Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Jamie L. Harpootlian Independence Day Celebration 2023 Grand Plaza Hotel, June 28, 2023 Your Excellencies, Members of Government, friends, and distinguished guests – welcome and thank you for joining in the celebration of the 247th year of our Declaration of Independence. I’d like to begin my remarks by thanking our Marine …
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The annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – the Human Rights Reports – cover internationally recognized individual, civil, political, and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements. The U.S. Department of State submits reports on all countries receiving assistance and all United Nations member states …
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FEBRUARY 23, 2023 The following is the text of a joint statement by the Governments of Slovenia and the United States of America after the third U.S.-Slovenia Strategic Dialogue held in Washington D.C. Begin text: The Governments of Slovenia and the United States held the third U.S.-Slovenia Strategic Dialogue February 22 in Washington. The annual …
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Preventing and responding to all forms of gender-based violence is a cornerstone of the U.S. government’s commitment to promoting democracy, advancing human rights, and furthering gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, in all their diversity. The U.S. Embassy Ljubljana organized a virtual event with an American award-winning recording artist and humanitarian, Maya …
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Ambassador Jamie L. Harpootlian recently hosted a vibrant group of Slovenians and Americans that shared their love for art and nature during the @artsinembassies exhibition from her home state of South Carolina. As she wrote on her Twitter account, “Art and nature belong to the universal human spirit. They each, and especially in combination, have the power to guide …
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Ambassador Harpootlian recently welcomed U.S. citizens to her residence for the first in-person Town Hall since COVID. Many thanks to the Americans who attended and learned about consular services, overseas voting, and social security. We enjoyed getting to know you and wish you all the best in your endeavors in Slovenia! You can always contact …
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In July 2022, the Department of State published the 2022 Investment Climate Statements, which are publicly available and describe the investment climates of more than 160 countries and economies. The Investment Climate Statements help U.S. companies make informed business decisions. They also serve as a reference for foreign governments seeking to mobilize high-quality, sustainable investments as …
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN June 25, 2022 On behalf of the United States of America, I wish the people of Slovenia a happy Statehood Day. As we honor the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Slovenia, we …
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Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Jamie L. Harpootlian Independence Day Celebration 2022 Fužine Castle, June 16, 2022 Good evening everyone. Thank you for joining us tonight in our celebration of freedom and friendship. The Fourth of July – the United States’ Independence Day – hot dogs, beer, watermelon, barbeque, picnics, parades, family reunions and …
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OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM MAY 12, 2021 The annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom – the International Religious Freedom Report – describes the status of religious freedom in every country. The report covers government policies violating religious belief and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies to promote religious …
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Remarks of U.S. Ambassador Jamie L. Harpootlian at the ceremony marking the 77th anniversary of the ski race organized by U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division at Mt. Mangart June 3, 2022 Mayor Mlekuž, Mr. Anthony, Mr. Kavar, Members of the National Assembly. In 1941, in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the United States Army recruited …
Read More» United States Embassy Ljubljana Public Affairs Office Ljubljana, June 1, 2022 The United States congratulates Prime Minister Robert Golob and the new Slovenian government on their confirmation by Parliament. As enduring Allies, we look forward to continuing to advance global security and prosperity through our combined efforts in NATO and international organizations. We applaud Slovenia’s …
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Op-Ed Vecer All Eyes on Ukraine- Our Promise on Russian Accountability Op-ed from U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia Jamie L. Harpootlian for daily Večer May 31, 2022 Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and unjust war on Ukraine has unleashed horrific violence and caused immense death and destruction. The world has witnessed the horrors of this war in the images from Ukrainian towns like Bucha, Irpin, and …
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TechCamp Slovenia was a regional event for participants from Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania, and it took place from May 18-20, 2022, at Bled. This event helped equip the participants with the skills needed to inform the public and key policy-makers of the need for, and resources available to enhance cyber-security, …
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The annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – the Human Rights Reports – cover internationally recognized individual, civil, political, and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements. The U.S. Department of State submits reports on all countries receiving assistance and all United Nations member states …
Read More» APRIL 21, 2022 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša. Secretary Blinken thanked Slovenia for its outspoken support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and emphasized the need for robust security assistance in response to Russia’s brutal war. Secretary Blinken …
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30 years of milestones in the U.S.-Slovenian friendship
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Remarks of Ambassador Jamie L. Harpootlian for the Slovenian-American Friendship Day Andraž nad Polzelo, April 6, 2022 President Pahor, Minister Tonin, Mayor Kužnik, Friends, Today we gather, Slovenians and Americans, to honor the brave crew of the American B-17 bomber called “Dark Eyes” and to honor the compassionate people of Andraž nad Polzelo for …
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Be part of the Slovenian Delegation to the 2022 SelectUSA Summit from June 26-29, 2022 to Washington D.C. Are you a Slovenian company with growth plans in the U.S.? As the world’s premier event for international companies seeking to establish or expand operations in the U.S., the SelectUSA Investment Summit offers unique access to resources and contacts …
