At a ceremony marking the laying of the foundation stone of a new cultural and pastoral centre for the Serbian Orthodox Church in Ljubljana, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia and current European Council President, Janez Janša, emphasised the significance of the event as one of the ways in which Slovenia is promoting intercultural dialogue through specific projects.
(Foto: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)
The European Union declared the year 2008 the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, not only between European cultures but also between European and other world cultures. “Modern Europe advocates intercultural and interfaith dialogue because it is aware that the realm of spiritual existence is one of the integral elements of each and every human society,” said EU Council President Janez Janša, expressing satisfaction that this opinion was supported by all the religious communities of Slovenia, on the basis of a centuries-long tradition of cooperation and solidarity.
(Foto: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)
In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted the centuries of cooperation between the Slovenian and Serbian nations, including in the area of literature, linguistics and music. The shared history in different fields can, according to Prime Minister, represent an excellent basis for the development of relations between the two nations in future, too.
(Foto: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)
Among joint future objectives – alongside intercultural dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation – EU Council President Janez Janša also identified the ‘European perspective’ for the Western Balkan countries. “During its six-month EU Presidency, Slovenia has spared no effort in endeavouring to step up the pace of the integration of the Western Balkan countries into the European Union. In this period, association agreements paving the way for accession and, ultimately, a genuine future in Europe have been signed with both Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.” PM Janez Janša expressed Slovenia’s hope that all the Western Balkan countries would join the European Union enabling all to share in shaping the destiny of Europe. “The values we have developed over centuries can be safeguarded and further developed most effectively through voluntary membership of the family of European nations,” he concluded.
