Ivan Gašparovič - The President of the Slovak Republic

Since November 1989 Slovakia has been opening itself, step by step, to the world and the world has been opening to us. This has been especially true since our accession to the European Union and membership of the Schengen area, which has given our citizens the opportunity to travel across the European Union truly without any barriers. It has enhanced interest in studying abroad and many Slovak communities have developed in these countries to support those already in existence. For this reason I welcome all actions directed toward our citizens who have temporarily or permanently settled in another country and inevitably want to be informed of the events taking place at home.

SK Magazine meets all these attributes and more over, it presents a valuable information resource for foreign readers. There is never too much promotion of our homeland, especially when it is done to a high standard and in a colourful, eye-catching and comprehensive way.

We posses an abundance of natural beauty, historical sights, dynamically developing tourist resorts, art festivals and also interesting people whose work and talent can captivate even foreign countries.

We attempted to demonstrate some of our natural and historical riches to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Historically, this was the first official visit of the Head of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Slovakia and it was highly regarded by our citizens. I accompanied them for most of their time here and it was obvious that their responses to what they saw and experienced were not just courtesy phrases but reflected their true interest. I consider this historical visit of great significance not only from a political point of view but it was also important that we presented ourselves to the world as a hospitable and interesting country.

We have, therefore, sent a positive message about Slovakia to the world and to refer to the SK Magazine again, such message is being spread across the world by them, which I value and appreciate.

I wish all the best to the creators of the magazine and to its readers throughout the upcoming year. Keep gathering good news on our homeland, show its uniqueness and keep our fellow countrymen, and others abroad interested in Slovakia, informed about the happenings here. I also wish you good health, happiness, personal and work related success.

Do not forget Slovakia whether in a near or a faraway foreign country, be proud of it and come back home often.

Ivan Gašparovič

The President of the Slovak Republic

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