5 August 2021

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, met with the Congressmen of the United States of America, Eric Swalwell and Sean Maloney today, with whom he discussed the development of bilateral relations, as well as stability in the Western Balkans region.

President Vučić pointed out the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation and improving overall relations with the United States, and especially the importance of improving economic cooperation between the two countries.

"Serbia wants to establish better relations with the United States", said President Vučić. The two congressmen said that they came to visit Serbia encouraged by the economic results, with the intention of encouraging American investors to invest more in our country.

Congressmen Swalwell and Maloney expressed support for the "Open Balkans" regional initiative, which they saw as a great opportunity for the progress of the Western Balkans.

President Vučić said that the initiative was open to others in the region and that regional economic cooperation and interconnection were the basis for peace and stability.

President Vučić informed the American congressmen about the results that Serbia has achieved in terms of vaccination.

The delegation of the US Congress welcomed the solidarity that Serbia has shown by helping the citizens of the region, as a responsible neighbor, with donations of vaccines. He thanked for the help of the USA so far in the fight against the pandemic, especially having in mind the fact that the USA is currently one of the countries most affected by this virus in the world.

President Vučić reminded his interlocutors that this year marks the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Serbia and the United States, expressing hope that we will have the opportunity to adequately mark this important jubilee, despite the restrictive circumstances caused by the pandemic.

Source: www.predsednik.rs

Photo: www.predsednik.rs

5 August 2021

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, attended the celebration of the Remembrance Day of all the victims and expelled Serbs in the armed operation "Storm" and said that Serbia remembers!

"Today, when we remind ourselves again of what happened in August 1995, the terrible pogrom, the expulsion of more than 250,000 Serbs, the exodus and ethnic cleansing, we, at the same time, and finally, remind ourselves of who we are, what we are, where we come from and where we are going. Thank you all for being here together tonight and for showing how much we love our people", said President Vučić, adding that we will not forget any of the things that the Krajina people had to go through.

"For us, these are not just terrible numbers of victims", said President Vučić and emphasized that Serbia will not forget.

"History has never been rewritten like today. That is why I want to remind us all not only of what others have done to us, not wanting us to exist, but also of what we have done to ourselves, just as if we ourselves did not want to exist", said the President, noting that we must never again allow Serbia to forget its silent heroes.

President Vučić emphasized that we must never again cover our eyes, ears, and mouths in front of something that truly was a pogrom and the downfall of all humanity.

"Pretending that this is not true, avoiding saying it, is a crime not only against the victims, but also against ourselves, every living Serb, people from Krajina, as well as Serbia and its future", said President Vučić and underlined that people can stand up straight and live with themselves and the others without hesitation, fear and doubt, only if they remember.

President Vučić pointed out that Serbia must fight for peace and cradles with children, as well as that not remembering annuls and erases us from the history and the future, depriving us of the right to tomorrow.

"Our mission is a happy future for us and for the new generations! Today's Serbia is based on a clear identity and a culture of remembrance", said President Vučić and reminded that everything that had been neglected for decades had been done, and that a strong Serbia has become the master of its own destiny.

"Eternal glory to you, Serbian martyrs who perished in the "Storm" and all other pogroms. Your children are in their Serbia, taken care of, loved and successful. Sleep peacefully, Serbian falcons, the future of your children is our vow", concluded President Vučić and thanked everyone who showed that night how much they love their country and that Serbia remembers.

Source: www.predsednik.rs

Photo: www.predsednik.rs

Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selaković made a decision on announcing a competition for co-financing of projects that contribute to the preservation and strengthening of ties between the home country and the diaspora, as well as the home country and Serbs in the region.

For information on the announced competitions, see the following links:

https://mfa.gov.rs/

https://www.dijaspora.gov.rs/uprava-za-dijasporu-konkursi/

2 August 2021

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, met today with the representatives of the company UGT Renewables LLC, after which an Agreement on Cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Mining and Energy of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the representatives of this company.

President Vučić said that this Agreement is the beginning of a new era and an important step into the future for the energy security of our country, but also one of the projects of crucial importance for economic development and success within the green agenda of Serbia.

After the signing of the Agreement, the President emphasized that it is important to have as many renewable energy sources as possible and that talks on the conditions are now to follow, and he expressed confidence that "the best possible agreement will be reached, which is crucial for the success of our country within the framework of the green agenda".

The President said that the construction of solar panels on an area of about 2,000 hectares and a dozen locations throughout Serbia was being negotiated with the American company, which would provide an additional gigawatt of electricity and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1.9 million tons per year.

"A big and important thing for Serbia, I believe that this will contribute to the further interest of energy and innovative companies to invest in our country", the president pointed out, adding that after the signing of the contract, the construction would take about two years.

"This is a great investment, that contributes to the economic growth of Serbia", President Vučić emphasized and added that in this way, Serbia will reform and modernize the energy sector.

The President pointed out that this project creates new opportunities for attracting other investors, who see the arrival of American investors as a positive signal.

The agreement was signed by Zorana Mihajlović, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mining and Energy, and Peter Goodall, CFO at UGT Renewables LLC.

The signing was also attended by US Ambassador Anthony Godfrey.

Source: www.predsednik.rs

Photo: Tanjug/Zoran Žestić

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia is co-financing projects which contribute to preserving and strengthening ties between the Republic of Serbia and the Serbian diaspora.

All relevant information concerning the abovementioned projects is available on the following web sites:

https://www.mfa.gov.rs/

https://www.dijaspora.gov.rs/lat/uprava-za-dijasporu-konkursi/

21 July 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic stated today in New York that our country has been given the opportunity to cooperate with one of the most powerful investment groups in the world, Goldman Sachs, which it will use.

Brnabic, who talked with Goldman Sachs President David Solomon, during her working visit to the USA, emphasised that the presence of Goldman Sachs gives a completely different level of respect and credibility of the country.

We tried to bring Goldman Sachs to Serbia, it seems that we have succeeded for now, on a small scale, they do not come just like that, they are not present in the region. We managed to agree to have a small joint project to make sure that everything we talk about is really like that, and when you open the door and show yourself, it is a different perspective, she explained.

The Prime Minister noted that she could not give details of the talks on the project that were discussed at the meeting. She pointed out that the meeting was at a completely different level than in 2014. Namely, this group will now be present as Goldman Sachs and develop some segment of its business in Serbia. It was an excellent, but difficult meeting, said Brnabic and added that this group knows everything about Serbia – how much we have changed, how serious and credible we are, they appreciate all that.

According to her, Serbia will continue to fight for the cooperation with Goldman Sachs to move to an even higher level.

The Prime Minister also expressed satisfaction with the results of the talks she had with entrepreneurs in the field of IT gathered in the organisation "Serbian Entrepreneurs", which helped her to have numerous meetings in the USA.

She said that she expects three or four new investments from the working meetings during her visit to the United States, which will bring at least 120 new jobs that will be created in the next year.

The Prime Minister emphasized that from the most important centre of the world, she received confirmation that everything we are doing and planning is on the right path, noting that all those who have already invested in Serbia have stated that we are another country compared to what they saw six years ago, and that it is an incredible step forward.

Source: www.srbija.gov.rs

Photo: www.srbija.gov.rs

20 July 2021

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, stated at a gathering dedicated to digitalization and the IT sector, which was held in New York, that since she became Prime Minister, she is most proud of Serbia's success in the field of digitalization.

