Good afternoon and thank you so much for joining me for this very special event. I’d like to extend a special warm welcome to Dr. Binsted, who we’re very excited to host this week. She is such an incredibly accomplished scientist, and a fantastic ambassador for our country. And Dr. Stojmenova Duh (stoy-MEN-oh-vah dooh), …
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The U.S. Embassy Ljubljana Speaker Program is one of our most popular youth engagement programs. Invitations to visit schools throughout Slovenia increase every year, and we try to visit as many as we can! This year, we have already visited two schools in September. Our new Ambassador, Lynda Blanchard, was quick to volunteer to visit …
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Good morning, and thank you all for inviting me to join you. I couldn’t be happier to be among so many committed entrepreneurs from around the region. Truth be told, I feel at home in the business community, and I appreciate the chance to share in the excitement today. A warm welcome to my American …
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Koper, August 30, 2019 Good Morning. Thank you all for being here to help us welcome Commander Craig Trent and the entire crew of the USS Porter to Slovenia. Having a U.S. destroyer docked in the Port of Koper is a powerful symbol of our enduring bilateral defense relationship, and of the contributions we make …
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On August 29, 2019, Ambassador Lynda C. Blanchard presented her credentials to President Borut Pahor at the Presidential Palace in Ljubljana.
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New American Ambassador Lynda Blanchard arrives to Slovenia today! She is proud to represent the U.S. in Slovenia and she is anxious to experience Slovenian culture and it’s legendary hospitality. Meet the new U.S. ambassador and her beautiful family!
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The President’s nominee as U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia, Ms. Lynda Blanchard, was voted “out of committee” on April 3. Her nomination was then pending before the entire U.S. Senate. What does this all mean? What comes next? Our Prezi explains the steps that an Ambassador-designate takes in their confirmation process before they can arrive in …
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The Ambassador’s Residence, Ljubljana, June 28, 2018 President of the National Council Kovšca, Minister Židan, colleagues of the diplomatic corps, dragi gostje, dragi prijatelji, dober večer in dobrodošli. Welcome to this celebration of the 242nd anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. I want to extend a special welcome to Major General Michael …
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4th of July is the day when Americans celebrate the birth of their country. It is tradition to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks – either at a large public display, or a smaller gathering with friends and family. There may not have been fireworks at Ambassador Hartley’s the residence, but we’re glad everyone enjoyed the …
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The US Embassy Ljubljana, in cooperation with the Smithsonian Gardens-Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. and the University of Ljubljana Botanic Garden, opened the Smithsonian Pollinator Garden “Pollination Investigation” educational panels exhibit at the University of Ljubljana Botanic Garden on Friday, May 25, 2018. The opening was co-hosted by H.E. Brent R. Hartley US Ambassador to Slovenia and mag. Dejan …
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01 September 2013 to 10 May 2014, a multi-national unit consisting of 28 American and Slovenian Special Forces Soldiers, were assigned to the Special Operations Task Unit (SOTU) in Laghman, Eastern Afghanistan, serving as tactical advisors (High Risk Arrest, Armed Reconnaissance, Cordon and Search) to a 115 man Provincial Response Company (PRC), advancing security objectives in …
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On April 17, Ambassador Hartley hosted Monsignor Stanislav Zore, archbishop of Ljubljana, Dr. Nedžad Grabus, mufti of the Islamic Community in Slovenia, and Rabbi Ariel Haddad, chief rabbi of Slovenia, to discuss religious freedom and issues of concern to Slovenia’s Roman Catholic, Muslim, and Jewish communities. Archbishop Zore, Mufti Grabus, and Rabbi Haddad said Slovenia’s …
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Wreath laying in remembrance of the downing of B-17 bomber ‘Dark Eyes’ that was shot down over Andraž on March 19, 1944.
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On March 19, Ambassador Brent Hartley met with TPV Group President Marko Gorjup, Board Chairman Vladimir Gregor Bahč, Deputy President Tomaž Savšek, and Business Unit Director Ignac Bakše to discuss the automotive industry supplier’s European operations and tour its facilities in Novo Mesto and Velika Loka. With six plants and more than 1,200 employees, TPV …
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Ambassador Hartley welcomed the entire group of American Fulbrighters in Slovenia—5 post-doctorate fellows and 2 students—into his home last week to discuss their research and teaching projects in Slovenia. All were very excited about their placement in Slovenia and had nothing but positive things to say about their hosts as well as time so far …
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On February 14, Ambassador Brent Hartley visited the community of Škofja Loka, where he discussed community development and the local economy with Mayor Miha Ješe. Afterward, the Ambassador attended a Business Leaders Club luncheon hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce, where he discussed the state of the economy with local business leaders and touted …
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On February 13, Ambassador Brent Hartley hosted more than 20 leaders from private sector Slovenian companies interested in exporting to or investing in the United States, as well as representatives from Slovenia’s Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SPIRIT Slovenia, and American Chamber of Commerce. As Slovenia’s export-based economy grows, Ambassador …
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Ambassador Hartley was pleased to join Piran Mayor Peter Bossman February 7 to open the exhibition “Art of Science: Marine Wonders” at Aquarium in Piran. The exhibition showcases the remarkable photographic creations of University of Washington professor Adam Summers alongside the poetry of Sierra Nelson.
