atDiplom c
DIPLOMACY, INTERNATIONAL POLITICS AND FOREIGN POLICY
H.E. IZTOK MIROŠIČ Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Slovenia to the United States of America
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From the Publisher
Dear International Reader:
In this edition of Diplomatic Connections, we had the honor of interviewing H.E. Iztok Mirošič, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the United States.
Mirošič has a solid and distinguished academic background in political science and international relations, which has adeptly equipped him for a remarkable three-decade tenure within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Starting his service at a young age, he quickly ascended to several notable positions within the government. When Slovenia declared its independence in 1991, Mirošič played an instrumental role in guiding the country toward full sovereignty. His contributions were particularly significant in the development of Slovenia’s security framework during the processes of NATO application and accession to the European Union.
The Ambassador ’s unwavering dedication to diplomacy and his extensive expertise in international affairs have considerably transformed Slovenia’s approach to wide-reaching engagement. His measured initiatives—ranging from fostering bilateral partnerships to participating in high-level negotiations— have not only advanced Slovenia’s diplomatic objectives but also enhanced the country’s reputation as a key player on the global stage. Through his efforts, Slovenia has successfully navigated complex geopolitical landscapes, ensuring that its voice is heard and regarded in crucial discussions worldwide. This beautiful country has emerged as a respected and powerful force in international diplomacy, advocating for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
Moreover, Slovenia is a serious member nation in Central Europe, and is strategically located, with having the advantage of bordering the Adriatic Sea for approximately 30 miles. This may sound like a small coastline, but it has the gorgeous picturesque coastal town of Piran with its warm climate, medieval architecture, historical sights and museums. Then there is the vitally important port of Koper serving industrial and logistical needs while connecting the international markets of Central and Southeast Europe, the Mediterranean Sea and Asia.
Additionally worth mentioning is Slovenia’s rich history with the renowned Lipizzan horses, famous for their dazzling dressage abilities, which enable them to move with exquisite grace and elegance, characterizing them as a state-of-the-art breed of distinction. These magnificent creatures truly exemplify ethereal beauty, captivating the attention and admiration of anyone fortunate enough to see them. Read this fascinating interview beginning on page 18, and enjoy viewing Slovenian tourism photos from pages 32-43.
Diplomatic Connections would like to recognize the trendsetting team at the Line Hotel DC in Washington, D.C.: Christina Hanvey, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing; Lauren Rodriguez, Event Producer; and Heidi Calhoun, Director of Sales and Marketing. Their skills and creativity were vital in organizing the Diplomatic Connections International Diplomat Appreciation Reception on May 2, 2025. We wish to express our sincerest appreciation to all the businesses that joined us for this event. Your support truly made it special, and we’re so grateful to have you on board!
To make reservations for your Delegation, a National Day, or to host your own event at this exceptional venue, please contact: Christina Hanvey, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing, at: CHanvey@TheLineHotel.com
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Diplomatic Connections will host another trade show reception on October 2nd, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
October 2, 2025 --- at The Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C.
If you would like to attend a Diplomatic Connections Trade Show Reception in the future as a member of the international community or purchase exhibit space, please send your inquiries to: dparker@DiplomaticConnections.com
Sincerely,
Dawn Parker Publisher
Open Doors Leave Room for Creative Diplomacy to Enter
H.E. Iztok Mirošič
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Slovenia to the United States of America
James A. Winship, Ph.D.
Ambassador Mirošič has a long and distinguished diplomatic career in the service of Slovenia. He was literally “present at the creation” of a free and independent Slovenia as the political geography of Central Europe was being reconfigured following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Moreover, given its geographic location, Slovenia has served as a vital bridge between Western and Eastern Europe. As a member of both the NATO alliance and the European Union, Slovenia has established close ties to Western Europe and the United States and is often instrumental in communicating between West and East. In a more informal version of diplomatic language, it is fair to say that Slovenia “punches above its weight” in international diplomacy. It is inevitable, however, that in conversation with ambassadors from around the world some surprising and fascinating bits of the Ambassador’s back story and personal interests will emerge. The combination of family history and the scope of any Ambassador’s job representing his or her country not only in terms of foreign policy and trade but as a cultural bridge as well means that an array of disparate experiences will yield unusual interests.
