At the meeting, the conversation was about the situation and challenges of Slovenian communities outside the borders of the Republic of Slovenia.

In the beginning, Minister Matej Arčon welcomed the gathered and emphasized that embassies and consulates are extremely important pillar that connects Slovenian communities with the homeland and highlighted the importance of the most operational and close contact between diplomatic and consular representations with Slovenian communities and, at the same time, the best possible communication with the Governments Office for Slovenians Abroad. In the following, he emphasised some of the more important moments of the successful year of 2023 and already defined some plans that will mark the future. Connection and cooperation are undoubtedly extremely important, which is why the active functioning of the foreign economic coordination, designed in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport last year, is extremely gratifying. Connectivity also continues to flow well in the agricultural sector. Youth and repatriation are also one of the priority goals. For this purpose, last week the government established a working group for the preparation of measures in the field of returning Slovenian emigrants and their descendants to Slovenia.

The year 2025, when Nova Gorica, Slovenia and Gorica, Italy will host the European Capital of Culture project, is approaching. The Office leads several activities in this area, at the meeting, Minister Arčon also called on embassies and consulates general to encourage Slovenian communities outside the borders of the motherland to participate.

At the meeting, the minister was accompanied by the state secretary at the Office, Vesna Humar.

Source: gov.si