Remarks by Chinese Ambassador to Slovenia Kang Yan at Her Assumption of Office and 2026 Spring Festival Reception

H.E. Mr. Klemen Boštjančič, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance,
H.E. Ms. Meira Hot, Vice President of the National Assembly,
H.E. Dr. Danilo Türk, Former President,
Distinguished Ministers, Mayors, and Members of Parliament,
Dear Chinese Compatriots Overseas,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening!

A very warm welcome to all of you for attending this reception, which marks both my assumption of office and the celebration of the Chinese New Year. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Slovenia and in my own name, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to all friends who have long supported and promoted China-Slovenia friendship. I would also like to extend my special thanks to the overseas Chinese community, Chinese-funded institutions, and Chinese students and scholars in Slovenia for joining us!

Thank you all!

The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional festival of the Chinese nation. It is a cherished occasion for families to come together, bid farewell to the old year, and welcome the new. The festival also embodies values deeply rooted in Chinese civilization-namely, peace, harmony, and concord, which are also the common value of all humanity. In December 2023, the Spring Festival was officially recognized as a United Nations holiday. This is not only the recognition of the diversity of world civilizations, but also demonstrates the values of diversity and inclusiveness advocated by the United Nations.

Celebrated by one-fifth of the world's population, the Spring Festival is closely tied to a magical word-LOVE. Yes, it is exactly the word found in the very name of Slovenia, and it is precisely the spiritual core of the Spring Festival. Tonight, I would like to explore the meaning of LOVE and share a story of "double LOVE": the first representing my impression, and the second, my vision for the future.

It has been 6 weeks since I arrived in Ljubljana, and ever since, I have been deeply touched by the warmth and hospitality of Slovenian friends. I would like to interpret the first LOVE as Legacy, Openness, Variety, and Energy.

Legacy. China and Slovenia enjoy long-standing friendship. In the 18th century, Slovenian scientist Augustin Ferdinand Hallerstein, or Liu Songling by his Chinese name, traveled across the oceans to work and live in China for 36 years. Through his outstanding work, he connected two countries far apart. The astronomical observation instrument constructed under his supervision has become a symbol of mutual learning and mutual inspiration between Eastern and Western civilizations, and jointly advancing the development and progress of humanity. This is a precious legacy of China-Slovenia friendship. It shows that genuine friendship is rooted in mutual respect and appreciation, regardless of ideology and social system.

Openness. Although Slovenia is not large in size, it has an open and inclusive mind. During its tenure as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Slovenia actively upheld the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, safeguarded the authority of international law, spoke up loudly and made relentless efforts for the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question. Slovenia is an active advocate of multilateralism, holding that diplomacy and dialogue are the only ways out of conflicts. Such a candid and open attitude resonates with China's commitment as a responsible major country, and both our countries stand firmly on the right side of history.

Variety. Slovenia is an inclusive country with a diverse culture, with Prešeren's poetry touching the heart and Plečnik's architecture art amazing the world. Slovenia has a varied landscape, featuring the grandeur of the Alps, the magnificence of the Karst region and the charm of the Adriatic coast. Slovenian cuisine is memorable, such as Idrija žlikrofi, štruklji, and potica cakes. I am also happy to see that Chinese cuisine has also found its place here.

Energy. Energy comes from the youth. I have visited the Confucius Institute in Ljubljana and had in-depth exchanges with Chinese students here. They are driven by curiosity and dreams, learning from each other in knowledge and culture. Such youthful energy fills the friendship between the two countries with hope. Energy also comes from sports. Slovenia is a strong power in winter sports. Congratulations to your outstanding performance at the ongoing Winter Olympic Games in Italy.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,

2026 marks the first year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan and the year of parliament election in Slovenia. Assuming my post in such an important year, I am deeply aware of the glorious mission and great responsibility. I would interpret the second LOVE as Loyalty, Opportunity, Vitality and Engagement.

Loyalty. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 34 years ago, China and Slovenia have always developed bilateral relations in the spirit of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, which serves the fundamental interests of our two countries and peoples. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to Slovenia for its steadfast adherence to the one-China policy. China remains the only major country yet to achieve complete national reunification. As we celebrate the Spring Festival-a cherished time for family reunion-all Chinese people hold a heartfelt aspiration for the early realization of national reunification.

During my tenure, I am fully committed to faithfully fulfilling my responsibilities and will spare no effort to foster exchanges between China and Slovenia at all levels and across all fields, advancing practical cooperation to make our relationship ever more resilient and dynamic. The Chinese dragon carved on the Friendship Monument by the Ljubljanica River will continue to witness new progress in China-Slovenia friendship together with the flying dragon of Ljubljana.

Opportunity. In 2025, China's economic output surpassed 140 trillion yuan (approximately 17 trillion euros) for the first time, building on consecutive years of sustained growth, with GDP growing by 5% year-on-year. In a world marked by uncertainties, the steady and robust development of the Chinese economy provides much-needed stability and confidence, representing a significant opportunity for global economic progress. China remains committed to high-quality development and a high level of opening-up, further expanding domestic demand and accelerating scientific and technological innovation as well as green transition. Slovenia enjoys advantages in advanced manufacturing, bio-medicine, green technology, and other fields. There is tremendous potential for our two countries to further expand economic and trade cooperation, bilaterally, within the frameworks of China-CEEC cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative.

Vitality. When cultural exchanges integrate into daily life, taking shape in online sharing, offline exhibitions, performances, and tourism-friendship thrives. At present, bilateral cooperation in fields of culture, sports, youth, women and sister-cities partnerships is flourishing, yet there is still a lot to be done. I would like to introduce the unique and charming Slovenia to China, and I also warmly welcome more Slovenian friends to take advantage of the visa-free policy to visit China more often, to get to know the real and vibrant China-a country both warm and lively, full of human touch, while technologically advanced and fashionable, full of a sense of future.

Engagement. Amid geopolitical tensions, escalating regional conflicts, and unprecedented challenges to multilateralism, human society once again stands at a crossroads-between peace and war, prosperity and decline, unity and confrontation. President Xi Jinping of China puts forward the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), calling for adherence to the five principles of sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and action-oriented approach. This is in line with Slovenia's approach of handling international affairs with active, responsible, and principled actions. China is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Slovenia at the United Nations and other platforms to jointly promote a more equitable and rational global governance system. History will prove that mutual love, solidarity in cooperation, and a shared future are the only correct path for human society to move towards a bright future.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,

In just six days, it will be the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Horse. The Yili horse from China's Xinjiang and the Lipizzaner from Slovenia are both world-famous breeds. The Yili horse is known for its strength and endurance, while the Lipizzaner is celebrated for its elegance and grace. Though born at the two ends of the Eurasian continent, these two fine steeds together embody the spirit of speed, strength, and loyalty. As we embrace the Year of the Horse-a symbol of progress and perseverance-may this shared spirit inspire deeper friendship and even more fruitful cooperation between China and Slovenia.

Now, may I propose a toast,

May China and Slovenia enjoy prosperity and their people enjoy happiness and well-being!

May China-Slovenia friendship gallop forward like fine steeds and go steady and far!

May the cause of world peace and development proceed smoothly!

May all distinguished guests enjoy a happy Spring Festival, and all the best!