Ambassador Mirošič is a case in point. His father was a diplomat before him. His greatgrandfather and his family immigrated to
the United States in 1887 and found his way to West Virginia where job opportunities abounded in the coal mines and in lumbering. The Ambassador’s grandfather was born in Davis, West Virginia in 1917. But, as a child, the Ambassador’s grandfather and the family returned to Slovenia in 1923. Apparently job opportunities in West Virginia began to play out, and the Versailles treaties that brought an end to World War I stabilized the Balkan conflicts that catalyzed the beginnings of that war. It is not usual for genealogy to play any major role in diplomacy, but in this case his family’s historic “American” interlude gives him significant ties to the experience of the Slovenian-American community that still exists in the United States.
Still more fascinating is Ambassador Mirošič’s link to the famous Lipizzan horses, themselves often tied to the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria, and a breed developed in the Habsburg Empire. One of the most famous of the breeding stables for these horses remains today in Lipica, Slovenia – Ambassador Mirošič’s
Lipizzan horses
hometown. He retains a continuing interest in the Lipizzan breed and their role in European history. As Ambassador to the United States, he is especially interested in commemorating, the World War II rescue of the Lipizzan horses from territory in Germany that at the end of the war came under control of Russian forces. Initial requests for such a rescue were turned down by the American High Command. Despite that initial response American General George Patton authorized the Head of U.S. Cavalry Intelligence, Col. Charles Hancock Reed, to plan and execute the rescue of the Lipizzaners. The eventual aftermath of that mission resulted in the Lipizzans being recognized by UNESCO as part of the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”
That heritage, Ambassador Mirošič believes, should be commemorated as underscoring the historic links between Slovenia and the United States.
This story and the return of the Lipizzaners to Vienna’s Spanish Riding School was retold as a Walt Disney film, “The Miracle of the White Stallions” in 1963. Though much of that history is unknown to younger generations of Americans and although the Lipizzaners have been more widely distributed across Europe, they are still a treasured part of Slovenia’s heritage. More than that, these horses help not only to preserve the riding style of classical dressage but to underscore the realities of what has been called “soft power” – the cultural tools available to advance diplomacy in a world of international relations too often preoccupied with coercive diplomacy.
Diplomatic Connections: Ambassador Mirošič, you were a university student at the time that Slovenia declared its independence in 1991. What was the experience of Slovenia’s fight for independence like for you?
Ambassador Mirošič: What Slovenia and Croatia originally proposed was the creation
of a confederation of states where each state would have a high degree of autonomy. This would have allowed us to keep our market economy and pluralistic political system. Our proposal, however, was rejected by the central government. With that rejection of our ideas, Slovenia knew that it had no choice but to declare its unilateral independence. Truthfully, if we could not reform Yugoslavia into a market oriented, human rights based Western style of liberal democracy, then we wanted to go back to the West where basically we belonged for 600 years through the Habsburg and the Austrian Empires. We wanted to rejoin the Western community of liberal oriented democracies based on the rule of law, market economics and respect for human rights. Independence for Slovenia was important, but for me as a student at that time, it was more important to live in a liberal democratic society, an open society where everyone could voice their own opinion. That is the society that I wanted to live in, and, that is what I fought for.
Diplomatic Connections: Your father was a diplomat. How did that experience influence your choice of a diplomatic career in service to your country?
Ambassador Mirošič: Perhaps not quite as much as readers might think. I lived all my life in a diplomatic family, and my father was an ambassador all around the world. We were moving constantly. This has positive consequences. But, for a child, frequent moving also has negative consequences. Ironically, you have many friends around the world, but you are basically rooted nowhere. As a student, I said, “I will never ever enter diplomatic service.” But, then it happened that my course of study was international relations. It was logical, perhaps inevitable, that I should continue the study of political science and international relations.
Diplomatic
Connections: If we move ahead from childhood to your time as a university student, how did your participation in Slovenia’s struggle for independence impact your entry into a career in foreign relations?