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PRESS RELEASE: UNITED STATES AND SLOVENIA SIGN NEW MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON FULBRIGHT PROGRAM Ljubljana, March 24, 2022 The United States and Slovenia have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding on the Fulbright Program which provides legal authority for this U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program in Slovenia. The National Assembly of the Republic of …
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MARCH 14, 2022 The following is the text of a joint statement by the Governments of Slovenia and the United States of America. Begin text: The Governments of Slovenia and the United States held the second session of the Slovenia-U.S. Strategic Dialogue in Ljubljana on March 14, 2022. The dialogue was led by Political Director …
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Black carbon is one of the main contributors to climate change. U.S. scientist Tony Hansen paved the way to measure black carbon and eventually opened a world-renowned company Aerosol in Ljubljana. In December 2021, U.S. State Department recognised Aerosol‘s research in measuring and combatting black carbon with the Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE).
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Our U.S. Embassy GeoBioBlitz on Changing Mountain Ecosystems, Sept. 17-18, 2021, showed elementary students from three Slovenian elementary schools and four students from VSVO, what lives in mountain ecosystems and how sensitive they are to changes, whether positive ones like increasing the Slovenian lynx population or even negative ones like the effects of climate change …
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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN June 25, 2021 Slovenia Statehood Day On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend congratulations to all Slovenian people on this historic anniversary of your Statehood Day. Since gaining independence three decades ago, Slovenia has emerged as a vibrant democracy and regional leader in …
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Both the U.S. and Slovenia recognize that the future of our environment relies on getting young people engaged in nature conservation, and national parks play an important role in that. Crater Lake National Park and Triglav National Park signed an agreement on cooperation and exchange of good practices in 2017. As Triglav National Park celebrates …
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We have seen the amount of bilateral and multilateral training U.S. Forces conduct with their SAF counterparts – both here in Slovenia and abroad – increase substantially in recent years. DEFENDER 21 and linked exercises are truly a reflection of this expanded level of engagement, with Slovenia playing an integral part in training across domains …
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OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM MAY 12, 2021 The annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom – the International Religious Freedom Report – describes the status of religious freedom in every country. The report covers government policies violating religious belief and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies to promote religious …
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Slovenians and Americans have long shared a passion for exploring new worlds. Through our mutual dedication to science and technology, and the contributions of countless scientists, astronauts, philosophers and many others, we will continue to reach the stars together.
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Press Release 04 December 2020 Since initial donations of personal protective equipment and devices intended to help control the first wave of the coronavirus epidemic, staff at the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana have continued to work closely with their Slovenian counterparts to identify critical needs and find resources available to meet them. So today, as …
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Press Release December 3, 2020 Today, U.S. Ambassador Lynda Blanchard and Minister of Education, Science and Sport for the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Simona Kustec, invited a new generation of students to join a thriving international community of citizen scientists through the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program. Conducting the ceremony virtually …
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November 2, 2020 On Tuesday, Americans will cast their votes not only for the President of the United States, but also for representatives in the U.S. Congress, as well as state government officials. People across America will closely follow local elections too – for their school board, sheriff, or mayor as such elections can have …
Read More» U.S. Ambassador Lynda Blanchard met with Defense Minister Matej Tonin to discuss progress made on Slovenia’s state-of-the-art Cyber Range, made possible by almost 12.7 million Euro in assistance provided by the U.S European Command through the Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation. The regional Cyber Range is a virtual environment that will be used by the …
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The moon was never as close to Slovenians as it is now. And the best part? You don’t need to put on a space suit! You just need to take a short car ride to Center Noordung in Vitanje, where you can admire the 3.75 billion year-old lunar sample from the Apollo 17 mission that …
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AMBASSADOR BLANCHARD’S REMARKS Noordung Center, Vitanje September 2, 2020 Dober dan, vsem Minister Počivalšek, Mayor Vetrih, Director Kobold, I thank you all for hosting us today, and for the support you’ve shown, the work you’ve done, and the excitement we’ve shared in making this day possible. I also understand that members of the team that …
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Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Press Avail with PM Janša of Slovenia August 13, 2020 Thank you, Prime Minister Janša. I want to thank Foreign Minister Logar, President Pahor, and other Slovenian leaders for making this trip possible and for so graciously hosting me and my team. I appreciate the work everyone put in to …
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Ambassador Blanchard was honored to become the honorary godmother to a gorgeous Lipizzaner foal named 909 Slavina XXXV, born this April in Lipica Stud Farm. Becoming a godmother is a special ceremony that is part of the Lipizzaner tradition. This ceremony constituted an important symbolic gesture highlighting the many shared values and cultural ties between the …
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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY MICHAEL R. POMPEO June 24, 2020 On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate all Slovenians on your Statehood Day. Slovenia and the United States share a fundamental commitment to democracy, a market economy, and human rights. I am pleased to see our bilateral relationship growing stronger …
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Assistant Secretary of European and Eurasian Affairs Philip Reeker sends Slovenia a message of congratulations, as this beautiful country celebrates the Statehood Day.
