PM says Statehood Day is commitment to respecting democratic values

Golob noted that statehood is not just a status in international law. "In Slovenia's case, this is also a determined and courageous path that our community set out to follow decades ago - carving out our own destiny and future."

The prime minister added that statehood is not a final fact, a goal, but the "eternal effort for a better life, eternal struggle against forces that want to violate human rights, and constant work on keeping society open and inclusive."

Today's holiday should therefore be celebrated with pride and feeling of patriotism, as Slovenians have built a country based on equality, freedom, dignity, solidarity and justice for all citizens, he said.

"We must work together to build a better tomorrow for everyone and effectively participate in the social, economic and political organisation of the country."

Golob said that the principle of solidarity connects Slovenians both at home and abroad, where Slovenia represents the values of responsibility and solves challenging issues. The dialogue of peace and justice leads to cooperation, he added.

"Our main concern is the needs of all residents and the potential hardships of older people and care for the younger generations. Equality of citizens also means activating all social groups and listening to them," the prime minister said.

According to him, when the situation of an individual is undermined because of their identity, sexual orientation or gender, the whole community is regressing. "As long as we limit the freedom of others, we have learned little from history."

Golob noted that the constitution guarantees equal human rights and freedoms to everybody, regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, language, religion, political or other belief, financial status, birth, education, social position, disability or any other personal circumstance.

"During the holiday, these values need to be particularly noted again, because hatred and intolerance have no place in our society," the prime minister concluded.

Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon said on Statehood Day that Slovenia is on the right track as an open and tolerant society. "We are a respected partner in international organisations; a factor of peace, stability and development in the region."

She noted that 32 years ago, when Slovenia gained independence, "we were united, we were proud. We have come a long way. We faced many trials. We've always picked ourselves up, joined our forces and moved on," the foreign minister added.

Today, Slovenia is a core member of the European community, which respects human rights, democracy, the rule of law, media freedom and equality, Fajon concluded.

President Nataša Pirc Musar, who was the keynote speaker at Saturday's national ceremony for Statehood Day in Congress Square in Ljubljana, held an open day in the Presidential Palace today.

"My job is to be among you and communicate what is happening in society to the executive branch of power," the president told the visitors. She also laid a wreath today at the memorial to those killed in the war for Slovenia in 1991 in Žale Cemetery.