eNEWSLETTER EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF IN TEL AVIV September 2015

HAPPENING NOW

Slovene Prime Minister Cerar: EU has caught the last train to resolve the refugee crisis

Slovenia tackled the arrival of increased numbers of refugees and migrants well. Over 3,000 persons had arrived in the country by September 22. All were treated with dignity and received basic humanitarian assistance. At the moment, there are neither migrants nor refugees in Slovenia, as everyone but 23 asylum seekers proceeded to Austria and Germany after getting some rest.

Even with a good migration policy, no country can withstand such migratory pressure for very long, which is why Slovenia has been urging for a long time that a common European policy be found. According to PM Cerar, the recent extraordinary EU summit is the last train to resolve the crisis.

On the sidelines of the summit, PM Cerar received many commendations for Slovenia’s response when faced with the mass arrival of refugees and migrants. In the main discussion, he explicitly said that when resolving the issue, the EU must devote a lot of attention to the countries of origin and transit countries, and particularly mentioned the countries of the Western Balkans, as relations in the region are still very sensitive. He stressed that while the envisaged measures are short- to medium term, they signify the first major shift in resolving the issue. Although Slovenia is mainly considered a transit country, it will continue to act responsibly and strive for a comprehensive approach to resolving the issue at EU level in accordance with the principles of solidarity and humanitarianism.

PM Cerar and Austrian Chancellor Fayman at thir meeting on refugee crisis, Ljubljana, September, 2015. (Photo: Government of Slovenia, Tamino Petelinšek, Daniel Novakovič / STA)

Given the situation in Slovenia's neighbors Hungary and , an even greater number of refugees and migrants can be expected to arrive in the next days. The Slovenian authorities have long stressed that the wave of migration can be tackled only through good cooperation between neighbors. Source: www.vlada.si BUSINESS

The Port of Koper - An Ideal Entrepôt for Central and Eastern Europe

Luka Koper d.d. is a public limited company which operates the Port of Koper, Slovenia’s sole seaport and a maritime gateway to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Port activities and terminal operations are supplemented and enriched by a variety of ancillary services provided by Luka Koper’s subsidiary enterprises, and further enhanced by the company’s provision of logistics and related value-added business services to its clientele.

The Port of Koper lies at the northernmost reach of the Adriatic, where the Mediterranean penetrates the very heart of the European continent. Consequently, it is a maritime gateway to the shortest and most direct link between Europe and all destinations east of Suez. Using the Port of Koper, instead of Europe’s largest ports on the North-eastern side of the continent, represents a saving of some 2,000 Nm in outward and return voyages in relations with the Middle and Far East. Koper's European hinterland encompasses some rapidly developing economies, and embraces a vast area of great commercial potential. All the continent's most significant mercantile centres are less than 24 hours away, while the port itself enjoys a direct link with Pan-European Transport Corridors. For these reasons, the Port of Koper today not only serves the markets of Slovenia and neighboring , but also services an ever-growing percentage of the overseas trade flows of Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, , Bavaria, and the countries of the Balkans.

An outstanding geo-strategic position is not the Port of Koper’s only advantage: well- organised and well-equipped, Koper is a modern multipurpose port which operates day and night, all year long. It is also an EU port of entry, with full Border Inspection Post facilities.

Port operations at Koper are conducted in the context of 12 specialized terminal operations, handling and warehousing various types of goods, such as container freight, fruit and perishable goods, livestock, cars, timber, as well as dry-bulk, liquid and general cargos. Moreover, in order to fully meet its customers’ needs and requirements, Luka Koper also performs a variety of additional services that increase the value of the goods it handles.

In 2014 Port of Koper handled almost 19 million tons of cargo. With 674,033 handled TEUs was the first container terminal in the Adriatic and the second largest car terminal in the Mediterranean (518,000 units handled in 2014).

Koper is especially well connected with the Far East and South-East Asia, with weekly container services with very competitive transit times.

Luka Koper's basic vision is to become a leading port and logistics system provider for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Key development directions over the coming years shall encompass the full exploitation of existing infrastructure as well as the development of new capacities, particularly as regards the container freight and car businesses. Among the most significant development projects shall be the extension of Piers I and II. An upgraded and enhanced service structure shall be created through active marketing and the necessary provision of fully integrated logistics services, together with a variety of supplementary services intended to increase the value of shipped cargos as well as ensure merchandise is market ready. In short, investments shall increase the efficiency and competitiveness of port operations, and at the same time ensure client satisfaction, reduce energy consumption and maintain ecological standards.

