Slovenia's Ambassador
Roman Kirn...
Roman Kirn...
Ambassador Kirn visits Minnesota
By: Miro Medved and Jamie Monson
Minnesota welcomes Slovenian Ambassador Roman Kirn! Ambassador Kirn was appointed as Ambassador of Slovenia to the United States on May 26, 2009. His decorated history includes service in the Slovenian Ministry of Affairs, a delegate to the UN General Assembly, permanent appointment as Ambassador and Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations.
Ambassador Roman Kirn, Minneapolis Mayor R T Rybak and Miro Medved
Ambassador Roman Kirn was invited to speak at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota on September 29, 2011. The topic of his presentation was “ Slovenia and the EU in the Global World: Twenty Years Later”. Ambassador Kirn highlighted Slovenia ’s transitional events from the Declaration of Independence in June 1991 to acceptance into NATO and the EU. He pointed out to the business community to look at Slovenia not only for its market but as a country from where they can reach other countries in Europe where Slovenian companies have extensive business relationships. The Ambassador’s presentation was well received followed by several questions. One attendee asked Ambassador Kirn if upon his return to Slovenia he could arrange for some of those excellent Slovenian wines to make their way to Minnesota . He responded by saying jokingly that Slovenia has many small boutique vineyards which produce excellent wines but that Slovenians are capable and willing to drink it themselves.
During his short two day stay Ambassador Kirn also met with RT Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis; Susan Nestegard, President. Global Healthcare Sector of Ecolab and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar.
Later that afternoon, Miro Medved, a member of the Twin Cities Slovenians, Branch 109 SUA, hosted a home reception for Ambassador Kirn, attended by former Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar, lobbyist Gary Cerkvenik, former Minneapolis Star Tribune newspaper columnist Jim Klobuchar and approximately 30 members of the Twin Cities Slovenians. During the cocktail hour, speeches were given by Jim Klobuchar and James Oberstar. Mr. Klobuchar thanked Miro and the TCS for the role they play in keeping Slovenian culture alive in Minneapolis and St. Paul. He reflected on the beauty of Slovenia and what a rich heritage we proudly maintain as Slovenians. James Oberstar spoke on the history of Slovenia, the struggles to gain independence and the great rise to success this beautiful country has achieved. Ambassador Kirn again thanked the group for the steadfast commitment to maintaining Slovenian culture and customs in the US and recognized Twin Cities Slovenians for this commitment. He thanked Miro for the warm welcome and hospitality along with his continued strong economic stance towards success of Slovenia and its culture.
Miro led the group in a Slovenian prayer and dinner was served. Karen Medved, along with her niece Tina Blatnik from Slovenia, prepared a traditional Slovenian meal that included bread, ham, klobasa, chicken, three kinds of Slovenian salads and various other side dishes. Desserts included potica, krofi and two kinds of strudel. John Stark entertained everyone, playing the buttonbox, and impressed Ambassador Kirn by his traditional style of Slovenian music. Curious, the Ambassador asked how someone so young had mastered this technique and John surprised everyone saying he was self taught.
Photo opportunities and conversation lasted for several more hours. The opportunity to converse and share in such a warm and intimate setting was appreciated by all. Many thanks again to Ambassador Kirn for this relevant and important visit to the Twin Cities and to Miro and Karen Medved for opening their home and hosting this exciting and once in a lifetime event.
Miro Medved, Congressman Jim Oberstar and Ambassador Kirn
Krofi
John Stark and Jim Klobuchar
By: Miro Medved and Jamie Monson
Minnesota welcomes Slovenian Ambassador Roman Kirn! Ambassador Kirn was appointed as Ambassador of Slovenia to the United States on May 26, 2009. His decorated history includes service in the Slovenian Ministry of Affairs, a delegate to the UN General Assembly, permanent appointment as Ambassador and Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations.
Ambassador Roman Kirn, Minneapolis Mayor R T Rybak and Miro Medved
Ambassador Roman Kirn was invited to speak at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota on September 29, 2011. The topic of his presentation was “ Slovenia and the EU in the Global World: Twenty Years Later”. Ambassador Kirn highlighted Slovenia ’s transitional events from the Declaration of Independence in June 1991 to acceptance into NATO and the EU. He pointed out to the business community to look at Slovenia not only for its market but as a country from where they can reach other countries in Europe where Slovenian companies have extensive business relationships. The Ambassador’s presentation was well received followed by several questions. One attendee asked Ambassador Kirn if upon his return to Slovenia he could arrange for some of those excellent Slovenian wines to make their way to Minnesota . He responded by saying jokingly that Slovenia has many small boutique vineyards which produce excellent wines but that Slovenians are capable and willing to drink it themselves.
 Ambassador Kirn with Karen and Miro Medved |
 Congressman Jim Oberstar and Ambassador Kirn |
During his short two day stay Ambassador Kirn also met with RT Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis; Susan Nestegard, President. Global Healthcare Sector of Ecolab and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar.
Later that afternoon, Miro Medved, a member of the Twin Cities Slovenians, Branch 109 SUA, hosted a home reception for Ambassador Kirn, attended by former Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar, lobbyist Gary Cerkvenik, former Minneapolis Star Tribune newspaper columnist Jim Klobuchar and approximately 30 members of the Twin Cities Slovenians. During the cocktail hour, speeches were given by Jim Klobuchar and James Oberstar. Mr. Klobuchar thanked Miro and the TCS for the role they play in keeping Slovenian culture alive in Minneapolis and St. Paul. He reflected on the beauty of Slovenia and what a rich heritage we proudly maintain as Slovenians. James Oberstar spoke on the history of Slovenia, the struggles to gain independence and the great rise to success this beautiful country has achieved. Ambassador Kirn again thanked the group for the steadfast commitment to maintaining Slovenian culture and customs in the US and recognized Twin Cities Slovenians for this commitment. He thanked Miro for the warm welcome and hospitality along with his continued strong economic stance towards success of Slovenia and its culture.
Miro led the group in a Slovenian prayer and dinner was served. Karen Medved, along with her niece Tina Blatnik from Slovenia, prepared a traditional Slovenian meal that included bread, ham, klobasa, chicken, three kinds of Slovenian salads and various other side dishes. Desserts included potica, krofi and two kinds of strudel. John Stark entertained everyone, playing the buttonbox, and impressed Ambassador Kirn by his traditional style of Slovenian music. Curious, the Ambassador asked how someone so young had mastered this technique and John surprised everyone saying he was self taught.
Photo opportunities and conversation lasted for several more hours. The opportunity to converse and share in such a warm and intimate setting was appreciated by all. Many thanks again to Ambassador Kirn for this relevant and important visit to the Twin Cities and to Miro and Karen Medved for opening their home and hosting this exciting and once in a lifetime event.
Miro Medved, Congressman Jim Oberstar and Ambassador Kirn
Krofi
John Stark and Jim Klobuchar