Minister attends independence ceremony in Cleveland

Before addressing the event, the minister meet business executives, local politicians, a bishop of Slovenian descent, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, and visited the Slovenian charity American Mutual Life Association - AMLA.

The meeting with the business executives focussed on the possibilities and challenges in business cooperation between Slovenia and the US, with the officials agreeing there are many opportunities and that cooperation would benefit both the Slovenian community and Slovenia.

Jaklitsch also meet representatives of a Slovenian radio show and the Slovenian American Times newspaper.

At the ceremony at Cleveland City Hall, hosted by Cleveland Consul General Alenka Jerak, several awards were conferred, including on Jackson for his supporting of the Slovenian community, and on AMLA and NGO Global Cleveland.

The minister, accompanied by Slovenian Ambassador to the US Tone Kajzer, the mayor, and Joe Cimperman from Global Cleveland, also opened an exhibition by the Technical Museum of Slovenia dubbed Us and Them without Frontiers, presenting several important American Slovenians who contributed to strengthening Slovenian-US relations.

A presentation of Slovenian cuisine was also held as Slovenia holds the title of the European Region of Gastronomy this year.

Jaklitsch will continue her visit to the US in New York, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and the Chicago area.