In his speech, Ambassador Skrt outlined Slovenia's efforts to achieve independence and highlighted the ties between Slovenia and Denmark and the matters that unite both countries.

The Ambassador said that the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Slovenia and Denmark is not just a celebration of 30 years of the diplomatic dialogue between the two countries, but much more – a celebration of friendship that we have cultivated for more than three decades. It is an anniversary of the bond between two like-minded allies and EU partners whose economic collaboration has been constantly growing for 30 years. What especially counts is the ties between the people of both countries, underlined the Ambassador.

He also referred to Ukraine and stressed that we must do everything in our capacity to help Ukraine win the war. And to achieve that, solidarity and support of the democratic world with Ukraine should be as firm as ever.

The Ambassador commemorated former Danish Foreign Minister Uffe Ellemann-Jensen, who passed away on Sunday. He underlined that Denmark lost one of their great politicians who fought for freedom in Europe in the 1990s. "Uffe Ellemann-Jensen was also the first political voice in Denmark who called for the recognition of independent Slovenia and Croatia almost 31 years ago," stressed the Ambassador.

He thanked the representatives of the Danish Government, Parliament and of the Danish economic, cultural and other institutions, and partners in projects of the Embassy for their cooperation and interest. He also thanked his colleagues in the diplomatic corps for their extraordinary collegiality and support and to his Embassy team for their good and devoted work.

The Ambassador congratulated the Slovenes present at the reception on Statehood Day and 31st Birthday of Independent Slovenia and wished them a happy celebration on Saturday.

In solidarity with Ukrainians, Slovenian accordion player Manca Dornik played a Ukrainian folk song “Plyve Kacha” which is about a dialogue between a mother and a son going off to war.

Many thanks to all that joined us for our celebration!

Živela Slovenija!

Længe leve Danmark!

Long live the Slovenian-Danish friendship!