"We are thankful to you, compatriots from South America, for your support in the international recognition of our country, Slovenia," Janša said in his speech.
"It is also due to your efforts that Chile and Argentina were the first Latin American countries to recognise the Republic of Slovenia."
Janša also expressed recognition for their work, ideas and example with which they help shape the Slovenian state, preserve the Slovenian language and culture and offer future to the new generations.
Janša planted a linden tree in Santiago's Nunoa commune to mark the occasion. "Let the linden tree, a symbol of Slovenia and its people, grow in peace and serve as a reminder of the living bond between the homeland and you that live across the world," Janša said.
Estimates put the number of Slovenians living in Chile at about 300. A Slovenian association named "Altos de Triglav" has been established in the Chilean capital in 2009.
Janša will hold a number of bilateral meetings at the sidelines of the EU-Latin America summit which begins today.
Representatives of some 60 countries and around 45 heads of states and governments are expected to attend, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff, Mexico's Enrique Pena Nieto and Cuba's Raul Castro.
Running under the banner "Alliance for Sustainable Development to Promote Investments of Social and Environmental Quality", the meeting will also be attended by European Council and European Commission presidents Herman Van Rompuy and Jose Manuel Barroso.
Taking place on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the event will also see PM Janša present an initiative for the prevention of genocide and other mass atrocities, according to the PM's office.
Source: SloveniaTimes