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U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia Lynda C. Blanchard presented a donation of equipment to aid in the ongoing fight against COVID-19 and prevention of future outbreaks to Minister of Health State Secretary Tina Bregant, Ministry of Defense State Secretary Damijan Jaklin, and Deputy Director of ACPDR Mr. Stanislav Lotrič at University Medical Center Ljubljana today. …
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OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM JUNE 10, 2020 The annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom – the International Religious Freedom Report – describes the status of religious freedom in every country. The report covers government policies violating religious belief and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies to promote religious …
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June 3, 2020 Last month, we gathered to mark the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War Two – the commemoration of the day when peace and hope finally returned to Europe, but also a time to reflect on the immense human toll the war had taken. Today we are here on Mount Mangart …
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U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia Lynda C. Blanchard joined Ministry of Defense State Secretary Uroš Lampret, Ministry of Labor, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities State Secretary Mag. Cveto Uršič, Director of the Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief (ACPDR) Darko But, and President of the Board of Directors of the Community of Social Institutions of Slovenia …
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8 May 20202 – Thank you to President Pahor for bringing us together to mark this important milestone in world history, and to my fellow ambassadors for being here to celebrate the solidarity that led us to victory in Europe. As we pay tribute to the brave forces who fought for our freedom, and remember …
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AmCham CEO Ajša Vodnik and Embassy leadership signed a charter to establish Slovenia’s first Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). OSAC is the U.S. government’s premier public-private global security partnership and establishing an OSAC Council in Slovenia will allow the Embassy to share timely and relevant security information and expert briefings on a range of security-related topics to the local private sector. Establishing OSAC, and its continued support, will help create an even stronger …
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U.S. Ambassador Lynda Blanchard welcomed the delivery of 5 new military field ambulances with Slovenian Defense Minister Matej Tonin at the Port of Koper this morning. The United States government donated four of the specially-outfitted High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV or “Humvee”), and the Ministry of Defense purchased an additional fifth vehicle. In addition …
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Today, our Ambassador and Slovenian President Borut Pahor marked Slovenian-American Friendship Day. The event is usually celebrated in Andraž nad Polzelo, but this year, the event was held appropriately to the current circumstances. In her speech, the Ambassador highlighted the importance of a strong relationship between our two countries, and thanked the people of Slovenia …
Read More» STATEMENT BY THE U.S. EMBASSY UPON CONFIRMATION OF THE NEW SLOVENIAN GOVERNMENT March 13, 2020 The United States congratulates Prime Minister Janez Janša and the new Slovenian government on their confirmation by Parliament. We look forward to working together, as close friends and NATO Allies, to address current and emerging global challenges as Slovenia prepares …
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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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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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“When the Apollo 11 astronauts left the surface of the moon in July of 1969, they left a piece of the lunar lander on the moon. Attached to that lander was a plaque that read, in part, ‘We came in peace, for all mankind.’ Today, as we celebrate the 243rd birthday of the United States …
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The Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report is the U.S. Government’s principal diplomatic tool to engage foreign governments on human trafficking. It is also the world’s most comprehensive resource of governmental anti-trafficking efforts and reflects the U.S. Government’s commitment to global leadership on this key human rights and law enforcement issue. For earlier versions of the …
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U.S. delegation to the Three Seas Initiative covered lots of ground today in Ljubljana – literally and figuratively. “We want to be your partner. For the U.S., this is an important country from the standpoint of building a deeper, stronger relationship than we already have.” – Secretary Rick Perry Photographs courtesy of Luka Dakskobler
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Every year a number of Slovenians head to the USA through the Fulbright program to conduct academic and research work at US universities and other institutions. Check out this video of some recently returned Slovenian Fulbright researchers and academics and see what they have to say about their time in the US. Would you like …
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Mayor Aleksander Saša Arsenovič hosted Economic & Commercial Officer Don Baker, 14 chiefs of mission, and Foreign Minister Miro Cerar on May 24 to discuss the mayor’s economic revitalization program for downtown Maribor and opportunities for cooperation between embassies and the municipality. Afterward, the mayor treated his guests to a walking tour of downtown Maribor, …
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“We do not want to meet at a disaster, we want to know each other before we get there”. Mr. Michael Willis from the Colorado Office of Emergency Management led a session at a recent crisis response workshop with this important warning. That’s why the United States was proud to collaborate with Slovenian government agencies …
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Heartfelt commemoration of Slovenian-American Friendship and Alliance Day thanks to President Pahor, U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, SAF, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and the entire community in Andraž nad Polzelo.
