The Centre for European Perspective (CEP) and Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) have hosted a five-day German Diplomatic College alumni meeting in Slovenia. In the framework of the meeting foreign diplomats were acquainted with project activities of CEP, while the Slovenian MFA presented the current priorities of Slovenian foreign policy.

Young diplomats from Albania, Poland, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Croatia, Slovakia, Estonia, Georgia and representatives of German institutions, involved in the public-private partnership of the Diplomatic College, attended numerous official visits with representatives of Slovenian local authorities, businesses and other organizations. Furthermore, the visit was accompanied by a rich tourism programme.

During the visit, special attention was devoted to Slovenian foreign policy and, in this context, to international development cooperation. Guests were presented three official development aid operators in the Republic of Slovenia – International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance (ITF), Foundation "TOGETHER" and the Centre for European Perspective (CEP). They were also acquainted with preparations for the fifth annual international conference Bled Strategic Forum, which will take place under the title "Global Outlook for the next Decade". The presentation of the Slovenian MFA was held by Dr Milan Jazbec and Ms Anja Fabiani from the Policy planning and research division. Dr Jazbec briefly summarized the diplomatic path and its objectives of Slovenia after its independence and current priorities of the Slovenian foreign policy; Anja Fabiani presented the project Germany meets Slovenia - Slovenia meets Germany. The programme of official visits was concluded at EMUNI University in Portoroz.

Participants also visited two major Slovenian companies, the Port of Koper and BTC, where they learned about the history of these companies and their plans for the future. Special reception for participants was prepared by the German Embassy in Slovenia at the residence of Ambassador Mr Matthias von Kummer.

The tourist programme included a sightseeing tour of the cities of Ljubljana, Piran and Maribor. In Ljubljana, participants were greeted by the Mayor Mr Zoran Jankovic and Deputy Mayor Mr Ales Cerin, while in Maribor Deputy Mayor Mr Andrej Verlic hosted the group. In addition to visiting these sites, participants had the opportunity to see the "Slovenian history" exhibitions at Ljubljana Castle, which will open its doors to the public in June. They also visited the Postojna cave and had a guided tour of the Hotel Kempinski Palace Portoroz.

The Diplomatic College is a public-private partnership between the German Federal Foreign Office, the Robert Bosch Foundation and the German Council on Foreign Relations. The programme, which takes place once a year and includes accredited diplomats, is unique as it aims to gather young, promising professionals and provide them with in-depth look into the life in Germany. In the context of the programme, lectures, visits to institutions, and meetings with high ranking officials are organized. Furthermore, the purpose of the Diplomatic College is building a positive attitude towards Germany and wider networking. The first alumni meeting was held in 2008 in northern Germany and last year it was held in Azerbaijan on the invitation of former participants. The next meeting of the Diplomatic College will take place in 2011 in Tallinn.

Contact person: Gregor Skender, Project Manager