In Villa Podrožnik today, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, hosted a reception for participants at the 5th World Conference of Slovenian Physicians from Abroad and at Home. In his address, the PM said it had given him great pleasure to accept sponsorship of the conference, and that the months of May and June were a time when we recall Slovenia's efforts to gain independence.

(Photo: Arsen Perić/Salomon 2000)

Mr Janša remembered the important role some of the participants at the conference had at the time of Slovenia's independence, when they actively supported the country's efforts to gain independence and eventual international recognition.

 

According to the PM, a homeland is not restricted to a geographical area or an institution, it does not have borders, a constitution or laws, but is a matter of belonging. One can identify with Slovenia regardless of where one lives. What is important is that one feels an association with the Slovenian homeland, even though one may live far from its geographical borders, far from the motherland.