Sino-Slovenia relations 'excellent'

Beijing: Relations between China and Slovenia have been “excellent” since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992, Marjan Cencen, Slovenian Ambassador to China said in an exclusive interview with chinadaily.com.cn on Wednesday.

Ambassador Cencen argued that both countries have recognized and supported each other’s national interests. “China recognized Slovenia as an independent country at the early stage of our independence, and China understood and supported Slovenia’s efforts to join international organizations,” he said. “On the other hand, Slovenia always respects [the] one-China policy, and we have very friendly relations inside international organizations, especially UN.”

Both countries have “reasonably good” economic relations supported by strong science and technology cooperation, cultural and educational exchanges, Ambassador Cencen added.

The Ambassador pointed to the pre-Olympic heart-to-heart cultural and language exchange program as one good example. Beijing invited Slovenian children to come to China before the Olympic Games, and Chinese students were also invited to Slovenia. “It proved that young people are interested in our relations,” he said.

Ambassador Cencen also predicted that future areas of cooperation between Slovenia and China will include expanded work in science and technology, as well as education and environmental issues such as eco-farming and natural preservation.

“We should work in a positive way with a positive attitude, so that we can overcome obstacles,” Ambassador Cencen said. .

Ambassador Cencen was awarded the title of Ambassador of International Friendship by Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign countries in January 2009. He has been the Ambassador of Slovenia to China since 2005, and he will finish his term here at the end of July. He previously worked as Counselor and deputy Head of mission for the Embassy of Slovenia to China from 1995 to 2000. He is now married with two daughters.

Video: Christie Lee & Ren Cong

Script: Song Wei