The President of Slovenia and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, Borut Pahor, addressed members of the Slovenian Armed Forces deployed to international operations and missions via video conference.

On Independence and Unity Day, the President of Slovenia and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, Borut Pahor, addressed Slovenian troops deployed to international operations and missions via video conference.

President Pahor first extended his greetings to the troops and said that the achievements of the Slovenian Armed Forces filled him with pride, and he thanked the Slovenian soldiers in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lebanon and Kosovo for their commitment and their contribution to international peace and security. The video conference continued with commanders of the Slovenian Armed Forces' contingents reporting to the Commander-in-Chief on activities carried out in international operations. In particular, President Pahor was keen to know whether Slovenian troops were satisfied with the equipment provided for their missions. According to the commanders concerned, the equipment, as well as the training provided before deployment abroad, are state-of-the-art. The commanders of the Slovenian Armed Forces' contingents abroad then answered President's questions about the situation in the area of their operations and their contacts with the local population. They stressed that their efforts were well received, a fact acknowledged also by other countries' troops. Pahor touched also upon the recent local elections in Kosovo, which he considers a success. Peter Starc, commander of the 28th SAF contingent participating in the Kfor operation, commented that the elections "created positive vibes", and that the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina will undoubtedly have a positive effect. With troops participating in the Unifil mission in Lebanon, President Pahor discussed the impact of the civil war in neighbouring Syria. Major Uroš Trinko explained that the Syrian crisis is having a major impact on the situation in Lebanon and the whole region, and that Slovenian troops are mostly involved in operations to ensure the safety of refugees from Syria.

Before ending the video conference, Borut Pahor reiterated that it is a great honour for him to carry out his duties as Commander-in-Chief and gratifying when he is informed of commendations for Slovenian troops who "act with commitment and competence". The participation of members of the Slovenian Armed Forces in peace-keeping and other operations and missions represents a significant part of the activities of Slovenia's defence forces. "You are ambassadors of peace and of the image of our country, and I thank you for that," said the President, and he wished all Slovenian soldiers abroad good health, safety and every success in the future, asking them to pass on his good wishes for a festive and pleasant holiday season to their nearest and dearest in Slovenia.


Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA