Far Eastern University (FEU) hosted a special lecture by Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon last March 12 at the FEU Auditorium.
The event marked the conclusion of her two-day visit, which was the first time a Slovenian foreign minister had traveled to the country. Diplomatic ties between Slovenia and the Philippines have spanned 31 years.
Foreign Minister Fajon was warmly welcomed by FEU officials, led by President Juan Miguel R. Montinola, and was immediately treated to a special performance by the FEU Bamboo Band at the FEU Administration Building lobby.
Pres. Montinola spoke about the university to the guests, who included Ambassador of Slovenia to the Philippines Smiljana Knez, Ambassador of Vietnam to the Philippines Lai Thai Binh, Ambassador Rosario Manalo, and Ambassador of the Philippines to Austria/Non-Resident Ambassador to Slovenia Evangeline Lourdes Bernas.
“All our buildings and art pieces are in full use and full view for students and community to enjoy. We are proud to be an active repository of Philippine art, culture and heritage,” said Montinola. The university has the largest ensemble of Art Deco buildings in the country, and six of these are National Cultural Treasures, according to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
An audience of nearly 500 attendees, including students from other schools, listened intently as Foreign Minister Fajon Fajon discussed Slovenia’s foreign policy strategy, women in diplomacy, and opportunities to strengthen relations with the Philippines, particularly in climate change, human rights, and multilateralism. She emphasized the need for greater diversity in diplomacy and expressed her pride in being one of only five female foreign ministers in the European Union.
Before her talk Foreign Minister Fajon Fajon commended the FEU Chorale for its heartfelt rendition of the Slovenian National Anthem, calling it a touching gesture of hospitality.