President Borut Pahor called on the mayor and regional government of Trieste to return the National Hall there to Slovenian ownership.

The hall was an important meeting point for Trieste's Slovenian community in the past.

The symbolic return of the building happened last year.

Mayor Roberto DiPiazza said that a few formal obstacles still remained but that they would soon be overcome.

He also awarded the city's highest honour, the Tre Sigilli di Trieste, to the Slovenian president for his efforts in strengthening Slovenian-Italian relations over the years.

Foto: MMC RTV SLO/Comune di Trieste
Foto: MMC RTV SLO/Comune di Trieste