Brnabić, who is on a two-day visit to the United States, said that when she was elected Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government in August 2016, she wanted to do everything to change the public administration and what bothered her as a citizen.

She stated that, when she took office as Prime Minister, she knew what her priorities were and that first of all, digitalization needed to be raised to a higher level, that the education reform was supposed to begin, as well as work on strengthening the economy. I believed in a country that believes in its people, because the Serbian people are creative.

From 1 June 2017, we started working as an e-Government, i.e. we started exchanging data electronically, said the Prime Minister. According to her, our citizens no longer had to go to, say, the Tax Administration, and since then, the public administration has exchanged 50 million documents, which means that citizens did not have to go from office to office for 50 million papers.

Brnabić pointed out that she is proud of what has been done in the field of education since she became the head of the Government, specifying that in September 2017, programming was introduced as a compulsory subject in primary schools. Nobody believed that we could do that, but we cooperated with the private sector and some social organizations and we succeeded. At the moment, we are far ahead of numerous countries in Europe and the world, said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister pointed out that she was most proud when the cornerstone was laid for the science and technology park in southern Serbia, noting that so far, our country has four science and technology parks. She pointed out that Serbia has since become one of the most successful countries in the world in the field of technology, and that according to some parameters, it is among the ten countries in the world, or among the five, assessing that this is proof that the country can change quickly.

Answering the question about vaccination, the Prime Minister emphasized that our country has never seen it as a geopolitical issue, but as a health issue. According to her, Serbia talked with producers from both the East and the West and was among the first European countries to sign agreements with the company Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinopharm. Unfortunately, many countries have viewed this issue as geopolitical. It did not matter to us, as long as the vaccines were safe, the Prime Minister emphasized and added that this was not the end of Serbia's success, because good organization was also needed.

Brnabić explained that the organization is another important thing in vaccination, because it is a logistically very difficult process, adding that, with the help of digitalization, success has been achieved and that everything we did in the previous years has paid off. She stated that Serbia quickly established a system through which citizens could express interest in vaccination against the coronavirus and choose which vaccine they wanted to receive, as well as to be informed by a message when to go and get vaccinated.

Now I can log in on my phone, to see how many people have received the vaccine, how many more have registered, so that the effects of digitalization are obvious. We have made everything very efficient and easy for our citizens, the Prime Minister explained.

Answering the question of what she can tell other countries of the world about how to progress faster, Brnabić said that it is important to invest as much as possible in digitalization and education. You need to teach children how to think, not what to think. Not all children will become IT experts, but what they can learn is an algorithmic way of thinking and how to make decisions, she said.

The Prime Minister mentioned investing in high-speed internet and providing infrastructure for start-ups as an important thing for progress, because more and more economies will be based on start-ups and innovations, emphasizing that people should be helped to start companies and implement their ideas.

Speaking about social networks, she pointed out that fake news has become the biggest problem on these networks and that it will remain so for some time. This is the biggest challenge I face as Prime Minister, especially during the corona virus pandemic, she said, adding that social networks are also a great opportunity for politicians to communicate with citizens.

Source: www.srbija.gov.rs

Photo: www.srbija.gov.rs

20 July 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic stated today that the result of the first day of talks with the representatives of American companies in New York was the announcement of three or four new investments in Serbia.

Brnabic, who is on a two-day visit to the United States, said after a meeting with more than 50 members of the New York branch of Young Presidents Organisations, that she is extremely pleased with the meetings in New York, where investments or investment funds were announced for our companies and for our young talents.

The Prime Minister pointed out that she was very well received and that the participants in the meeting announced that they would come to Serbia and that they would redirect the investments they planned to other parts of the world, such as India, to our country.

Brnabic pointed out that they are interested in investing in the IT sector, startup companies, biotechnology and biomedicine, explaining that these investments are not classic, but investment funds.

She expressed satisfaction that the leaders of the blockchain company Guilded, with whom she had previously talked, expressed interest in Serbia and its position in the field of blockchain – the latest technology that provides a high level of data protection and guarantees transactions without the possibility of abuse. In the years to come, Guilded will be one of the largest and most advanced companies.

If we bring them to Serbia, we will succeed in positioning ourselves on the world market in financial technologies, gold trade and the digital sphere, the Prime Minister emphasised. As she pointed out, representatives Guilded were impressed by what Serbia has done in the field of e-government, but also by the position in the field of blockchain.

The Prime Minister stated that they expressed interest in our data storage capacities and our Data Centre in Kragujevac.

If we finish everything started today, they will come to Serbia or keep their data in our country, said Brnabic, emphasizing that it would be of great importance for our country.

The Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to our diaspora and the organisation "Serbian Entrepreneurs", which helped organize the meetings.

Today, the Prime Minister continues talks with representatives of American companies, and one of the most important will be with the leaders of the largest investment bank, not only in the United States but also in the world, Goldman Sachs.

Source: www.srbija.gov.rs

Photo: www.srbija.gov.rs

13 July 2021

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, spoke at the Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) today and on that occasion sent an invitation to the representatives of the members to gather in Belgrade on 11 and 12 October, when the 60th anniversary of the first Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement held in Belgrade in 1961 will be marked.

Selaković informed the participants of the conference that Serbia would organize this important jubilee of non-aligned countries together with Azerbaijan – which is currently chairing the NAM.

In his address, Selaković reminded that the former Yugoslavia and President Tito, as co-founders of the Movement, gave their contribution to creating a vision of a different world, and that Serbia, as one of the successors of Yugoslavia, is proud of that part of its history.

"The spirit of non-alignment is based on equality, freedom, lasting peace, sovereign equality of states and peaceful cooperation of all peoples, and these values are also woven into the state-building foundations of Serbia", the minister said.

Selaković said that the Non-Aligned Movement throughout its history has been a beacon of freedom to all those who sought the right to existence and prosperity in a world that was often ruled, not by the force of law, but by the law of force.

He assessed that even today we find ourselves in times of serious global challenges in which the Movement has the opportunity to reaffirm its libertarian traditions and commitment to a world of equals.

"Serbia, as a militarily neutral and politically independent state, will give its most sincere contribution to such goals of the Movement. We hope that by strengthening mutual ties and cooperation, as a group of states and peoples that share the same values and interests, we will strengthen our common capacity to face the challenges of tomorrow. And the challenges are already before us", Selaković pointed out.

The Minister emphasized that international law should be a pillar of political and security architecture of the world, and added that Serbia respects the commitment of the members of the Movement towards the goals and principles of the UN Charter.

"Many members of this movement are aware that by insisting on international law, they are working in their own favor and in favor of preserving regional and global stability," the minister pointed out.

Selaković also said that the COVID-19 pandemic clearly showed that inequality, lack of solidarity and empathy in the world have become very obvious in the roughest way.

"Serbia is eternally grateful to all the countries which, such as Azerbaijan, helped us in difficult times. We later extended that chain of solidarity by making vaccines available, not only to our citizens, but also to others in the region. We supported our neighbors with the belief that solidarity is the best investment in a common future", the minister concluded.

July 12, 2021

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and the Prime Minister, Ana Brnabić, received today, at separate meetings, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Diplomacy Kurt Donnelly, with whom they discussed cooperation between the two countries in the field of energy.

President Vučić pointed out that it is important for Serbia to ensure energy security, i.e. a continuous supply of energy sources, for which the needs are growing.

American diplomat Donnelly said that for President Biden's administration, energy is one of the key issues in the economy, but also in foreign policy, considering that the United States want to be a global leader in the fight against climate change and encourage Serbia to be ambitious on this issue.