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On February 6, Ambassador Brent Hartley visited the western Slovenian community of Idrija, where he met with the management team of Kolektor Group, a multinational company headquartered in Slovenia with operations in more than 30 countries producing highly specialized mobility components and systems for the European, Asian, and North American automotive industries. Kolektor’s subsidiaries are …
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Ambassador Hartley had the honor to meet eight members of the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing who were in the region for training and took the opportunity to visit Slovenia to follow up with a Slovenian seaman they rescued after a cargo carrier ship explosion in the mid-Atlantic in April 2017. This …
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Ambassador Hartley was pleased to join Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning Majcen February 2nd for a ceremony marking the U.S. donation of computer equipment for flood forecasting and warning in the Sava River basin. The project supports the development of a regional flood warning system in the countries of the International Sava River Basin …
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A tribute to the music of Elvis Presley thrilled Ljubljana on what would have been his 83rd birthday. Ambassador Hartley joined a crowd of dedicated Elvis fans from Slovenia and the region for an evening of music from the TCB Band, Dennis Jale, and Sam’s Fever. TCB Band members formed the core rhythm section of …
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Ambassador Hartley hosted distinguished guests and supporters of the American Slovenian Education Foundation (ASEF), including Minister for Slovenians Abroad Gorazd Žmavc, on December 21 to celebrate the 2017 ASEF fellows. ASEF was created in 2014 to build academic bridges between the U.S. and Slovenia by sending young Slovenian scholars to the U.S. The 2017 class …
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In the spirit of the season, Ambassador Hartley hosted a festive Christmas gathering. The Ambassador was pleased to catch up with friends and colleagues and discuss what had happened in 2017 and what 2018 has in store. Everybody enjoyed the Christmas carols performed by Big band Grosuplje. Ambassador Hartley wished everyone much joy and happiness …
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Ambassador Hartley joined with other members of the Tolmin Alpine Club in a hike to Krnsko jezero on Saturday, November 11, to participate in a 100th anniversary commemoration of the battle of Kobarid, which shifted hostilities from the “Isonzo” front into Italy. Minister of Defense Katič was the guest of honor at the lake-side event …
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Ambassador Hartley was pleased to invite Slovenian alumni of Harvard University into his residence for a reception in their honor. This wide-ranging group of distinguished guests included Harvard undergraduate, graduate and PhD recipients, Harvard Business School attendees, Fulbright and Ron Brown program participants, and American-Slovenian Education Fellows (ASEF).
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Ambassador Hartley observed Veterans Day with US veterans at the memorial site for downed World War II bomber “Double Trouble” in Logatec this past Thursday. The commemoration was made possible with the help of Mayor Menard and his staff as well as the local experts who researched and erected the monument.
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Introductory Remarks, Conference on Cyber Security, Institute Jozef Stefan, November 8, 2017 Dober dan. Hvala vam za povabilo. I’m incredibly pleased that the U.S. Embassy could help support today’s event in partnership with SI-CERT and the Jozef Stefan Institute. We welcome our developing bilateral cooperation on cyber issues and I only expect this to continue to grow as …
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Ambassador Hartley and Consular Chief Amy Lorenzen met with students from the University of Ljubljana Faculty of Law on November 2. The wide-ranging discussion covered topics ranging from international and consular law to the functions of a diplomatic mission and the role of a diplomat. Thanks to the Faculty of Law for initiating the visit …
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Ambassador Hartley was pleased to welcome the legendary Norma Miller, known to many as The Queen of Swing, to Slovenia in early October. Miller is an author, choreographer, dancer, comedian and actor whose career spans over seven decades. Discovered at the age of twelve by the Savoy Ballroom’s legendary dancer Twist Mouth George, Ms. Miller …
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All American diplomats coming to Slovenia are excited to learn about Slovenian culture and of course food is a big part of that. That is why we decided to prepare a Slovenian food tasting for the American diplomats at our embassy in Ljubljana.
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Ambassador Hartley gives remarks at the opening of the exhibition “Born Again – Slovenian Partisans and the Rescues of Allied Aviators during the Second World War” on October 1. The exhibition is located in near the village of Otok in the Municipality of Metlika. It tells the story of this region and its people during …
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Ambassador Hartley spoke to the members of the Slovenian International Relations Association (SDMO) on September 26, 2017 about the future of U.S.-Europe relations. He noted that the transatlantic relationship has laid the foundation for unprecedented freedom, stability, and prosperity in much of the world and that Europe has been and will remain our indispensable partner …
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Ambassador Hartley was happy to award medals to the winning Slovenian winemakers at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and the Great American International Wine Competition. Slovenian wine makers won an impressive 85 medals (four double-gold, 23 gold, 40 silver and 16 bronze) at the two American competitions. After medals were handed out, Ambassador Hartley had …
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Ambassador Hartley and Chief of the Office for Defense Cooperation Steve Pena attended the opening of the exhibition entitled “Temporary Border: Life and Longing in Zone A (1945- 1947).” The exhibition marks the 70th anniversary of the creation of the western Slovenian border and is devoted to an outline of existential relations in the area …
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The 6th Annual Summer Economics Institute (SEI) 2017 held its Final Event on August 30, 2017 at the NLB Center za inovativno podjetništvo (CIP) for the 19 Slovenian university students who took part this year. Ambassador Brent R. Hartley and AmCham Slovenia Executive Director Ajsa Vodnik spoke about this innovative program, which is jointly organized …
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Ambassador Hartley had a terrific time learning “hands on” about alpine dairies and cheese-making. Recently hosted by the Lipušček-Miklavič family at Planina Medrje, he helped to milk the cows – including mucking out the milking house afterward — and to make Tolminc cheese and skuta. Learning traditional dairying methods in such a spectacular natural setting …
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Ambassador Hartley visited the Blueberry festival in Borovnica, also attended by President Pahor. The city’s blueberry cultivation was supported 50 years ago by U.S. aid in the form of blueberries from Oregon, Ambassador Hartley’s home state.
