After representatives of Slovenian companies discussed with their French counterparts the deepening of business relations between the two countries in the morning part of today’s Slovenian House programm, Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and his delegation visited the Slovenian House in the afternoon.

The President of the Slovenian Olympic Committee - Association of Sports Federations, Franjo Bobinac, showed the Minister around the Slovenian House, which is Slovenia's information, presentation and event center during the Olympic Games in Paris. La Villette Park, which has been transformed into the Park of Nations for the duration of the Games, is also home to some of the houses of other National Olympic Committees, including the host country France, which is near the Slovenian House.

Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that although he wished he could visit all the houses, he had chosen among few Slovenia. "Slovenia has really established a strong presence in France during these Games. I wish Slovenian athletes all the best for the Games. You already have one gold medal, which is a great achievement. I have just heard that Slovenia is the number one country in terms of the number of Olympic medals per capita," the Minister said. He added that both France and Slovenia are very sporty countries and the links between the two countries are much deeper.

"Relations between Slovenia and France are very strong. President Emmanuel Macron has also personally expressed his strong commitment to close relations between our two countries” He stressed that Slovenia and France are linked by several joint projects in various fields, both economic and especially in the field of AI with a common project in Montenegro. “The relationship is very fruitful," he said, adding that such events are an opportunity to further strengthen relations.

The President of the NOC Slovenia, Franjo Bobinac, thanked France for the excellent hospitality and the organization of the Games. "Paris during the Games is not only a center of sport, but also of diplomacy, business, networking. For us, in addition to the sporting competitions, it is also a great opportunity to promote our country," said President Bobinac. He added that the Games in Paris are among the most sustainable and urban Games ever held. "Every day, I am impressed again and again by events in different locations that are connected to people. That is why we all feel at home here in Paris," he added. "Thank you for the excellent organization and for the hospitality, which is a clear sign of French-Slovenian friendship."

The Slovenian House in Paris will remain open until 11 August, until the end of the Games. The Slovenian House Paris 2024 project, supported by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, is being implemented by the Slovenian Olympic Committee - Association of Sports Federations, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport, the public agencies SPIRIT Slovenia and the Slovenian Tourist Board, the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Paris and the Slovenian Government Communications Office.