Ambassador Mirošič: When Slovenia became an independent country, we did not have a
Ministry of Foreign Affairs because we did not have statehood until 1991. The Slovenian state administration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at that time were looking for anybody with foreign affairs experience.
So, I was asked whether I might like to join the Slovenian diplomatic service for three months. By now, as you can see, those three months have grown into a thirty year career in diplomacy.
The Port of Koper has added Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) berths to its port facilities to continue enlarging its capacity to handle cars being shipped around the world as well as cars being delivered for distribution in Central Europe. Handling capacity is now in excess of 800,000 vehicles annually. Located in the North Adriatic Sea, the port offers close access to the Mediterranean as well as the Suez Canal thereby offering good access to the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Far East. It also offers excellent rail and highway connections. All of these factors combine to make it one of the busiest ports with some of the most diverse shipping capabilities in the Adriatic.
Diplomatic It was surprising to part of the group that negotiated process as Slovenia unilaterally and negotiated the terms under which state. As a young man you held some
Ambassador Mirošič: As a very, very young Affairs – from the earliest stages on – I played roles. My career really started with several different Slovene Republic transitioned to independence in shaping Slovenia’s place in Europe’s security architecture joined the European Union. Those processes I considered have the chance to participate in the transformation
I was Deputy Foreign Minister at a surprisingly young age, course of my career. I consider it an honor.
Diplomatic Connections: We have talked about the transition fact that you walked into the transition of American government United States because you walked into the midst of a presidential ways. How did the embassy deal with the on-going course
Ambassador Mirošič: I am very lucky that I seem to land your country or the transformation of the international system! was already in the early stages of the presidential selection primary elections through the party conventions and finally the Inauguration in January 2025. Now I am able to observe close as it attempts to reshape the financial and the administrative American foreign policy.
Diplomatic Connections: When you are watching events the first months of the new administration have generated, shattering changes in policy and administration occur, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ljubljana? Are they offering MFA interpretations of events and offering conversations and off-the-record comments from request face-to-face meetings with specific heads
Ambassador Mirošič: That is why we are understand. That is nowhere more true the United States is still the most powerful happens here matters, in different in the world. What happens internal politics of the United also the major transitions
Connections:
learn that you were negotiated the succession unilaterally declared its independence which it would become a sovereign some very responsible positions.
young man who joined the Ministry of Foreign played some very important roles, even political different roles in the work of succession as the and full sovereignty. And, I played major roles architecture as it applied for NATO membership and considered very interesting because very few people ever of their country.
age, and have held that position several times over the
transition of Slovenia’s government, but I was struck by the government when you assumed your post as Ambassador to the presidential campaign, and one that was tumultuous in many course of events during the election campaign?
land in the middle of historic events – regarding my country or system! I arrived in the United States in 2023, and this country selection process so I got to watch the entire process from the finally election night itself, the Electoral College process and observe the transition of power to the Trump administration up administrative cores of the American government as well as
events in Washington unfold at the frenetic speed that generated, and when you are witnessing literally earthoccur, how do you go about the process of reporting back they asking questions of the embassy? Is the embassy offering opinions? Are you reporting behind-the-scenes from members of the Trump administration? Do you heads of departments or their deputies?
here. Our job is to observe and to than here in Washington because powerful country in the world. What different ways, to every other country here involves not just the United States but transitions
the international system is undergoing. For Slovenia today, the most important relations in the world are trans-Atlantic relations – relations between Europe and the United States as well as between Slovenia and Europe. We try our best to report about the intentions, about the policies that are being developed and carried out by the new administration.
Diplomatic Connections: How do you and the embassy approach the task of trying to understand a new presidential administration in Washington that is so very different than its predecessors?
Ambassador Mirošič: We have to develop new contacts with key players in the administration, in the Cabinet departments, and in the nongovernmental organizations that have close ties to the administration. In the current case there is virtually no carry over from the previous Democratic administration and very little carry over from President Trump’s first administration. What is past is truly past. President Trump is in a hurry. Very simply, we learn from each other, and the importance of access cannot be denied. Access and good relations between our staff and their counterparts here in Washington and in the administration are the “currency of the realm” in international diplomacy. There has been a change in the party in control, essentially of all
three branches of government, here in the United States and the outlook of the Republicans and the Democrats is very different. To explain these differences and how they will influence the unfolding course of events as well as the core principles of American foreign policy – especially as they affect Slovenia and Europe – is our task. If we understand the new Administration, especially President Trump, the most important relations will be bilateral relations with less emphasis on multilateral institutions. But, the most important bilateral relations, for the time being, are the relations between Slovenia and the United States. That is our interest back in Slovenia, and that is our task here in Washington.