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Chargé d’Affaires Gautam Rana visited Maribor October 11 to discuss economic and commercial affairs with local business leaders under the auspices of the American Chamber of Commerce’s Business Leaders Club. Rana also met with Director Maja Tomanič Vidovič to learn more about the Slovenian Enterprise Fund’s programs to support Slovenian small- and medium-sized businesses and …
Read More» Mission Slovenia’s 2018-22 Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) represents the Chief of Mission’s goals and objectives and articulates U.S. priorities in Slovenia. The Department of State and other U.S. government agencies at Embassy Ljubljana crafted the ICS through a coordinated and collaborative strategic planning effort, based on the President’s National Security Strategy as well as the Department of State’s …
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What could be more American than a traditional Western cookout? A party with grills, American BBQ, cowboy boots, country music, line dance, pony rides, and a mechanical bull! All this and more was presented to Slovenians as part of the Wild West Fest that took place at Lake Zbilje in mid-August. The U.S. Embassy in …
Read More» STATEMENT BY THE U.S. EMBASSY September 13, 2018 The United States congratulates Prime Minister Marjan Šarec and the new Slovenian government on their confirmation by Parliament. We welcome the new government’s commitment to U.S.-Slovenia relations, and trust that our cooperation will continue to expand in the coming years. As friends and NATO Allies, the United States and …
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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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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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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 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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Spend your summer in Slovenia, the green heart of Europe and its capital Ljubljana! Check out this great opportunity for 10 American college students to spend a summer in Slovenia learning about entrepreneurship and interning at an AmCham company! See more: http://www.amcham.si/en/european-experience.html
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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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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 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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The United States, like other nations, sets aside a number of days each year to commemorate events, people or public occasions. These holidays typically are marked by a general suspension of work and business activity, and by public and/or religious ceremonies. [See: Holidays observed by the U.S. Embassy in Slovenia ] Technically, the United States does not celebrate national holidays, but Congress has …
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Watch our video of the GeoBioBlitz in Triglav National Park, June 16-17, to see Americans and Slovenians coming together document biodiversity and learn about geology-geomorphology in the Vrata Valley at the north face of Triglav! Two great days with experts from Triglav National Park, Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation, US Park …
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This video shows some of the highlights from 25 years of official relations between the U.S. and Slovenia.
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During World War II, 142 American Aircraft crashed in Slovenia. Our Embassy was very happy to support the development of an information portal collecting data on all American planes that were downed over Slovenian territory during the WWII prepared by the Park of military history Pivka, as part of the exhibition “To Hell and Back”. …
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Representatives of the U.S. Military Captain Tyler McAnnaly, Master Sergeant Kim Paradise and the embassy Marine Security Guard Sergeant Brandon Field visited the Mayor and Municipality of Cerkvenjak, discussing America and their experiences in Slovenia with local students from OŠ Cerkvenjak, also looking at the new kindergarden. They also attended a commemoration ceremony at a …
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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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Mister President, Madame Minister, Mister Mayor, Generals, dear friends: it is a great honor to be invited to join you here in Andraž to remember the service and sacrifice of ten brave Americans, and to celebrate the enduring bond of friendship between the United States and Slovenia that is their legacy. They were the crew of “Dark Eyes,” an American B-17 …
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