KNOXVILLE — Slovenian Ambassador Roman Kirn is visiting Knoxville this weekend to formally open the Slovene Consulate for Tennessee. He will visit UT Knoxville to share his thoughts and vision for the future of Slovenia from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12 at the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center’s Toyota Auditorium.
His speech, “Slovenia – Shaping a Prominent Role for Itself in the European Union and in the Global Economy” is sponsored by the Baker Center and Geography Department. The event is free and open to the public. Ambassador Kirn was appointed Slovene Ambassador to the U.S. in 2009.
Lydia Pulsipher, professor emeritus in the Geography Department and recently appointed Honorary Consul for the Republic of Slovenia, is assisting in opening the consulate in Knoxville.
According to Pulsipher, Slovenia is doubly tied to Tennessee through similar cultures and potential business investments.
“Tennessee shares many commonalities with Slovenia including mountainous landscapes, an interesting mix of rural and urban culture, strong folk musical traditions, comparable standards of living, a budding wine industry, just to name a few,” said Pulsipher. “But I would say that the main reason for the Slovene’s wanting a consulate here is to stimulate interest in the country — in its investment possibilities, its tourism attractions, in its scientific research, and, despite its small size, its blossoming role in the global economy and leadership in Central Europe.”
For more information, visit http://www.utk.edu/events/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=46608.