Koper port. photo: www.sloveniatimes.com

More info on www.luka-kp.si

"The Port of Koper Day in Tel Aviv" October 21, 2015

The Port of Koper that represents a natural oversea bridge between and Europe will be reintroduced in Tel Aviv. At the event the opportunities the Port of Koper can offer to Israeli shippers, forwarders and logistic operators will be presented. The event will be attended by Luka Koper senior management and representatives of Slovenian logistic providers operating in the Port of Koper. If you wish to take part at this business event, please contact the Embassy at 03-6293572.

WATEC 2015

Slovenian business delegation headed by Minister of Environment, Ms. Irena Majcen, will participate at Water Technology & Environment Control Exhibition & Conference October 13-15, 2015. Bilateral meetings will be organized to promote cooperation in the field of environment, spatial planning, irrigation and water energy.

TOURISM

Israeli tourists in Slovene Spas broke records with 49% increase

Tourist data for the first eight months of 2015 released by Slovene Natural Spas association indicate solid growth in domestic and foreign overnight stays.

Slovenian Spas are reporting that domestic guests at the 8.3-percent growth in arrivals generated 4.3 percent more overnight stays.

Some of the main foreign markets are showing positive developments as well, both in the number of arrivals and overnight stays. Italian guests at the five-percent growth in the first eight months create four percent more overnight stays. Besides Italy, Austrian and Croatian tourists represent the largest share of international spa guests.

A record jump was done by guests from Israel, where they recorded a 49 percent growth in arrivals and 42 percent overnight - their share in the total number of otherwise very little and reach 3, 3 percent.

Bled hosts a tourist summit of countries of Central and Eastern Europe with China

Slovenia’s strategic goal is to build a bridge to improve the exchange of tourism flows between Europe and Asia. Photo: MGRT

The second tourism summit of 16 Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) and the Chinese national tourism administration took place at Bled within Bled Strategic Forum 2015. The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation in tourism among the countries of CEEC and China, providing a valuable instrument and organizational model for overcoming numerous restrictions and to improve results in the tourism sector in the Chinese market. Cooperation among CEE countries seeks to effectively present Central and Eastern Europe in the Chinese market as a comprehensive destination which is of great potential for tourism in Slovenia and Europe.

According to the Minister of Economic Development and Technology, Zdravko Počivalšek, for Slovenia as the host the event itself is of great significance, a challenge and opportunity for the Slovenian tourism sector and diplomacy, which also strengthens Slovenia's position in the region.

The Minister stressed that the meeting would improve Slovenia’s reputation and boost bilateral contacts with other countries, both at the level of ministers, national tourism organization and associations of agents. He also said that Slovenia is expecting larger- scale tourist promotion with lower funding and to become involved in tours for Chinese tourists around Central and Eastern Europe, which will increase the number of Chinese visitors. This is also an opportunity for new investors. Slovenia’s strategic goal is to build a bridge to improve the exchange of tourism flows between Europe and Asia.

According to the minister, cooperation within the 16 countries and with China will enable a more rational method of promoting Slovenian tourism in China. "On the one hand, there is the huge country of China, and on the other, there are 16 fairly small countries. When they decide to travel abroad, we should make products interesting to them, and none of the 16 countries can to that on its own," said minister Počivalšek. That connection is of vital importance to tourism was also the main finding of all 200 participants.

In addition to being promoted, Slovenia wants to become a part of Chinese round trips. So far, two lines have been opened: to Warsaw and Budapest, while a third one, to Prague is opening in September. According to the minister, the plan is to cooperate with both airports in the area with regard to organizing the visits. Slovenia is also striving to become a “bigger bridge” for economic, and within it, tourism cooperation between Asia and Europe, said Počivalšek.

ONE DESTINATION AT A TIME

The City of Koper

Situated at a latitude of 45o 32,5' North and at longitude 13 o 45,5' East, with a characteristic Mediterranean climate partly influenced by the continental interior. This is Koper with its mild winters and warm and dry summers. Is there anything more pleasant than standing on the seaside, embraced by a soft north-west breeze, admiring the scarlet sky on a day when the scirocco blows or watching the sea in its wild dance of waves stirred by the northern wild?