Diplomatic Connections: What would you describe as the most important issues between Slovenia and the United States as you assumed your role as Ambassador? Or, asked in another way, what are your top priorities as you work to deepen relations between Slovenia and the United States?
Ambassador Mirošič: Slovenia has very good relations with the United States, a policy we have every intention of continuing. The United States has been very important in the modern history of Slovenia. They were very, very helpful in our negotiating process as we sought to enter the European Union. Not just NATO but the European Union as well. We had some problems with our neighboring countries that the United States helped to resolve. We are the only country in Central and Eastern Europe from the Communist or Socialist times with
American technology. Westinghouse was the only American designed nuclear power plant that was built in the western Balkans, and that goes back fifty years. And we would like to continue cooperation with President Trump and the new administration, not just on the political front but across the board. American investments in Slovenia are very welcome, and Slovenian companies are investing in the United States and are creating jobs here. More and more they come to the United States and they are opening companies that employ Americans. We would like to continue that good economic cooperation. We would also like to expand our collaborations in science and technology. We consider this the most important part of our relations. We are most desirous of growing cooperation in the fields of science, technology, artificial intelligence (AI) – in which Slovenia has had an international center for the past 40 years - and in the field of space technology and exploration. We joined the Artemis Accords intended to manage the civilian use of space which makes the United States alongside the European Space Agency quite important to us. And the last field, where we would like to upgrade, is the miniaturization of satellites while increasing their capabilities and photographic high resolution at great distance. Slovenia is probably the leading country in Eastern Europe for quantum computing and the development of supercomputers. So, we would like very much to continue strong relations with the leading country in that area – the United States.
European Space Agency
Diplomatic Connections: What about security concerns – both regional and global?
Ambassador Mirošič: Of course, we cannot escape the political realities of relationships between Europe and the United States, which are somewhat strained at the moment. It appears that there will be new types of security arrangements between the EU and the Trump administration, but it is too early to know what the shape of those new arrangements might be. Probably, it won’t be just burdensharing but burden shifting. We have to make much more effort on conventional defense inside NATO, and the Americans will remain part of NATO but as a strategic nuclear deterrent guarantor of Europe’s security and core political systems. My country
is willing also to fulfill its financial obligations regarding defense expenditures.
Diplomatic Connections: Slovenia has also played an important role as a bridge-builder and a line of communication between Western Europe and Eastern Europe, has it not?
Bosnia-Herzegovina
proposing that Serbia (Republika
from the union that is Bosnia-Herzegovina.
responded to these concerns by calling for “constructive and responsible dialogue” between the parties involved. “We call on our partners in the region (including Slovenia) to join us in opposing this dangerous and destabilizing behavior. We’re hoping we can do anything we can to avoid another conflict in Europe from emerging.”
Ambassador Mirošič: What is important for us is also that engagement with the United States includes the stability of the Western Balkans. Slovenia plays a very prominent role in the work of the European Union but also with the countries that once formed western Yugoslavia
[Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, FYR Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo]. These interstate relationships are important to us, especially in these days where we have new nationalist initiatives inside Bosnia-Herzegovina. Events are very shaky there, and we are pleased that the administration of President Trump did not lose the focus on the western Balkans, including Bosnia-Herzegovina. Secretary of State Rubio issued two declarations dealing with the western Balkans, and we consider this very important.
