Whereas, on December 23, 1990, the people of Slovenia voted overwhelmingly in favor of independence from the former Yugoslavia in a national referendum; Whereas, on June 25, 1991, the Republic of Slovenia declared itself an independent and sovereign country; Whereas, on December 23, 1991, the parliament of Slovenia adopted a constitution based on the rule of law, respect for human rights, and democratic ideals; Whereas, on April 7, 1992, the United States recognized the independence of Slovenia, which was followed by the establishment of diplomatic relations on August 11, 1992; Whereas Slovenia has made important contributions to international efforts to promote peace, stability, and development in Europe, the Middle East and the Near East, Africa, and elsewhere; Whereas Slovenia has been an important United States ally in Central Europe and a strong advocate of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the merits of an open and free market economy; Whereas Central Europe is a critical geographic region for United States, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and European Union (EU) interests; Whereas China and the Russian Federation have made concerted efforts to exert influence on our Central European allies and partners to drive a wedge between these nations and the rest of NATO and the EU; Whereas Slovenia has become an active member country of international organizations, including the United Nations, NATO, the EU, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe, and the World Trade Organization; Whereas Slovenia has further strengthened its international role by successfully chairing the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2005, and, as the first new member from Central and Eastern Europe, by successfully holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2008, when it also hosted a summit between the United States and the European Union attended by President George W. Bush