Ljubljana, 10 September – At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, is on a two-day official visit to Slovenia. The visit of the Italian President confirms the excellent neighbourly and partnership relations between the two countries, which are reflected in successful cooperation in many areas, from the economy, science, and culture to defence and security. Italy is also an important partner for Slovenia in the fields of trade, services, investment, and tourism.
National minorities hold a special place in the relations between the two countries. Slovenia values open and constructive dialogue on all issues concerning the Slovenian national community in Italy and the Italian community in Slovenia. President Pirc Musar thanked President Mattarella for his respectful and understanding approach toward the Slovenian national minority in Italy. His statesmanlike attitude strengthens trust and friendship between the countries and is especially valuable at a time when the world too often turns away from vulnerable groups. The Slovenian minority sees President Mattarella as a sincere friend and supportive interlocutor. On this occasion, President Pirc-Musar also thanked him for his efforts in returning artworks to their original locations, which is a positive contribution to the coexistence of the Slovenian and Italian communities. She also emphasized that Slovenia highly appreciates the contribution of the Italian national community to the richness and diversity of the country’s cultural landscape.
President Pirc Musar expressed her satisfaction that she and President Mattarella will attend the opening of the renovated premises of the Collegio dei Nobili building in Koper, which houses the Pier Paolo Vergerio il Vecchio Elementary School and the Gian Rinaldo Carli High School, in which the classes are held in Italian. Just as education is of key importance for the Italian community in Slovenia, it is equally crucial for Slovenians in Italy in preserving their language, culture, and identity. Therefore, Slovenia emphasizes the importance of strengthening the autonomy of Slovenian schools in Italy and ensuring appropriate funding for Slovenian organizations. She expressed satisfaction with the progress of the handover of the National Hall in Trieste to the Slovenian national community in accordance with the agreed timeline. She also highlighted the important minority and reconciliation dimensions of the European Capital of Culture 2025 Nova Gorica – Gorizia project, which goes beyond the regional framework and sends a strong message of peace, cooperation, and a joint confrontation with difficult chapters of the past.
During the two-day official visit, both Presidents will also exchange views on current international issues.
President Mattarella will also be received by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, and the President of the National Assembly, Urška Klakočar Zupančič.