In this regard, President Vučić said that four laws in the field of mining and energy have been passed, which enable energy transition and contribute to achieving the goal of climate neutrality by 2050. He also stated that Serbia is commited to diversifying the sources and directions of gas supply.

The two interlocutors also discussed possible joint projects in the field of energy, as well as other issues of bilateral cooperation.

At the meeting with the Prime Minister of Serbia Ana Brnabić, energy efficiency was discussed, as well as energy security and the transition to a green economy.

Brnabić pointed out that Serbia has adopted important laws in the field of mining and energy, which will significantly affect the "green transition", as well as that significant funds are being invested in the installation of filters in Serbian factories, which should reduce air and environmental pollution, given that citizens care about their living environment.

Donnelly pointed out that the new US administration has set the field of energy among its main goals, and that the focus is on energy security and the concept of energy justice, in order for the citizens around the world to have enough energy and to create conditions for creating new and better jobs and job positions.

04 July 2021

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, congratulated US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Independence Day, emphasizing that the improvement of all forms of cooperation with the United States is one of the foreign policy priorities of the Republic of Serbia.

"On the occasion of the United States Independence Day, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and on my own behalf, I would like to send you my most sincere congratulations and best wishes for the prosperity of your country and the well-being of American citizens", Selaković said in his congratulatory message.

Minister Selaković reminded that this year, Serbia and the United States of America mark the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and that our two countries were allies in crucial moments in history, guided by faith in truth, justice and progress.

Selaković pointed out that more than a century ago, the Serbian flag fluttered over the White House and that many American citizens, in the difficult days that Serbia went through during and after the Great War, expressed support for the Serbian people worthy of admiration, which is why their charities remained deeply rooted in the memory of our people.

"I use this opportunity to express my high gratitude to the United States for supporting the process of European integration of the Republic of Serbia, as well as for the fact that we are recognized by your country as the economic engine of the Western Balkans", Selaković said.

The Minister also expressed satisfaction with the fact that in the previous period, concrete steps were taken to strengthen and deepen our bilateral cooperation, emphasizing the fact that the regional office of the International Development Finance Corporation was opened in Belgrade, which will contribute to a stronger economic presence of the United States in our country, as well as in the region.

29th June 2021

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić participated today via a video link in the conference "Mini Schengen" with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, Edi Rama, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia, Zoran Zaev.

The officials discussed further steps in regional cooperation, as a process vital to the progress of the Western Balkans and the European path as a whole.

The interlocutors agreed that the countries of the Western Balkans need membership in the European Union, but also that the European Union needs the Western Balkans just as much since the region is surrounded by EU borders and the countries aspiring to membership share common European values.

The President of Serbia and the Prime Ministers of Albania and North Macedonia have expressed the wish that the four European freedoms - the movement of people, goods, services and capital, begin to be implemented as soon as possible throughout the region, and that in this context they will provide full support to the regional common market at the Berlin Process Summit to be held on the 5th July.

"We are aware that only by working together and accepting regional cooperation within various regional initiatives such as the common market, regional Schengen, green corridors or the Berlin Process, can we bring our economies closer, increase the well-being of our people and bring in large investments that would otherwise not be possible for any of us individually", is one of the joint conclusions of this video conference.

The interlocutors agreed to meet in Skopje on July 29th to review the progress in the implementation of existing initiatives and projects and to sign additional agreements between the three countries related to the implementation of the Berlin Process commitments, as well as cooperation and assistance in the event of natural disasters and relief measures for trade, export and import.

"We call on and encourage our colleagues from the region to sign and implement similar agreements, so that the vision of a common political and economic space across the Western Balkans would soon, through the single market, become an important part of our citizens' daily lives," said the Serbian President and Prime Ministers of Albania and North Macedonia.

The interlocutors pointed out that despite the delays in the enlargement process, they will continue to try to identify new ways, policy areas and financial instruments for all three countries to increase their contribution to Europe, strengthen ties with the European Union and gradually integrate the region into the single European market.

Speaking on the Green Agenda, the interlocutors issued a joint call to the European Union and the United States to join countries across the region to support the development of projects that could be invested as soon as possible to improve environmental protection and increase the widespread use of renewables as part of the EU Economic and Investment Plan implementation and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.

"Our countries have a huge potential for sustainable growth and development of this sector. We will ask for practical support to find out which projects can improve our region in terms of renewable energy sources for our citizens and for the green energy future of the EU ", said the interlocutors during the "Mini Schengen" video conference and concluded that only regional connecting, with the EU support, can contribute to the overall stability and progress of the entire region and Europe.

Source: www.predsednik.rs

Photo: www.predsednik.rs

3 June 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic spoke today with Special Representative for the Western Balkans and Deputy Assistant Secretary at the US Department of State Matthew Palmer about the state of bilateral relations, the continuation of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, the relations in the Western Balkans region and the economic cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting was also attended by US Ambassador to Serbia Anthony Godfrey.

Brnabic pointed out that one of Serbia's foreign policy priorities is the improvement of all areas of cooperation and more intensive bilateral relations with the United States.

Our interest is to intensify the political dialogue and visits at the highest level, and I hope that this year we will have the opportunity to mark the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Prime Minister said.

Brnabic pointed out that the dialogue with the temporary institutions in Pristina is in the focus of the government, but that it is necessary to implement the things that were previously agreed within the dialogue, primarily to establish the Community of Serb Municipalities.

Belgrade has fulfilled all its obligations and we expect to see that from the other side as well, so that the dialogue makes sense.

One of them is the issue of finding and identifying missing persons, and we are fully committed to a complete solution to that issue, said the Prime Minister.

Palmer pointed out that the United States strongly supports the dialogue conducted under the auspices of the EU and the role of EU Special Envoy Miroslav Lajcak, and praised the commitment of Belgrade and President Aleksandar Vucic to the talks with Pristina.

Belgrade will continue to advocate achieving a sustainable compromise in the dialogue with Pristina, while protecting the interests of the Serbs there, as well as preserving the state and national interests of our country, the Prime Minister pointed out.

Brnabic and Palmer also discussed the overall regional situation and agreed that peace and stability in the Western Balkans are essential for the political and economic progress of the entire region.

Palmer underlined that one of the priority interests of the United States is the stability and security of the Western Balkans, and praised Serbia's role in regional initiatives, which will significantly raise the quality of life of all citizens in the region, but also further improve regional empowerment.

It was also pointed out that the focus of US activities in Serbia will be on investments in infrastructure and investments in renewable energy sources.

Palmer also highlighted the need to ensure that the media environment allows different opinions to be heard.

Source: www.srbija.gov.rs

Photo: www.srbija.gov.rs

26 May 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked today via video call with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe and Eurasia at the US Department of Commerce David de Falco about the improvement of bilateral economic cooperation, as well as cooperation with American companies and institutes in the field of energy diversification and renewable energy sources, digital economy, development and research.

Explaining that the development of an integrated national plan for energy and climate is of strategic importance for Serbia, the Prime Minister stated that legal frameworks have been created for a favourable business environment and opening the market for new investments in this area.

According to the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Serbia has proven to be a good investment market and one of the leading economies in the region.

It is necessary to strengthen economic cooperation in sectors where there are mutual benefits, De Falco explained, stating that American companies in Serbia operate with the same intensity in the current epidemiological conditions.

The digital economy and the IT sector are recognised as the bearers of future cooperation between Serbia and the United States, and significant project cooperation with American companies could be achieved in the digitalisation of the health care system in Serbia.

