FM meets reps of minority in Hungary

Szentgotthard – Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon met the representatives of the Slovenian minority in Hungary as she visited Szentgotthard on Tuesday. The community presented to her topical issues and challenges, while the minister praised their work for the preservation and development of the community, the Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

The meeting with Fajon was attended by Erika Köleš-Kiss, the representative of the Slovenian community in Hungarian parliament, Karel Holec, the president of the Slovenian Self-Governing Community, and Andrea Kovacs, the president of the Association of Slovenians in Hungary.

The attendees underlined the progress which has been made in the past years and highlighted challenges in education, use of the Slovenian language and efforts for good prospects for the young in the region.

Special attention was given to the efforts of both Slovenia and Hungary to support the region’s economic development, the ministry said.

“Even though this is not a very large community, I was pleasantly surprised with the many plans and initiatives that help to preserve and develop the Slovenian community in Porabje,” Fajon was quoted as saying, referring to the Raba region with its Slovenian name.

“The numerous projects, also funded by the EU and strengthening cross-border cooperation, are proof of the community’s drive and dynamics,” the minister said after the meeting.

She underlined Slovenia’s continuous dedication to support the community in all fields relevant in the preservation of the language, culture and national identity.

Fajon also visited the community’s newspaper Porabje and its radio station Radio Monošter. “I would like to thank everybody who strives to preserves the Slovenian language, handing it down to young generations,” said Fajon.

Tomorrow, the minister will take part in a ministerial meeting of Central 5 countries in Budapest at the invitation of her Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto.

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