"Dear citizens, both at home and abroad, and all people living in Slovenia, we are leaving behind a year of trials, a year of challenges we have either bravely chosen for ourselves or have been forced to overcome. In both, we have demonstrated the importance of a principled stance, solidarity, cooperation and trust. Other countries, too, recognised these values in Slovenia when they elected it a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. 153 countries have entrusted us with a great responsibility as a result of our sound arguments and determined actions. This is a great honour for a small country with an active diplomatic service.

We saw solidarity and friendship in others when they helped us in our time of greatest need, dealing with the aftermath of catastrophic floods.

Our integrity and courage were evident when we chose to stand up for international law when it mattered most. Slovenia has been a staunch supporter of humanitarian aid and the Gaza ceasefire, with a loud and clear call for peace in the Middle East and the unequivocal condemnation of the unjustifiable terror in Israel. Slovenia is also demonstrating its principled stance in Ukraine, where it stands on the side of democracy, international law and respect for fundamental human rights by providing political and financial support.

Slovenia has demonstrated once again that it understands the paramount importance of stability in the Western Balkans, of which EU membership must be a pillar. The Bled Pledge, adopted at this year's Bled Strategic Forum, gives new impetus to the prospects of European enlargement, in which Slovenia's role is indispensable and appreciated.

This year too, we were there for you when you needed us. We have successfully provided consular assistance to many Slovenian citizens in distress abroad.

We can all be proud of Slovenia. And, as everywhere in life, our past achievements and successes inspire high expectations for our future work.

In my New Year address last year, I said that I believed in the power of argument, respectful dialogue, equality and leading by example. I have never believed more strongly in the importance of these values than I do today. Not because they are everywhere, but because they must be protected and upheld at all costs. Both in politics and in private life.

Although the coming year might bring new challenges, I hope it will be a peaceful one. I wish you all success, happiness, good health and love.

Happy New Year!"