[COMMENT: When Ambassador Mirošič mentions the “shaky” developments facing the new government of Bosnia-Herzegovina he is referring specifically to concerns arising from the multiethnic make-up of that state. Milorad Dodik, leader of the Republika Srpska – an entity included within Bosnia-Herzegovina that is charged with protecting Serbian interests within the state of Bosnia- Herzegovina. Dodik has repeatedly challenged the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multiethnic existence of BosniaHerzegovina, expressed his sympathies for Russia and Serbia, and made open secessionist threats. In essence, Dodik directly challenges the Dayton Accords (1995) that brought an end to the Bosnian War after 3-1/2 years and envisioned
Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded to Slovenia and other Western Balkan states about the separatist efforts threatening to undermine the unity of
by
Srpska) separate itself
Rubio
a future multiethnic Bosnia-Herzegovina where different national groups could live in peace. Current United States Secretary of State, The Hon. Marco Rubio, has recently issued two statements in response to Dodik’s challenges. The United States government Rubio explains “calls on political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to engage in constructive and responsible dialogue”, and calls on “our partners in the region to join us in opposing this dangerous and destabilizing behavior.”]
Diplomatic Connections: Thus far in the interview we have delicately avoided a critical and controversial word in President Trump’s policy initiatives – TARIFFS. How does Slovenia intend to approach this sensitive topic?
Ambassador Mirošič: From Slovenia’s point of view, because of our membership in the EU tariffs are no longer the responsibility of bilateral relations. They fall under the European Union structures that stress the idea of the EU, as a single market. Today, tariffs are the exclusive competence of the European Commission. It tackles the trade issues. [NOTE: The European Commission is the EU’s politically independent executive arm. It is alone responsible for drawing up proposals for new European legislation, and it implements the decisions of the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.] Inevitably, relations between the European Union and the United States in the fields of trade will be caught in a diplomatic juggling act of raising tariffs and reciprocal tariffs, which probably will not be good for most countries. We hope that suitable compromise between both sides of the Atlantic will be found. But, at the end of the day, we should not forget that Europe and the United States probably form the biggest area of investment, trade, and services in the world. It is much bigger than the trade with Mexico or Canada. The largest trade partner for the United States, including investment in the
United States and job creation is with Europe. So, I would like to recall that earlier in my career I was Ambassador in London, and the British repeatedly said “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” Diplomatic Connections: There is another term upon which we have not yet touched – Ukraine. I need not rehearse the cruelties of this prolonged war at Europe’s heart. Neither do I need to underscore the delicacy of diplomatic efforts –even including the Vatican and Pope Leo XIV – to mediate an end to this war? How has Slovenia approached the sensitive issue of Ukraine?
Ambassador Mirošič: Ukraine is part of European-American relations that has great influence on European security as a whole. Any new role of the United States on the European continent will also have great impact on European security as a whole. Slovenia supported Ukraine from Day One and continues to do so. We cannot tolerate aggression on a sovereign country by Russia. The European Union, and we are part of it, has made clear that aggression must be resisted and that Ukraine must be a central player in any peace negotiations. The United States with President Donald Trump wanted to, and he said this during the election campaign, pursue an immediate peace that would involve a ceasefire that would stop the fighting. At the end of the day, that is not so far from the Slovenian view. If I am not mistaken, the Slovenian Prime Minister was the first to introduce into the European political vocabulary the idea of a truce or a ceasefire, which is needed before undertaking the process
of finding lasting solutions. We support all of the efforts of the United States and the European Union as well to bring lasting and just peace to Ukraine. We have a common goal there. But we have to work together for peace and Ukraine must be included in the process. The difference may be that the Europeans see it differently as a consequence of these actions. Ukraine and Europe would like to see the guarantees of the United States in front of the process, the United States from a slightly different point of view would like to get the parties together at the negotiating table first and design guarantees at the end of the process. It is a different perception of where to introduce guarantees to undergird any agreement that is negotiated on lasting peace. I am certain that the collaboration of the United States, the European Union and Ukraine will be much needed as any peace process proceeds.
Diplomatic Connections: Slovenia was directly involved in a recent “spy swap” engineered between Russia and the United States but involving several other European countries. Though I know the details of that operation must be closely held, would you tell us what you can about it?