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Ambassador Hartley and other US Embassy staff visited international company Atotech, producer of specialty chemicals. Director Mariana Karla Rebernik explained the history of the company and showed how their products are made. Mayor of Radovljica, Ciril Globočnik joined the meeting and explained future projects of Radovljica municipality. Ambassador also visited a Slovenian company Euro Plus …
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Ambassador Hartley spent a pleasant evening attending a sold-out concert by Italian chamber orchestra Solisti Aquilani. The second part of the evening, American superstar John Malkovich joined the program,interpreting excerpts from Ernesto Sabato’s novel “On Heroes and Tombs.” John Malkovich is a versatile actor who performed in over 70 movies and is a two-time Academy Award nominee. Photos Courtesy of Sašo …
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Ambassador Hartley and other US Embassy staff met with the Mayor of Piran, Peter Bossman, to discuss issues facing coastal towns in Slovenia. Ambassador Hartley also enjoyed a nice walking tour of Piran, which is the tourism capital of Slovenia.
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Ambassador Hartley visited the Municipality of Žalec on Friday, where he toured the Eco-Museum of Hop-Growing and Brewing, visited the famous Žalec beer fountain, and had a tour of Rojnik hops farm. Thanks to Mayor Janko Kos and everyone in Žalec for their hospitality!
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Ambassador Hartley was pleased to attend the concert by legendary jazz musician Archie Shepp, who performed last Friday night as part of the 58th Ljubljana Jazz Festival. The concert was a tribute to the fabulous jazz performer John Coltrane, who Shepp worked with in 1965 on Coltrane’s legendary free-jazz album Ascension. Shepp performed in Ljubljana …
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On Thursday, the 29th of June, we hosted the annual 4th of July reception at Festivalna dvorana in Ljubljana. A very warm thank you to everyone who joined us for the celebration.
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Festivalna dvorana, Ljubljana, June 29, 2017 Ministers, ladies and gentlemen, good evening, and welcome to this celebration tonight of the 241st anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. The drafters of our Declaration of Independence wrote of self-evident truths: “that all men are created equal,” and that they are endowed “with certain unalienable …
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A delegation from Crater Lake National Park (Oregon, U.S.) visited Triglav National Park where TNP officials led them on a three-day familiarization tour. They learned about and discussed common issues that they share and the two parks will sign a Memorandum of Understanding following the tour, becoming “Sister Parks” and partnering on shared objectives such …
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Ambassador Hartley had a very enjoyable visit to Slovenian manufacturer Elan, best known for its ski, marine, and wind products. During the visit, the Ambassador had the great opportunity to examine Elan’s large range of skis, including its latest technical breakthrough – a foldable ski suitable for military and civilian uses.
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Ambassador Hartley visited the Municipality of Kamnik where he met the Mayor of Kamnik and talked with students and teachers at a local middle school (OŠ Marije Vere). After sightseeing in Kamnik’s old city, Ambassador Hartley laid a wreath at Češnjice war memorial.
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March 11, 2017 Madam Minister, Ambassador Kacin, Mr. Mayor, Generals, other distinguished guests, it is an honor and privilege to join you today in Žužemberk. Hvala vam za povabilo. Today we celebrate and remember the remarkable story of the B-17 “Je Reviens,” its crewmembers, and the partisans who saved those crewmembers’ lives by escorting them …
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Castle Fužine, June 30, 2016 Spoštovane dame in gospodje, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. Dober večer, in hvala, da ste danes z nami. Thank you very much for coming this evening. It has been my great honor to represent the United States in Slovenia and a particular honor this year as the Slovenian people celebrate …
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On Labor Day Ambassador Hartley used the combination of great weather, a day off and good company to conquer the highest mountain in Slovenia, Triglav. The path he and his fellow climbers took went from Krma to Malo Polje, over Kurica and Kranjsko sedlo. After a short stop at Planika, they continued to the top. …
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November 8, 2016 Good Evening and thank you to our colleagues at the American Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to welcome you to tonight’s event. It’s a pleasure in so many ways to work with AmCham Slovenia: to promote increased trade, investment, and business cooperation between the United States and Slovenia, to campaign for …
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