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.

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?

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