Jaklitsch visits Slovenians in Dubrovnik and Podgorica
Dubrovnik/Podgorica, 29 November - Minister for Slovenians Abroad Helena Jaklitsch wrapped up her visit to Slovenian communities in Croatia's Dalmatia region and Montenegro on Saturday as she met the communities in Dubrovnik and Podgorica, her office announced on Sunday.
Ljubljana
Minister for Slovenians Abroad Helena Jaklitsch speaks to the STA in an interview.
Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA
File photo
The minister first met Slovenians who socialise in Dubrovnik under the Lipa association. They presented to her their activities, challenges they face and plans they have for the future.
The community used to host Slovenian artists, choirs and other organisations in the past, but now it mostly fosters ties it has with other Slovenian associations active in Croatia.
The minister encouraged them to invite younger generations to join them as well.
Jaklitsch then visited Podgorica in Montenegro where she met Igor Kralj, the head of the Vida Matjan Association of Slovenians, and some of the organisation's members. The meeting was also attended by Slovenia's Ambassador to Montenegro Gregor Presker.
The association unites Slovenians living in Podgorica as well as those from outside the city. It organises various events, takes part in summer Slovenian language courses and cooperates with organisations in Slovenia.
During the meeting, the participants agreed that learning the Slovenian language was of key importance. Younger generations especially want to be fluent in Slovenian as many decide to study in Slovenia later on.
The minister also met Slovenian Salesian priests in Podgorica, Janez Mirtek and Rudi Tisel, the Office for Slovenians Abroad said in a release.