In 1991, Slovenia, a small country in the heart of Central Europe, proclaimed its hard-earned independence from the former Yugoslavia. One year later, the nation of 2 million established diplomatic relations with China. As the country celebrates its 20th anniversary of statehood, Marija Adanja, the Slovenian ambassador to China, shared her views with China.org.cn on the country's development and its relations with China since independence.

"Twenty years is a short time, but important development has happened in Slovenia during this period," Adanja recalled. "Before [independence], decisions were made in other towns instead of the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. But since our independence, it is Ljubljana that makes the decisions about our future."

During the past twenty years, Slovenia has moved from the state planned economy to the market economy, joined NATO and the European Union in 2004 and is now working towards a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, the ambassador told China.org.cn.

"Slovenia has gained confidence by becoming more active in the international scene," Adanja said.

1. This year, Slovenia is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its independence. Can you tell us what are the major changes Slovenia hasundergone since its independence? >>>>>

2. How do you view Slovenia’s relations with China in different aspects since its independence in 1991? What are the major changes in bilateral relations over the years? >>>>>

3. What are the major areas of cooperation between China and Slovenia? >>>>>

4. Could you brief us on media cooperation between the two countries? What kind of role do you think media play in developing bilateral ties? >>>>>

5. Next year will be the 20th anniversary of China-Slovenia diplomatic ties? What are planned activities to celebrate the anniversary? >>>>>

6. How do you define Slovenia's relations with China in the future? How to further improve cooperation? >>>>>

7. What do you think are the best ways to promote the understanding of each other between the two peoples? >>>>>

8. What’s Slovenia like in your eyes? What are the two words you would like to use in describing Slovenia? >>>>>

9. How do you view China's role in today's world? >>>>>

10. You start your service as the ambassador of Slovenia to China at the beginning of 2010. How do you describe you experience in China? >>>>>

11. You took a ten-week-long Chinese language learning program hosted by Hanban, or the Confucius Institute Headquarters, last September. How do you like this program? >>>>>