President Pirc Musar receives Italy's highest state decoration from President Sergio Mattarella

This distinguished honour was awarded in recognition of President Pirc Musar's dedication to strengthening the friendship between the two countries and her promotion of EU values. Gratefully accepting this prestigious award, President Pirc Musar reaffirmed her commitment to fostering good neighbourly cooperation, advocating for human rights, and promoting the values of mutual respect among nations.

President Pirc Musar took the opportunity to thank the Italian President for accepting her invitation to attend the inauguration of the European Capital of Culture Nova Gorica-Gorizia. She highlighted the importance of the values of a culture of dialogue and cooperation that President Mattarella consistently championed throughout his long presidency. His presence further strengthens the common path of the two border cities towards building a better future, drawing on the rich diversity of experiences and communities.

President Pirc Musar also expressed her gratitude to President Mattarella for once again granting the honorary patronage to the two umbrella organisations of Slovenians in Italy – the Slovenian Cultural and Economic Association and the Council of Slovenian Organisations – on the occasion of Slovenian Culture Day, set to be celebrated in Gorizia on 16 February. This gesture reflects the care, respect and attention he pays to the Slovenian national community in Italy. President Pirc Musar also welcomed the recent decision by the Italian Ministry of Education to exempt Slovenian schools from the nationwide reform aimed at reducing the number of principal posts. During their meeting, the two presidents also touched upon some current international issues and the preparations for President Mattarella's two-day official visit to Slovenia scheduled for this autumn.