The Prime Minister mentioned the good results of the work of the company NCR, which has been operating in Serbia for many years, and pointed out that it is extremely important that investors like this are satisfied with doing business in Serbia and ready to cooperate with educational institutions, given that the economic reform is based on knowledge and innovation.

The meeting was attended by Serbian Ambassador to the US Marko Djuric and US Ambassador to Serbia Anthony Godfrey.

Source: www.srbija.gov.rs

Photo: www.srbija.gov.rs

20 May 2021

A new service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs "e-Consulate" was presented in Belgrade today, intended for foreign citizens who apply for a visa and aspire to come to Serbia to work.

On that occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selakovic said that this service was one of the indicators of good development of our country, which, as he pointed out, was becoming a magnet for serious foreign companies, which brought a large number of workers from other countries to work in Serbia.

"Not to be pretentious, but completely realistic, this service represents a turning point in the functioning of our system. E-Consulate and digitalization of the procedure for issuing work visas for foreign citizens who want to work in Serbia, is the first electronic service offered by the Foreign Ministry, and I can promise you that this is indeed our first, but by no means the last e-service", Selakovic emphasized.

The Head of Serbian diplomacy pointed out that "e-Consulate" reflected the modernization of an extremely important segment of the activities of diplomatic and consular missions of Serbia, and that we were actually talking about something that was essential for the further development processes of our country.

The Minister recalled that, when the President of the Republic visited the construction site of the Moravian Corridor, he was told that some construction works were delayed because Bechtel company was not issued work visas on time.

“The moment we saw that and heard the President, I alerted the services in the Ministry. We were surprised, as we knew that the issuance of visas in Turkey had a good dynamic, and then we determined that it was actually workers from Bangladesh who applied for a visa through our Embassy in India, where we have a problem with staff shortage”, the Minister explained.

As he added, this is a demanding and laborious task, each of our employees had to receive the documentation on paper, check it, then request additional information, and only then forward it.

"Today, this has been fantastically perfected for our consular officers, all that documentation is submitted in electronic form. We used to have two filters to check the documentation, now we actually have three. And the work is significantly more efficient", Selakovic pointed out.

As he emphasized, this is a service which was promised less than four months ago and it becomes available on Monday, in 95 diplomatic and consular missions of Serbia, i.e. in all our embassies and consulates general.

The biggest result of that endeavor, the Minister pointed out, apart from the advantage it would bring in the future work, was the fact that it was not a project of one state body, but a joint endeavor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, IT and eGovernment Office, General Secretariat of the Government, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs, National Employment Service.

“We did an extremely good job in record time. This is to the pride of our Ministry, to the pride of the entire state. I am convinced that in the period ahead, we will further modernize our affairs and make Serbia one of the few countries that has such mechanisms and such state-of-the-art provision of consular services", Selakovic said.

Speaking about the "e-Consulate" portal itself, the Minister explained that there is a cartoon of Nikola Tesla and the building of the old railway station with one crane, which actually symbolizes a historical fact - that Tesla was in Belgrade in the year when it was built.

"Today it is the place behind which the Belgrade of the future is rising, and what we managed to do together is an indicator of something that is the future of Serbia, the development of artificial intelligence, IT and creating conditions for more people to live and arrive here in Serbia in the future seeking good life and employment", concluded the Minister.

The Director of the Office for IT and eGovernment, Mihailo Jovanovic, said that this was the first time that e-services were focused on foreign citizens, which was the case with our citizens so far.

In the period from 1 January 2019 to 17 May this year, the most applications for Serbian visas were submitted at the Embassy in Beijing, 6,766 applications, then in New Delhi - 2,973, Shanghai 2,115, Tokyo 1,798, and Cairo 1,756.

In that period, 1,270 requests were submitted in Algiers, 1,095 in Jakarta, and 1,077 in Beirut.

In terms of their nationality, Serbian D visa for employment is most requested by citizens of China - 9,516 applications, followed by India 1,955, and Ukraine - 673.

19 May 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic attended today the signing of a cooperation agreement between the companies Millennium Resorts and Marriott International on the construction of a hotel complex in Vranjska Banja.

Brnabic stated that this investment will revive the south of central Serbia, and it will also bring new investors, jobs for citizens, higher wages and a better standard of living.

She underlined that this is the largest project of Marriott International in the Balkans and the biggest investment in the Serbian tourism at the moment.

According to her, it is difficult to bring projects to certain parts of the country that are far from Belgrade and where there are not many investors, and who do not see those places on the map of investment destinations, even though they are. But, when you attract one investment, another comes, a third starts, and that area begins to develop on its own. That is sustainable development, said the Prime Minister.

Brnabic assessed that the moment when this biggest investment in Serbian tourism is being realised is not at all easy, because everyone is still struggling with the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. Some of the biggest consequences are suffered by private companies and that is why I thank the Millennium team for not giving up on this project or postponing it, but going ahead with it so that Vranjska Banja could have such a pearl as soon as possible, the Prime Minister underlined.

US Ambassador to Serbia Anthony Godfrey said that the project of building this complex in cooperation with Millennium Resorts and Marriott International is important for both Serbia and the USA, not only in the economic, but also in the cultural sense.

He stated that one of the most beautiful hotel complexes in this part of Europe will be built in Vranjska Banja.

Source: www.srbija.gov.rs

Photo: www.srbija.gov.rs

29th April 2021

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met today the Ambassador of the United States of America, Anthony Godfrey, to discuss the continuation of the Washington Agreement implementation and European integration, as well as bilateral cooperation, especially in light of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

President Vučić said that the agreement on the normalisation of economic relations reached in Washington was complementary to the activities of the EU and a step towards the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Priština.

"Serbia is always ready for an open dialogue with Priština", President Vučić pointed out.

President Vučić expressed gratitude for Washington's continuous support on the path to Serbia's full membership in the EU, which is one of its priority foreign policy goals.

"American support in the process of European integration of our country is of great importance to us. The United States could suggest to its European partners that the progress of the Western Balkans in the field of European integration is necessary, primarily because of the possibility that the candidate countries will at some point feel the fatigue of the constant lack of progress. The reform of our societies is a goal in itself, but the outcome also needs to be known and clear", President Vučić emphasised.

President Vučić said that strengthening cooperation with the United States is one of the foreign policy priorities for Serbia and that he believes that the desire for stronger ties is mutual. Therefore, the President pointed out that more frequent high-level visits would confirm such a commitment of the two countries, and at the same time, he expressed hope that the American president could visit our country.

President Vučić and Ambassador Godfrey agreed that more projects of mutual interest are needed and, in this regard, pointed out the importance of engaging the regional office of the International Development Finance Corporation DFC in Belgrade.

Source: www.predsednik.rs

Photo: www.predsednik.rs

22nd April 2021

resident of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić talked today via a video link with the representatives of the Atlantic Council about the situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as about regional issues and foreign policy priorities of the country.

President Vučić emphasised that in the procurement of vaccines, Serbia did not act geopolitically, but having in mind the saving of human lives only.

He said he did not believe that what his team did was something hugely historical, even though Serbia with its efforts managed to obtain more vaccines than the others.

President Vučić pointed out that Serbia's success in the procurement of vaccines is related to its success in the economy and stated that Serbia is second in Europe in terms of growth and that the IMF forecasts Serbia to grow by 5% for the current year, while domestic projections range between 6 and 6.5 per cent of GDP growth.

