Presentation of diplomas to the participants in consular, diplomatic and higher diplomatic exams |Author STA

The diplomas were presented by Andrej Rode, Secretary-General, and Dr Andraž Zidar, Head of the Diplomatic Academy.

In his speech, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tone Kajzer, congratulated all those who had passed the exams, emphasising that the acquired knowledge was an important milestone in their careers, not the end of the road. He highlighted the vital role of the Diplomatic Academy in educating and training of Slovenian diplomats, as well as the importance of continuous professional training in an ever-changing international landscape.

Minister Kajzer underlined Dr Božo Cerar’s long-standing contribution to Slovenian diplomacy, describing his book as an important addition to the literature on modern foreign policy challenges. He said that the book offers valuable insights into the balance between a principled and a pragmatic approach to advancing national interests and will serve as a useful guiding principle for the future development of Slovenian foreign policy.

‘Being a diplomat is not a 9-to-5 job. It is a profession and a way of life that must be approached with passion and, above all, a commitment to serving the interests of one’s homeland. Education and training do not end after passing the exams; they must remain a constant feature throughout the diplomatic journey,’ said Minister Kajzer.

The second address was given by Andrej Rode, Secretary-General of the Ministry, who emphasised the importance of continued professional development for diplomats: ‘That is why diplomatic education is so important in the development of every diplomat. The exam is not only a formal requirement for performing certain tasks. It confirms that you have acquired the fundamental knowledge needed to carry out diplomatic or consular work with confidence and responsibility. It is also an incentive to stay curious, open to new insights and ready to continue growing professionally.’

In conclusion, Minister Kajzer wished everyone success in their careers and expressed confidence that they would enhance Slovenia’s reputation and effectively represent its interests in the international sphere through their professionalism, responsibility and commitment.