambassadors and business leaders.