He added that direct foreign investments also contributed to the strengthening of the Serbian economy, and reminded that last year Serbia attracted almost 70% of all investments in the region, which is the most important pillar of our economic growth, in addition to higher public spending.

"These good results were achieved with the reforms initiated in 2014 and 2015", President Vučić explained, adding he was proud that Serbia was able to help the region.

President Vučić expressed the expectation that the EU will open a cluster with Serbia in the accession negotiations in June.

"We have started to achieve results on many issues in the field of rule of law. I think we are making good progress in the fight against organised crime. Of course, there are issues we have to face. We have to make huge efforts to overcome all these problems. We are ready to hear all the criticism. If we can achieve results in the economy and vaccination, I do not doubt that we can improve the state of human rights and democracy", concluded President Vučić.

He stressed that the most important thing is to preserve peace and stability in the region and that the Western Balkans could be the engine of development of entire Europe if a single market within the "mini Schengen" initiative would be formed.

Speaking about the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, President Vučić said that both sides must fulfil what was signed in Brussels.

"You do not hear any blackmail from Belgrade. We do not threaten with war damages and lawsuits, but we hear that every day from Priština and there is no reaction from the USA and the EU", the President said, emphasising that it is important to increase trust between the two sides and that hostile atmosphere must not be created.

He pointed out that Serbia must invest more in the relationship with the United States and increase the trust of the American side.

"We need the United States as a friend of Serbia because we can do something good. We can progress with the support of the United States. That is a precondition for economic progress.

The United States may not be our best friend, but it is a friend with whom we have a common interest and common future", President Vučić said, adding that Serbia aspires to have as much support as possible.

He noted the military-technical cooperation, but also cooperation in other fields.

"The interest of American companies ready to invest - is growing", concluded President Vučić.

Speaking about the green agenda, President Vučić stated that it is not an easy issue for the region, and Serbia alike, although everyone agrees that a green transformation is necessary.

"Nowadays, jobs and living standard are no longer the main topic, because citizens know that everything is going well, but they are talking about ecology. Environmental protection is an important topic, to which we will dedicate ourselves, but we should not go to extremes," said President Vučić and pointed out that he was proud of the development of Serbia.

Source: www.predsednik.rs

Photo: www.predsednik.rs

21st April 2021

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić talked today via a video link with the representatives of the delegation of the International Monetary Fund led by the Head of the Mission, Jan Kees Martijn.

The interlocutors concluded that Serbia's main goal remains to preserve the hard-earned reputation of a fiscally secure country, as well as to continue with a responsible fiscal policy so that public debt does not exceed 60 per cent of GDP, whereby Serbia continues to work on further economic growth.

During the conversation, President Vučić and Jan Kees Martijn especially referred to the incentive measures and adopted three packages of measures to help the economy and citizens, which preserved macroeconomic stability and even achieved a higher employment rate.

Martijn commended the responsible economic policy of Serbia and the successful crisis management during the pandemic.

"Serbia achieved one of the best results last year despite the challenges of the pandemic", Martijn said, noting that Serbia was one of the few countries to which the IMF did not adjust the initial projection of the 5% growth rate it gave last year.

President Vučić added that following the first quarter of 2021, Serbia is well on its way to achieving the planned growth of 6% as planned, since one of the main focuses of the Government is investing in large infrastructure projects and intensifying work on attracting foreign direct investments.

"In 2020, Serbia was at the very top in terms of economic growth in Europe, and I am convinced that this year we can enter the first three or four countries in terms of growth", said President Vučić, adding that he was satisfied that Serbia still, despite the pandemic situation, has an extremely strong inflow of investment.

President Vučić and Jan Kees Martijn also discussed a new advisory arrangement, which is of special importance in light of the improvement of the general investment climate in Serbia, as well as in the context of even greater investor assurance.

"Given Serbia's tremendous progress over the past eight years, the priority goal of this arrangement will be to preserve the results achieved, but also to provide support for further implementation of structural reforms aimed at even faster, stronger and more sustainable growth", said President Vučić and thanked the IMF and the personal engagement of Jan Kees Martijn in the professional and expert support that Serbia is counting on.

President Vučić pointed out that Serbia will pay special attention to reforms in public companies, and that priorities will continue to be investments in infrastructure, creating an even better climate for investments, greater investments in the environment, science and capital projects, which will further contribute to the long term stable financial growth in the coming years.

Source: www.predsednik.rs

Photo: www.predsednik.rs

20th April 2021

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met today with the Regional Director of the World Health Organisation for Europe Hans Kluge, to discuss cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as cooperation in improving health care in our country and other joint activities.

President Vučić thanked Dr Kluge for his personal engagement and support during the current pandemic, especially for technical assistance and expertise.

On this occasion, he informed the WHO official about the results of immunisation in Serbia and plans on how to provide the vaccine to all citizens who want to get it.

Dr Kluge congratulated President Vučić on his leadership and personal commitment to provide vaccines. He emphasised that Serbia, with its good immunisation strategy, ranked among the global leaders, thus becoming an example of humanity and solidarity by enabling vaccination of elderly people in rural areas, foreign citizens and donating vaccines to other countries.

"Serbia has accepted the vaccine as a life-saving product and has not looked at it geopolitically", said Dr Kluge.

The two interlocutors agreed that the world should increase production capacities for vaccines, as well as develop new adequate therapies for the fight against COVID-19, and, in this regard, work on increasing the level of citizens' trust in science.

President Vučić informed Dr Kluge about the plans for improving the work of the Institute for Virology, Vaccines and Sera "Torlak".

"We want to make 'Torlak' one of the best vaccine factories in Europe", said President Vučić.

Source: www.predsednik.rs

Photo: www.predsednik.rs

Belgrade, 19 April 2021 - Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked today with World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge about the epidemiological situation and the course of immunisation of citizens in Serbia.

Brnabic expressed gratitude for the cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, technical assistance and expertise, emphasising that the support of this organisation is very important for our country.

She informed the WHO Regional Director for Europe about the course of immunisation of citizens in Serbia, expressing her belief that, thanks to the large number of vaccinated people, we will be able to create collective immunity and return to normal life.

Kluge assessed the immunisation process in Serbia as impressive, and added that Serbia has made a good decision to offer citizens all available vaccines used in the fight against coronavirus.

Expressing concern over the emergence of new strains of the virus, he stressed the need to speed up the immunisation process and show mutual solidarity.

The WHO Regional Director for Europe praised Serbia for the humanity it has shown by donating vaccines to the countries of the region and enabling vaccination for those who do not have a sufficient number of vaccines for their citizens.

The Prime Minister said that Serbia will continue to cooperate with the countries of the region and help in accordance with its capabilities.

When it comes to the project "Roadmap for Health in the Western Balkans 2021-2025", it was stated that, if epidemiological conditions allow, a regional meeting will be held in Belgrade at the end of the year, important for future improvement of cooperation between countries in the field of health challenges.

Source: www.srbija.gov.rs

Photo: www.srbija.gov.rs

April 19, 2021, Washington, D.C. - March 26, 2018, is a day Marko Đurić, Serbia’s new ambassador to the United States, will never forget. On that Monday, Đurić—at the time chief negotiator for Serbia’s Office for Kosovo and Metohija—was meeting with local Serbs in the town of North Mitrovica when he was violently detained for having crossed into Kosovar territory illegally. A rather shocking video of the incident, which has been shared on YouTube more than 370,000 times, speaks for itself.

