The PM Janez Janša meets the Slovenes living in the USA in St. Vitus Village, a senior citizens housing community, and thanks them for their support for Slovenia's independence and accession to NATO. (Photo: BOBO)
The first part of the visit focuses on Slovenes living in the USA. In Cleveland, home of the largest Slovenian community, the PM visited the Slovenian churches of St. Mary and St. Vitus in the late afternoon. In St. Vitus Village, Mr Janša presented a special award of the Office for Slovenes Abroad to the now retired Professor Edward Gobetz for his many years of active and devoted scientific and research work aimed at the cultural and national advancement of the Slovene community in the USA, and his contribution to the independence and international recognition of the Republic of Slovenia.
The PM took this opportunity to thank everyone for their support for Slovenia's independence process, and gaining recognition from the USA. Mr Janša stressed that it was the Slovenes living in the USA who should be credited for passing on the truth about Slovenia's independence efforts to American leaders. He also thanked them for their support for the democratisation process in Slovenia, and the country's accession to NATO. Professor Edward Gobetz, on the other hand, emphasised that he was particularly pleased to receive recognition from the hands of a former dissident, who had done so much for Slovenia's independence.
The PM Janez Janša presents Professor Edward Gobetz with a special award of the Office for Slovenes Abroad. (Photo: BOBO)
Later on during his visit to Cleveland, the Prime Minister will meet the Senator of Slovenian descent George Voinovich, and the city's Mayor, Frank G. Jackson.
Cleveland was the first stop of the Prime Minister's official visit to the USA, during which he will also meet President George Bush, Vice-President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dennis Hastert, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Richard Lugar, and Senator Tom Harkin.
The PM's meetings with US senior officials during this official visit, which coincides with the 15th anniversary of Slovenia's independence, will focus on cooperation between Slovenia and the USA within the framework of international efforts to support stabilisation and democratisation. The meetings will deal with the development and Euro-Atlantic perspective of the Western Balkans, which Slovenia has made a key element in her foreign policy, while the contribution of the USA, together with the role of the EU, will remain vital. They will also address other issues relevant to Trans-Atlantic dialogue, particularly those related to the priorities of Slovenia's EU presidency in the first half of 2008, when an EU-US Summit will also probably take place. In addition, the energy issue will also be discussed, as Slovenia is dependent on oil and gas imports and seeks to secure different energy sources at the lowest possible price, and because diversification of energy sources is in the interest of both countries. The PM's Tuesday visit to the US Chamber of Commerce will focus on strengthening economic relations between the two countries, where there are still many opportunities to be explored.
