As the honorary patron, Prime Minister Janez Janša today attended the memorial service of the 90th anniversary of the Russian Chapel under Vršič. In his speech, he pointed out that the memory of Russian soldiers who were buried under an avalanche ninety years ago is still alive and that the Russian Chapel has become an important symbol of friendship between the Russian and Slovenian nation. 

 

FOTO: Primož Lavre/Salomon 2000
 
According to the Prime Minister, the Russian Chapel underpins excellent relations that have developed during the history between the two countries. Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Republic of Slovenia and the Russian Federation have successfully maintained and deepened a continuous and open dialogue on all issues of bilateral cooperation as well as on major international affairs, as proven by the recent visit of the Slovenian Prime Minister to Moscow. The citizens of Slovenia and Russia have always felt a genuine affection to each other as they are bound together by the Slavic spirit and a reach legacy of the Cyril and Methodius Brothers, the patrons of Europe, and this fact contributes to the development of excellent relations between the countries despite their geographical distance.
 
"Based on the positive experience of mutual cooperation, achieved economic results, dynamic political dialogue and cultural and spiritual vicinity, Slovenian and Russian nations will face the challenges of international environment easier also in the future, should we continue to strengthen our mutual dialogue. For peaceful development and prosperity, common actions and solidarity are essential. Therefore, partnership relations between Slovenia and Russia are valuable in a wider European and international context," the Prime Minister emphasized.
 
"The Russian Chapel, at which we are standing today, is a stark reminder of the absurdity of war. As such, the Chapel represents an important symbol of bringing European nations together in a wish that the atrocities of the two world wars would never again be repeated. Today, the cooperation of the Russian Federation and the European Union is part of the same peace project bringing peace and welfare across the entire continent. This project was designed not only for our generation, but also as a legacy to our future generations," concluded his speech Prime Minister Janez Janša.
 
Prior to the ceremony, the Prime Minister had attended the celebration dedicated to renaming a section of Kranjska Gora - Vršič Road section into Russian Road. As a mark of respect to tragic death of Russian soldiers, the Slovenian Government decided to honour this historic anniversary by renaming a part of the road section leading to the Vršič Mountain Pass. The cross standing by the road in the vicinity of the Chapel will remind us of tragic death of Russian soldiers.