Ambassador Mirošič: That was quite the intrigue last year. We were one of a very small
number of countries that helped the United States bring wrongly detained Americans, notably Evan Gershkovich of the Wall Street Journal, back from Russia, in what was a major, multilateral prisoner swap involving not only the United States and Russia but also Germany, Poland, Norway, Turkey and Slovenia. We essentially facilitated the swap by turning over two Russian sleeper agents as part of behind the scenes planning and complex negotiations. These sleeper agents apparently used our capital city as their base to travel to NATO and EU member states, relay orders from Moscow, and bring in other sleeper agents. In essence this was an expression of our deepest regards for the United States and the efforts of American diplomacy. And, it is a strong indication of our desire to continue to build strong relations with the United States under the new Trump administration.
Diplomatic Connections: Imagine if you will that before your retirement after a long and varied career in Slovenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs you are asked to address a newly recruited class of Slovenian diplomats-to-be. Based on your long diplomatic experience and the multiple positions in which you have served over the years, what would you tell them? What do you know at this later stage of your career that you wish you had known as a fledgling diplomat?
Ambassador Mirošič: “Keep all your doors open!” This is the gist of diplomatic work. Don’t shut your door to anyone at any time because at some time in the future you may need them to open their doors to you. You need to be able always to explore what another diplomat representing a different country thinks, not only what they think but how they and their Foreign Ministry think. The more you learn about another country’s positions, the more potential areas of agreement may suggest themselves to you. That is what I’ve learned throughout my diplomatic
“keep the door open”
life. You only find solutions if you keep the door open. A thing can be seen in many different ways. In the beginning people tend to believe that there is only one way of seeing things, but if you keep the door open, then new dimensions of what initially was seen as a problem may begin to emerge. We learn by listening to multiple points of view and beginning to discover point of correspondence where we are not so far apart after all. You only begin to find solutions when you “keep the door open.” n
The Julian Alps present a strikingly steep landscape, yet the Alpine Ibex navigates this terrain with remarkable grace. They ascend and descend the mountains as if they are fully confident in their footing, regardless of how challenging the path may seem. This region serves as their natural habitat, which can make them somewhat elusive, as they seamlessly blend into the granite and grass surroundings. Unfortunately, their population is facing decline, with estimates indicating that approximately 300 Alpine Ibex remain in the Slovenian Alps today. Should you have the wonderful opportunity of visiting the Montane region and observe one of these majestic animals, it would certainly be a special experience to treasure.
Modern-day shepherds thrive in Slovenia! Velika Planina stands out as one of the few extensive herder settlements preserved in Europe, offering an inviting experience for visitors throughout the year. Guests can enjoy a diverse range of seasonal activities, from skiing during the winter months to hiking in the summer. To enhance the experience, several accommodations have been established nearby, ensuring a comfortable stay for all. Conveniently accessible via cable car from Kamniška Bistrica, Velika Planina presents a wonderful opportunity for those interested in both adventure and cultural exploration.
Tourism
Tourism
White-water rafting on the thrilling rapids of the Soča River in Triglav National Park, Slovenia, provides an exhilarating experience. The Soča River is considered one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe.
Discover the picturesque trails along the stunning Soča River by hiking or biking along its banks. You can use an electric mountain bike to traverse the single-lane bridges or choose to walk along one of the scenic trails within Triglav National Park in Slovenia. The Soča River is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, making it a highly recommended destination in Europe.
Tourism
Tourism
Nestled just a few kilometers from Postojna Cave, the Karst region presents a fascinating opportunity to explore a captivating realm reminiscent of chivalric tales. The majestic Predjama Castle, an architectural wonder, has graced a 123-meter-high cliff for over 800 years. Behind this magnificent cave castle lies a sophisticated network of secret tunnels, historically linked with the knight Erazem of Predjama, who would embark on daring endeavors through these hidden passageways.
The harmonious integration of natural elements and manmade structures stands as a testament to the synergy between human creativity and the artistry of nature. Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest cave castle, Predjama Castle offers a narrative that reflects a historical era when safety often superseded comfort, and the resounding clamor of armor echoed over the melodies of troubadours. Its distinctive character and enchanting charm rank it among the world’s ten most intriguing castles in the world, contributing to its status as a favored choice for many celebrations seeking a medieval theme.
