Winning ways at Slovakia’s new mission

Date: 16/07/1998

Last week saw an event which is sure to keep diplomatic tongues in Brussels wagging for months to come.

To celebrate the opening of its new eight-floor mission in the EU capital, a building which cost almost 8 million ecu to build and fit out, Slovakia held what has to be the one of the most sumptuous receptions of the year. Tables groaned under the weight of elaborate dishes, the kegs overflowed with rich Slovakian beer and musicians serenaded guests at the evening event in the mission, while the best part of an orchestra played in the garden for those who moved on to the ambassador's residence.

To top it all, in a move that will go down in Brussels history, the mission flew in five winners of previous 'Miss Slovakia' contests, creating an effect which was both unreal and stunning.

“This is not normal in diplomatic circles here,” admitted one seasoned guest. But the event made such an impact that many believe it may catch on. “I must convince my ambassador to do the same,” whispered a dumbstruck central European embassy official.