“Authorities were duly notified that I was coming. So was the EU,” Đurić said in a recent phone interview, insisting that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and his Kosovar counterpart, Hashim Thaçi, specifically discussed the upcoming negotiations over a dinner in Brussels three days before the confrontation took place.

“Nevertheless,” he said, “they sent 250 heavily armed special unit members accompanied by 17 armored vehicles, basically stormed the roundtable venue and brutally beat up the democratically elected president of the Serbian community. They arrested and kidnapped me, brought me to Prishtinë and paraded me on the main streets while filming with cellphones. It was quite traumatic. They put a knife to my throat.”

Vučić condemned the incident, as did the European Broadcasting Union and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), though Kosovo’s then-deputy prime minister, Enver Hoxhaj, justified Đurić’s arrest on the grounds that his “unauthorized presence” in Kosovo had breached EU agreements between the two sides. Looking back three years later, Đurić (pronounced DJOO-rich) said he never wanted to put himself in the spotlight—and that he prefers to bear the ordeal with dignity.

“But it is unprecedented to treat an envoy like this,” he complained. “Since the time of the ancient Persians, envoys have been treated with respect. They violated something that has been sacrosanct for millennia.”

Even so, said the 37-year-old ambassador, “I don’t possess a single grain of hatred or resentment toward the Albanians or any nation. Of course, I do not forget and do not appreciate those political leaders who, by doing such a thing, did a disservice not only to myself but to their own cause.”

Đurić aims to ‘increase trust’ between Washington, Belgrade

Đurić’s great-grand uncle is Nikola Pašić, who served as prime minister of both Serbia and Yugoslavia in the early 20th century.

Đurić arrived in Washington last December with his wife and three daughters, presenting his credentials as ambassador in a Jan. 18 virtual ceremony.

Born and raised in Belgrade when it was still the capital of Yugoslavia, he also lived for a time in Israel; his maternal grandmother was interned in Auschwitz during World War II and was one of the few members of her family to survive the Holocaust.

“During the 140 years of diplomatic relations between Serbia and the United States, we’ve been allies in both world wars,” Đurić said. “Serbia lost one-third of its population in World War I fighting against the Axis powers. During World War II, we also fought side-by-side against the Nazis. And the first uprising in occupied Europe against the Nazis happened in Serbia.”

Đurić is vice-president of the Serbian Progressive Party, which has 750,000 members—making it Europe’s largest political party by membership. At present, it holds 157 seats in the National Assembly, while the ruling coalition (of which it forms a part) occupies 188 of 250 seats.

As ambassador, says Đurić, one of his priorities is to deepen Serbia’s ties with the United States and “increase the level of trust” between Washington and Belgrade.

“We would love to see a US president visit Serbia,” he said, noting that the last president to set foot in Belgrade was Jimmy Carter in 1980, shortly after the state funeral of Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito.

Đurić has met three presidents already: Donald Trump last September, Barack Obama in 2013, when the ambassador was serving as Vučić’s foreign policy advisor, and Joe Biden when he was vice president in 2013, and again in 2016 when he visited Belgrade.

From an economic point of view, Serbia—with a population of 6.9 million—has fared well despite the difficulties caused by Europe’s coronavirus crisis. Unemployment has fallen from 26% to 8% in the past seven years, while foreign debt is down from 79% of GDP to 56%—though that’s still not enough to satisfy the requirements of European Union membership.

“For the last three years in a row, we have had more foreign direct investment than all the surrounding countries combined. This is the result of serious incentives we offer, and a generally favorable investment climate,” Đurić said, naming Germany and Italy as Serbia’s top sources of FDI.

“We would love the US to be one of the pillars of Serbia’s future economic growth, and we believe this could also create a more fertile ground for political relations to flourish.” To that end, Đurić wants to make the Serbian Embassy in Washington “an entry point for businesses on both sides,” and to see the elimination of all artificial barriers and borders that prevent the free flow of goods, services and capital throughout the Balkans.

“It’s extremely frustrating to have people waiting for hours at border crossings every 80 to 100 kilometers,” he said. “We want to create a regional Balkan mini-Schengen Zone that would replicate what was done in Western Europe.”

A permanent solution to the Kosovo question?

But economic progress is unlikely to happen until resolution of the political impasse between Serbia and Kosovo, a once-autonomous province that unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008. As of mid-April, 117 countries have recognized Kosovo as a sovereign nation, including the United States; the latest to do so was Israel, on Feb. 1.

“We were very disappointed with this decision,” Đurić said. “Historically, Serbia and Israel have always been on the same side. This is a huge emotional and political wound for us.”

On March 22, Kosovo’s parliament named Albin Kurti prime minister, more than a month after the country’s snap elections. Đurić said that’s going to make progress even more unlikely.

“I expect it will be difficult to work with the new government because Kurti, immediately upon his election, said that dialogue with Serbia will not be among his priority. I think this is a big mistake, because Kosovo needs a solution to this conflict even more than we do. We have a growing economy, while in Kosovo the unemployment rate is 30%. Unfortunately, this new government has set their red lines at an impossibly high level. They just want to have it all.”

In our interview, Đurić dismissed suggestions that Kosovo will eventually prevail and win the backing of countries that have still withheld diplomatic recognition—a list that includes China, Cyprus, Greece, India, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Spain and Ukraine.

“For Serbs, Kosovo is the cradle of our identity. It is the place where our medieval kings and saints are buried. It is also a place where very resilient Serbian communities still survive as a minority. Serbs consider Kosovo part of our territory,” he said.

“At the same time, Serbia is very much aware of the realities we face. We are open for discussion on a compromise to resolve the Kosovo issue and bring lasting peace and stability to the region.”

Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., Đurić urges a “just solution” in which both sides will come out equally satisfied.”

“We want to do this in a way that won’t leave wounds on both sides, at least partly satisfying our mutual ambitions,” he said. “This will definitely not be an easy task. But we need to start talking. It’s better to talk a thousand days than be in conflict for one single day.”

by Larry Luxner

Belgrade, 13 April 2021 - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic warned, at the United Nations Security Council meeting, that the political extremism among Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija was not decreasing, but on the contrary, was becoming stronger.

At the meeting discussing the Report of the UN Secretary-General on the work of UNMIK, Minister Selakovic recalled that the obligation to form the Community of Serb Municipalities remained unfulfilled for 2,917 days now and that, in fact, 19 April marked eight full years since the agreement was reached in Brussels, while Pristina still refused to follow up on its commitment and enable the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities.

The Minister reminded that the current Prime Minister of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina repeatedly threatened to unite the self-proclaimed Kosovo and Albania, and that he also stated that the dialogue with Belgrade was low on the list of his priorities.

Minister Selakovic pointed out that it was high time for Albanian leaders in Pristina to show responsibility in fulfilling their commitments, but also a sincere commitment to reaching a compromise solution and building mutual trust.

"Serbia is determined and will not give up on identifying a compromise solution, which will be sustainable for future generations as well. The only way to build lasting peace and stability in our region is by working to build trust and insisting on positive political agendas", Selakovic concluded.

According to the Minister, lasting peace and stability can only be achieved if none of the participants in the dialogue pursued maximalist demands and insisted on the complete humiliation of the other.

He pointed out that the Serbian and Albanian peoples, as the two most numerous peoples in the Western Balkans, needed to find a way to reach reconciliation and a basis for cooperation, both in terms of the economy and in achieving shared prospects for membership of the European Union.

