Teaching the Slovenian language in Naples strengthens the ties between Slovenia and Italy.Photo: Matjaž Klemenc/UPRS
The Slovenian word has been spreading in Naples for almost 110 years
President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar continues her visit to the Italian Republic. On the second day of her visit, she met with representatives of the local authorities and representatives of the University of Naples L’Orientale, where it is also possible to study the Slovenian language. She also visited Slovenian soldiers deployed on an international mission.
Naples, Italy, 20 May 2023
During the meeting with the local authorities of Naples, the good cooperation between the Italian city and Slovenia was highlighted. Next year will mark 110 years since the beginning of the teaching of Slovenian studies at the University L’Orientale, where the Slovenian language has been an undergraduate study programme again since September last year. “The teaching of the Slovenian language further strengthens the bonds of friendship between the two neighbouring countries and promotes the spreading of the Slovenian word and, consequently, our culture in this part of Italy,” said the President of the Republic, who thanked Maria Bidovec, Professor of Slovenian Language at the University L’Orientale, her colleagues and the representatives of the local authorities for their important contribution to the integration of our mother tongue into the Italian university teaching process.
The meeting with the President was attended, among others, by Maria Bidovec, Professor of Slovenian Language at the University L’Orientale, Roberto Tottoli, Rector of the University of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, Mayor of Naples, Carlo Palomba, Prefect of Naples, and Jacopo Fronzoni, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Slovenia.
President Pirc Musar also visited members of the Slovenian Armed Forces serving at the NATO Headquarters in Naples. “The work of Slovenian servicemen and women abroad is highly appreciated, and they are often among the most highly rated individuals,” said the Commander-in-Chief of the Slovenian Defence Forces, thanking them for their self-sacrificing work and for proudly carrying the Slovenian flag.
Yesterday, the President of the Republic met with the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP). Tomorrow, she will meet with Slovenians living in the Vatican, and on Monday, she will be received by Pope Francis for a private audience.