Tourism
Discover the enchanting medieval village of Šmartno, beautifully situated among vast, vibrant vineyards that seem to stretch endlessly. This village is highly acclaimed as one of the most exquisite towns in Slovenia’s stunning Brda region. Rich in Roman architecture, Šmartno offers a captivating visual experience while embodying the beauty of Slovenian culture, where history and beauty effortlessly blend to create a truly magical experience.
The Heart Shaped Road: In the most northernmost part of Slovenia, amongst the vineyards, lies one of the most photographed roads in the countrySpicnik.
Tourism
Piran, Slovenia.
Istria at the coast of the Adriatic sea in Littoral region, Slovenia.
Tourism
Celje medieval castle in Slovenia, situated above the Savinja River.
DIPLOMATIC CONNECTIONS
International Diplomat Appreciation Reception © held at
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Fully furnished. 24/7 guest service. Locations near consulates and UN. For over 25 years, Furnished Quarters has provided premium short-term housing solutions to diplomats, dignitaries, government personnel and global agency representatives in New York, Boston, San Francisco and all points global, for a full-service stay anywhere your mission may take you.
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“In the Foxcroft community, there never seems to be a dull moment — our bonds are unbreakable. You are guaranteed to graduate here with lifelong friends, core memories, and life lessons. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
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LIFE CAN TAKE YOU LIFE CAN TAKE YOU ANYWHERE. ANYWHERE. GREEN ACRES GIVES YOUR CHILD THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO SUCCEED EVERYWHERE. Discover Green Acres, a Pre-K–8th grade school where learning is hands-on, engaging, and meaningful.
why should a school? Dreams have no limits,
Dwight Global — the online program of Dwight School — offers students worldwide a flexible schedule while receiving a premier private school education. Students can travel all over the globe without missing school.
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Make History in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. Our historic hotel is surrounded by local shopping, restaurants, and steps away from the waterfront. Our hotel restaurant, King & Rye, serves Southern cuisine and proper whiskey. Guests have easy access to local metro lines, Amtrak stations, and Ronald Reagan National Airport to explore Washington, D.C. and beyond.
Relax and restore in one of our 241 guestrooms, including 11 suites. We offer a variety of accommodations which include terrace balconies, one-bedroom and bi-level lofts. Host your group in one of our 8 event spaces, spanning 9,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor space, accommodating up to 250 attendees.
Enhance your stay with our exclusive group experiences including city walking tours with The Alexandrian Historian or private whiskey tastings.
sales@thealexandrian.com
www.thealexandrian.com
Retreat to Old town at Morrison House. Located a block from King Street, one of the “Great Streets” in America, our charming boutique hotel is near the best shops and restaurants of Old Town Alexandria, all sprinkled among historic sites and museums. Savor cleverly crafted cocktails and authored Mesoamerican fare at The Study bar and restaurant, just an elevator ride away.
Retreat to one of our 45 guest rooms, including four one-bedroom Publisher suites, or admire views of historic Old Town next to an inroom fireplace in our Editor Rooms. Host your group in one of our three event spaces, spanning 2,000 sq ft, and accommodating up to 100 attendees. Create an exclusive experience for your guests with a customizable full-property buyout.
Enhance your stay with our exclusive group experiences including private cocktail classes or ceviche-making competition.
116 S Alfred Street Alexandria, VA 703.838.8000
sales@morrisonhouse.com
www.morrisonhouse.com
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DarcyHotel THE DarcyHotel
A destination in its own right…
The Darcy offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the nation’s capital. Find our boutique hotel at the center of it all, just minutes away from the White House, Embassy Row, and the lively Dupont and Logan Circles.
Our hotel features 226 guestrooms and suites, each showcasing a contemporary design with a stylishly residential feel. Make yourself at home with amenities like 24-hour room service, on-site coffee shop, a fitness center, and our chef-driven restaurant- Gerrard Street Kitchen.
Contact our Diplomatic Sales Manager, Mr. André Washington 202 521 7110 | Andre.Washington@thedarcyhotel.com
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INTRODUCING HHM HOTELS
We are HHM Hotels, a diverse portfolio of hotels nestled in the heart of America’s capital. Our hotels blend exceptional service with top-tier amenities, and our prime locations offer convenient access to top businesses, popular local attractions, and all major airports in the area. Whether you are looking for a full-service, select-service, or extended-stay hotel, we offer a complete lodging experience that’s second to none.