"Belgrade has made sincere steps in that direction, by being one of the initiators of the idea of relaxing the flow of people, goods, capital and services, popularly referred to as "mini-Schengen", the Minister underlined. Pointing out that Serbia had time and time again demonstrated its commitment to dialogue as the only way towards a peaceful, political solution to the problem in Kosovo and Metohija, Selakovic underscored that the recent elections in the Province confirmed that political extremism among Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija was not decreasing, but on the contrary, was becoming stronger, which could be seen during the recent pre-election process.

Minister stressed that political pressures on Serbs continued even after the election process was completed, by denying Serbs fair representation in provisional institutions as the new so-called government in Pristina decided to assign only one ministry to the Serb community.

"Serb returnees represent a particularly vulnerable category, who spend their every day in fear of being attacked. I remind you that the southern Serbian province is still an area with the lowest return rate of displaced persons in the world", the Minister said and emphasized that, in the last year alone, more than 80 attacks and incidents took place in our southern province, targeting Serbs, their property and religious sites.

It is particularly worrying for the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija, Selakovic noted, that in the previous period, and especially in March this year, there were frequent physical attacks on the property of the Serbian Orthodox Church. "A striking example of the disrespectful attitude towards Serbian cultural and religious monuments in the Province, whose exceptional universal value UNESCO confirmed by inscribing them on the World Heritage List, is the case of the Visoki Decani Monastery", the Minister underlined.

Furthermore, the Serbian Foreign Minister assessed as concerning the breaking into the Health Center in Strpce by police inspectors and officers, in January this year, who conducted a search aiming to discover Covid-19 vaccines there, originating from central Serbia.

"Although we consider this to be an intrusion into a health care institution, our reaction was restrained this time as well. We did not want our decisions to cause escalation and politicization of activities that are solely aimed at protecting public health. We organized the vaccination of citizens from Kosovo and Metohija at three locations in central Serbia and thus clearly demonstrated that people's lives are the top priority to us", the Minister stressed.

Minister Selakovic stated that Serbia highly valued the activities of UNMIK mission in Kosovo and Metohija and that it supported it in carrying out its work as efficiently as possible and undiminished in scope, aiming to build and preserve security in the Province.

Selakovic said that the international missions in Kosovo and Metohija - UNMIK, KFOR, EULEX and the OSCE mission, under the administration of the United Nations and in line with UNSC Resolution 1244, played a key role in the preservation of peace and protection of the population.

"We support and respect their engagement and efforts made in the framework of their mandates, with the common goal of creating conditions for a peaceful and safe coexistence of the inhabitants of Kosovo and Metohija. The Serb and other non-Albanian population in Kosovo and Metohija have the utmost confidence in the international presence and consider it a guarantor of security and a barrier against the arbitrariness of the provisional institutions in Pristina", the Minister emphasized.

He said that this demonstrated the need that international missions remain engaged in an undiminished scope, in order to consistently implement UNSC Resolution 1244. Selakovic further emphasized the importance of KFOR international forces and pointed out that any unilateral attempt to assign to someone else or that someone else assumes a part of KFOR's mandate and responsibilities constitutes a violation of UNSC Resolution 1244.

The Minister also noted as unacceptable the unilateral decisions on the formation of the Pristina "Ministry of Defence" and launching the process of transforming the so-called "Kosovo Security Forces" (KSF) into the so-called "Kosovo Army".

At the beginning of his statement, Minister Selakovic lodged a protest against the abuse of the video format of the session by the representative of Pristina as she had a flag of the self-proclaimed "Kosovo" placed behind her, and the representative of Russia did the same.

Belgrade, 13 April 2021 - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic stated today that Pristina further persisted in its campaign of hatred against the Serbian people, which was most drastically seen in the unfounded accusations of mass rapes and genocide.

At the UN Security Council meeting discussing the Report of the UN Secretary-General on the work of UNMIK, Selakovic emphasized that the efforts of the provisional institutions in Kosovo and Metohija to create a narrative about mass rapes of Albanian women were obvious, and that propaganda methods and lies were used for that purpose.

"It is clear that there were victims on all sides in the conflict, as well as that our side has evidence of numerous Serb victims. But the precondition for ensuring the protection of rights that belong to each individual victim is a rational and well-argued approach", Selakovic said responding to the slander of the Pristina representative.

Selakovic underlined that, contrary to the claims of politicians from Pristina about 20,000 raped Albanian women, the information provided by the Commission for the Verification and Recognition of Sexual Violence Victim Status indicates 912 raped persons, however, failing to include in this number the Serb women who were victims of violence.

"Let me emphasize that Serbia condemns every act of sexual violence in conflicts and is committed to achieving justice for all victims. The number of victims certainly does not diminish the horrific effect of this type of violence on each victim individually, but also, speculating on numbers does not contribute to justice being served and leads to politicization and slowing down the reconciliation process", Selakovic said.

Regarding the genocide accusations, Minister Selakovic stated that they only went to prove that Pristina further persisted in its campaign of hatred, propaganda and open hostility towards the Serbian people.

"Through statements given on a daily basis, they attempt to paint a picture that Serbia is to blame for everything and that genocide was committed against Albanians, all in order to hide their own responsibility for the committed crimes", the Serbian Foreign Minister said.

He underlined that anyone who knew what the definition of genocide implied would understand that it was not Serbia that committed something, but that the Serbian people was instead a victim of the "state-building" project of the Kosovo Albanians, based on the dangerous idea of ethnically clean territories, as evidenced by more than 200,000 expelled Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija.

"We are convinced that the civilized world will not agree to be their accomplice in concealing and covering up their crimes, and that a clear message will be sent to them that they must take responsibility for their actions", Selakovic said.

He reminded that until 1999, around 40,000 Serbs lived in Pristina, and that today there were only about twenty of them, that around 17,000 Serbs lived in Pec, and that today there were only the Serbian nuns in the Patriarchate of Pec, that around 12,000 Serbs lived in Prizren before the war, and that today only 17 families remained there, and that in Urosevac, out of 10,000 Serbs who lived there before the war, only the family of a Serbian priest remained.

During the upcoming Easter and May 1st holidays, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Washington DC, will be closed to the public from April 30th until May 5th. For emergencies, use the following phone number: (202) 706-0209

Belgrade, March 31, 2021 - President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić gave an interview to CNN News and spoke about Serbia's successful vaccination campaign and about helping neighbors and other foreigners get COVID-19 jabs for free in our country. 

"For us, it's not a matter of geopolitics, it's a matter of saving people's lives", said President Vučić.

The interview is available here.

Belgrade, 24 March 2021 – President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic made a statement on the occasion of marking the Day of Remembrance of the victims of the NATO aggression.

"Your Holiness, distinguished Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, distinguished Speakers of the National Assemblies of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, distinguished Prime Ministers of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, distinguished Ministers of both Governments, dear guests and friends, representatives of the Serbian People from Montenegro, North Macedonia, Croatia, thank you for the fact that we are all together tonight and that the Serbian spirit is unbreakable and invincible.

One child a day and a little more than that. That is the most difficult, sickening and painful number of the NATO aggression from 1999. Killed, stopped, guilty of nothing, having committed no sin, without the right to defence, without the right to justice and without the right to life.

No one has ever been held accountable for this crime, a crime greater than a crime. No one, for the 2,500 killed civilians, but also soldiers and policemen who were only guilty of guarding, protecting themselves and their homes. No one has ever been held accountable for more than 6,000 persons injured.

