South Africa opened its first Honorary Consulate in Ljubljana, Slovenia on 23 November 1999. Mr Januz Pergar, South Africa's first Honorary Consul received his letter of appointment from President Thabo Mbeki during a ceremony hosted by Ambassador Nozipho Mxakato-Diseko in the Slovenian capital Ljubljana on Tuesday 23 November.
With Mr Pergar's appointment, South Africa has now a physical presence in the country. He will be looking after South Africa's interests in Slovenia and strengthen relations in the fields of business and tourism promotion.
Mr Pergar studied economics at the University of Ljubljana before he joined Kompas, the largest travel agency in Slovenia, in 1963. He is currently the President of the Kompas Tourism Group, which has offices in various other European countries. Mr Pergar is also a member of the Executive Board of the World Association of Travel Agencies. He is married with three children.
South Africa and Slovenia have had diplomatic relations since 1992. Economic relations between the two countries have steadily increased. The most important products imported by South Africa from Slovenia are electro-mechanical appliances, electronic equipment, gas and machinery. South Africa exports mainly chemical wood pulp, iron and related products, fruit and nuts as well as wool and other related products.
Slovenia is among the first group of Eastern European countries which will be accepted for membership of the EU. It has already fulfilled the majority of criteria for membership and the country's GDP is already higher than that of some of the present EU members. The country also plays a leading role in the Balkan Stability Pact. With its main port of Koper situated close to the Italian ports of Trieste and Venice, Slovenia can be the gateway for South African goods to enter the EU and the eastern European markets at competitive rates.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs ON BEHALF OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN
EMBASSY IN VIENNA
Pretoria
24 NOVEMBER 1999