A MONUMENTAL STAY IN THE NATION'S CAPITAL AWAITS AT THE WILLARD INTERCONTINENTAL.
Located in the heart of Washington, D C , two blocks from The White House, the Willard InterContinental is regarded as one of the most luxurious hotel's in the nation's capital Nicknamed the "Residence of Presidents," our iconic property has welcomed U.S. presidents, foreign dignitaries and celebrities, as well as been the site of many historic moments for over 200 years.
Committed to the IHG Clean Promise, elevated cleaning procedures, enhanced service standards and modified meeting space design have been implemented at the hotel for your health and safety. We look forward to welcoming you to the Willard InterContinental
Live the InterContinental Life in Atlanta
InterContinental Hotels brings a new luxury lifestyle experience to Atlanta’s prestigious Buckhead neighborhood with spacious newly renovated rooms, a redesigned lobby and garden reminiscent of a classic manor home with southern charm, re-imagined Gala Ballroom space, a fully staffed Club InterContinental Lounge, and a new dining hotspot, The Americano, helmed by celebrity chef Scott Conant.
InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta 3315 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
intercontinentalatlanta.com
Simba Jones, Director of Business Travel +1 404-946-9111 | simba.jones@ihg.com
Classic Room The Americano Presidential Suite
MONDRIAN PARK AVENUE
is ideally situated on the East Side of New York, with seamless accessibility to the United Nations and Diplomatic Offices. Our luxurious and welcoming suites are tailored to accommodate Heads of State and their distinguished delegations. Indulge in the elevated experience of our Rooftop Terrace, providing breathtaking vistas and a tranquil lounge setting. Our commitment to security remains paramount, ensuring a safe and secure environment throughout your stay.
The landmark Omni Shoreham Hotel is located in one of Washington D.C.’s premier residential neighborhoods. Guests who stay here are as individual as our hotel An icon among hotels in Washington, D C , we have hosted presidents, world leaders and inaugural balls since our inception in the 1930s
Our 834 rooms and suites are a subtle blend of past and present. Modern, comfortable spaces offer ADA accessibility, in-room technology, coffee makers and balconies in select suites. Arrangements may be made to stay in our apartment style 1,700 SQ.FT. luxury presidential suites with access to a Loyalty Ambassador to ensure it is an experience that matters
Spend leisurely days at the only resort-hotel in Washington, DC located in the Woodley Park neighborhood on 11 acres of gardens with a temperature controlled outdoor pool.
Nestled between The Wharf and The National Mall, Salamander DC is an urban oasis in the new heart of Washington D.C., just steps away from rich history and the nation’s most iconic monuments and attractions.
Since late 2022, we have redefined the guest experience through a thoughtful transformation, unveiling newly enhanced spaces. Our design blends modern sophistication with residential warmth, featuring a striking new Lobby, Lobby Lounge and Terrace, refreshed suites, and a two-story Spa expansion debuting this fall. At the heart of this new evolution is Dōgon, a visionary dining experience led by renowned Chef Kwame Onwuachi.
HOUDA MOUSTAHSINE
KATE MACINNIS
Director of Diplomatic and International Sales 202.641.2189 | hmoustahsine@salamanderdc.com
Senior Director of Diplomatic and International Sales
KMacInnis@SalamanderDC.com
THE UPPER EAST SIDE’S LUXURY LANDMARK
From a perfect location, steps from Central Park in Manhattan’s most exclusive neighborhood, to legendary five-star service, The Pierre offers diplomatic guests the quintessential New York getaway.
Exquisitely furnished, our guest rooms offer a sublime escape from the city’s 24/7 hustle and bustle. These lavish, light-filled sanctuaries offer breathtaking views of the New York City skyline and exquisite custom furnishings and finishes.
Robert Armstrong | Director of Diplomatic Sales T +1 212 940 8455 | robert.armstrong@tajhotels.com 2 East 61st Street on Fifth Avenue, New York, NY | www.thepierreny.com