Koper. Photo: www.istranka.si

Carved grey Istrian limestone, eight squares situated at the outer edge of the town covered with a carpet of white stone, eleven other squares, remnants of an ancient city wall, narrow intertwining streets leading to the main square, boasting the largest cathedral in Slovenia - all this narrates the story of the past and of the present moment. Step by step the facades of the buildings and their interiors reveal the millennial history of Koper, once Iustinopolis, Capris, evoke the era of the Venetian Republic, the golden age of the Gothic and Renaissance - up to the present moment.

Koper-Prešern square. Photo: www.koper.si

The climax of the summer in Koper - the Yellow night with the largest and longest lasting fireworks, with the greatest number of events taking place in the open air, a family holiday, a real national festivity. Let yourself go to the rhythm of the summer, enjoy the theater performances taking place within the ancient city walls, and in winter drink a toast to the coming New Year and to all the years to come. Enjoy the local handicrafts, taste the typical local dishes like the jota (a soup with pickled cabbage), the bobiči (corn soup), polenta (corn porridge), cod, the fish soup, fish specialties and the typical local wines.

The valley of the castles, with the caste of Socerb as the first one, extends below the edge of the Karst as limes, a fortified border that once separated the territory of the Venetian Republic from the Austrian region. The path takes us then through Hrastovlje with the ancient frescoes and the world - famous Dance Macabre to the tower in Hrvoje, which marks the highest point in Istria. There the sight touches the horizon. Excursionists, riders and cyclists can discover the hidden beauties of the waterfalls, the rapids and pools of the Dragorija river - an oasis with crystal clear water.

Web page: http://www.koper.si

JUDAICA

Tribute paid to Jewish Culture

Ljubljana, 6 September - Several events were held across the country to celebrate the European Day of Jewish Culture. This year's theme was bridges in different shades of meaning.

Maribor synagogue. photo:sinagoga marobor

Events dedicated to Jewish heritage and culture were held throughout the month with the main functions held in Ljubljana, Maribor and Murska Sobota, Lendava and Negova in the north-east of the country. The theatre company Mini theater has organized several events in Ljubljana, including a guest appearance by The Key Theatre from Tel Aviv with their show "When All Was Green". A ceremony was held next door in Križevniška lane to inaugurate the library of the Jewish Cultural Centre, to be followed by the launch of an exhibition of Slovenian Judaica. On the occasion the library was donated a copy of "Iconotheca Valvasoriana", a collection of facsimiles of prints collected by the 17th century polymath Janez Vajkard Valvasor. Events were also held at the Maribor Synagogue, which has been home to the Centre of Jewish Cultural Heritage since 2011 and has recently been designated a monument of national importance by the government. Slovenia has been participating in the observation of the European Day of Jewish Culture since 2006. Source: www.sta.si

CULTURE

Culinary morning at the Ambassador's residence

On the occasion of the visit of Slovene renowned Chef, Roberto Gregorčič, Ambassador Suhadolnik held a morning of Slovene cuisine brunch for food and tourism journalists on 25 September. Chef de Cuisine, Roberto Gregorčič is the owner of the restaurant "Oštaria" which enjoys one of the highest reputations among restaurants in Slovenia. The restaurant is known for its creative approach to traditional Slovene cuisine. Prior to opening his own restaurant, Mr. Gregorčič was Chef de Cuisine of the Relais & Châteaux restaurant Grad Otočec for 10 years.

Roberto Gregorčič with his team. photos. VTA

UPCOMING EVENTS

Slovene Artists take part at Umm El Fahem Gallery's Residency 13 -24 October 2015

Artists Vlatka Ljubanović and Barbara Novakovič Kolenc work in the fusion of visual art, architecture, sculpture and theatre. The main aim of their residency will be the dialogue with the community, restoring the heritage through the experience of the local population. The work process would start in the gallery and extend into the public space. The project would be an action, an attempt to bring art to the extended gallery and to the city.

The Girl and the Double Bass, Production Muzeum: Barbara Novakovič Kolenc (No. 6) Photo: Egon Kaše

POST GRAVITY INFORMANCE A performance by Dragan Živadinov*, Miha Turšič, Dunja Zupančič and Špela Petrič

October 18 at 8 pm The Miriam Nissenholtz Gallery Salame Street 60, Tel Aviv

Photo credit: Creative Commons Share