Slovenia marks 35 years of statehood in Manila
Published Jul 13, 2026 05:30 am
Slovenia’s Ambassador, Dr. Smiljana Knez, welcomes guests and reflects on how her country has evolved since it gained independence in 1991. (Photos: Slovenian Embassy)
The Embassy of Slovenia commemorated the country’s 35th Statehood Day in Manila with a reception that reflected on Slovenia’s journey since independence while celebrating its expanding partnership with the Philippines.
Diplomats, government officials, business leaders, and friends of Slovenia gathered to celebrate the occasion.
In her welcome remarks, Slovenia’s Ambassador Dr. Smiljana Knez reflected on how her country has evolved since gaining independence in 1991—from one of Europe’s youngest states to one of the world’s most peaceful nations.
“Thirty-five years old, Slovenia is among the most peaceful countries in the world,” she said. “It is a country where safety, natural beauty, and quality of life go hand in hand.”
She looked back on Slovenia’s path from the Ten-Day War that followed its declaration of independence to its eventual membership in the European Union and NATO, and its current role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Throughout that journey, she said, Slovenia has remained committed to multilateralism, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human dignity.
Those same principles continue to shape Slovenia’s partnership with the Philippines.
Ambassador Smiljana Knez, DFA Undersecretary Maria-Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Brown, and Honorary Consul of Slovenia Felix Ang joined in a ceremonial cake cutting to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Slovenia’s independence.
Rather than focusing solely on traditional diplomacy, Dr. Knez highlighted practical cooperation that directly benefits local communities, including initiatives on water security, energy efficiency, women-led beekeeping livelihood programs, and gender equality in Mindanao.
“In a world faced with interlinked challenges, we search together for solutions,” she said. “Everything we do is based on local needs and local expertise.”
She also underscored the importance of strengthening exchanges among researchers, experts, and students, describing people-to-people connections as an essential foundation for deeper bilateral relations.
Representing the Philippine government, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega reaffirmed Manila’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Slovenia across a broad range of sectors.
“Cooperation between our two nations spans political and economic relations, as well as maritime affairs, science and technology, nuclear energy, ICT, tourism, education, sports, and labor,” she said. “We look forward to sustaining this positive momentum and expanding our collaboration in both bilateral and multilateral fora.”
She likewise welcomed Slovenia’s growing engagement with Southeast Asia, particularly as the Philippines chairs ASEAN this year, noting the opportunities for closer cooperation both within the region and on the global stage.
The evening concluded with a toast inspired by the Slovenian national anthem, celebrating peace, friendship, and shared aspirations for the future. Raising her glass, Dr. Knez proposed a toast to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Filipino people, and the enduring friendship between Slovenia and the Philippines.
Thirty-five years after gaining independence, Slovenia’s national day celebration served as more than a reflection on the country’s own story. It also highlighted how even relatively young nations can build lasting partnerships through shared values, practical cooperation, and a steadfast commitment to international engagement.