La République de Serbie en qualité de membre associé à l'OIF, de concert avec toute la communauté francophone dans le monde entier, célèbre le Mois de la Francophonie.

Pour tous les amateurs de la culture serbe et de la langue française, le Ministère de la Culture et de l'Information de la République de Serbie a préparé un vaste programme et L’Ambassade de la République de Serbie aux États-Unis vous invite à découvrir la diversité et la richesse de la culture serbe en français.

The Republic of Serbia, as an Associate Member of the International Organization of Francophonie (OIF), together with the entire French-speaking community around the world, celebrates the Month of Francophonie.

For all lovers of Serbian culture and the French language, the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia has prepared an extensive program and the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in the USA invites you to discover the diversity and richness of Serbian culture in French.

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic participated today in the commemoration of the Remembrance Day of 17 March 2004 - Pogrom in Kosovo and Metohija. He said that exactly 17 years ago, a pogrom took place in Kosovo and Metohija, and that pogrom surpassed all other crimes.

"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest, these words of Elie Wiesel, a camp survivor and Nobel laureate, make it forever incumbent upon us not to remain silent against crime, regardless of who and for what reason committed it", President Vucic stated and added that we remembered and learned every lesson in which we were losers, each one in which we were silent to our own victims, and each one when we were ready to forget.

"Serbia is no longer weak today, nor is it a country of losers, it does not threaten, but it does not forget either, it is ready for talks, but not for humiliation. Serbia, just like everyone else, has the right to take care of its people, their safety and well-being. The right to life is a fundamental human right and we will always defend it", President Vucic said.

President Vucic said that pogrom surpasses all other crimes, because it is not only an act, but an intention, a policy, a premediated attempt to forcibly cleanse persons belonging to other peoples and faiths from a region or a country.

"We have no right to remain silent to that", said the President of Serbia, emphasizing that we have an obligation to be winners without blood spilled and war, to be the best in the economy, healthcare, sports, education and everything else that implies development and progress.

"We also wish others to work on themselves and be successful, because we are aware that crime is a tool for losers that winners do not need, as they remember, but forgive and move on, while the losers keep spinning in the same vicious circle. We Serbs do not want to be that anymore, we want a future in which we will remember, but from which we will not return. We know what happened and we call it by its real name", President Vucic concluded.

Photo: Dimitrije Goll

Belgrade, 15th March 2021 - President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić spoke today via video link with the US State Department's Special Representative for the Western Balkans, Matthew Palmer, with whom he discussed numerous regional issues, the general situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery measures and continuation of dialogue with Priština.

The interlocutors primarily discussed the current situation regarding the pandemic, which left serious consequences for the health and lives of people around the world, as well as the global economy. President Vučić informed Special Representative Palmer about the measures taken by Serbia to protect the population, as well as about the course of vaccination of Serbian citizens.

Palmer congratulated Serbia on the exceptional success in vaccination, as well as on the help in vaccines that were delivered to the countries in the region. He particularly pointed out the importance of such a regional policy aimed at solidarity and connection, emphasising that in challenging times countries should find an opportunity to express their readiness for cooperation.

Belgrade, 12 March 2021 - Prime Minister Ana Brnabic held an online meeting today with Special Representative for the Western Balkans and Deputy Assistant Secretary at the US Department of State Matthew Palmer.

Palmer and Brnabic discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, the situation in the region and the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, as well as economic relations and American investments in Serbia.

Brnabic underlined that one of the foreign policy priorities of Serbia is the improvement of all areas of cooperation with the United States (US), noting that the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries is marked this year.

The House of Jevrem Grujic from Belgrade prepared an online theatre performance titled “Two Women One War” with Serbian actresses Marija Bergam and Vjera Mujovic in leading roles.

This performance is about friendship between two nations, the Serbian and the American, during the Great War, in the most horrific moments of our history, as reflected in the intertwined fates of two women, who spent years striving, promoting and representing Serbia, serving the country in such a diplomatic mission throughout the world.

One of these two women was American, Mabel Dunlop Grujić, who married Serbian diplomat Slavko Grujić, and the other was Serbian, Jelena Lozanić, who later married John Frothingham, the greatest American benefactor of the Serbian people. Both of these women had two homelands – Serbia and the U.S.

The performance is with English subtitles, and the tickets can be purchased here.

Your оnline tickets' purchase supports the work of The House of Jevrem Grujic, Museum of Art, History and Diplomacy in Belgrade, and further development of the project "Heroines of Serbian History". 

Belgrade, 8 March 2021 - Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic said today that the fight against all forms of crime was a top priority of the Serbian Government and an integral part of the EU accession process.

"It is also our moral duty, in order to leave a better world for the generations to come", Selakovic said participating via video-link at the 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held in Kyoto.

Minister Selakovic emphasized that Serbia, in its Second Serious and Organized Crime Threat Assessment from 2019, identified as its goal to eliminate cybercrime, human trafficking, terrorism and irregular migration.

The Serbian Foreign Minister pointed out that our country had established in a timely manner a normative and institutional framework that regulates prevention of abuse in this area, as well as that the Office of the Special Prosecutor for Cybercrime, a special court department and a special police unit were established.

The Minister underlined that, in the field of the fight against corruption, Serbia was guided by the postulates set out in the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the UN Convention against Corruption.

Selakovic pointed out the efforts made by the Anti-Corruption Agency, as an independent state body, to protect the public interest, build individual and institutional integrity, strengthen transparency and accountability of the public administration.

"We strongly condemn all forms of terrorism, including extremism and radicalism, and call for them to be fully eradicated, while implementing the relevant UN resolutions and conventions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy", the Head of Serbian diplomacy underscored.

In order to combat these complex phenomena efficiently and successfully, Selakovic said, it was of vital importance to build capacities of our societies and states, while exchanging experiences at the regional and global levels.

Minister Selakovic thanked Japanese Ambassador Hikihara for the skill he showed in conducting the talks on harmonizing and adopting the Kyoto Declaration, which, as he stressed, was an important indicator of the commitment to creating and maintaining the institutional framework for crime prevention as one of the main preconditions for promoting sustainable development goals.

"Back in 1970 when Japan hosted this event for the first time, we demonstrated strong political will to draw attention to the problem. Today, it is incumbent upon us to reaffirm this willingness and resolve and translate it into concrete steps", the Serbian Foreign Minister said.

Washington D.C, March 5, 2021 - Two pieces of artwork from Wayland Baptist University art professor Dejan Mraovic, MFA, were selected for a retrospective show “REACH: 50+ year of Works by Ohio Graphic Design Alumni” at the Ohio University.

The first poster features six banknotes designed for the National Bank of Serbia in Belgrade. The front and back of each dinar bill show “the greatest sons and daughters of Serbia” such as Nikola Tesla.

Mraovic’s second poster shows examples of Serbiana, a sans-serif font he designed with Latin and Cyrillic characters.

Mraovic’s works were done in collaboration with the National Bank of Serbia and will be submitted for consideration for implementation.

The posters will be on display at the Ohio University art show until March 11, 2021.

The exhibition showcases typography, complex communication systems, and the diversity of graphic design in contemporary culture by 20 alumni. It can be viewed online at https://www.ohio.edu/fine-arts/reach.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic held an online meeting today with Special Representative for the Western Balkans and Deputy Assistant Secretary at the US Department of State Matthew Palmer.

Palmer and Brnabic discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, the situation in the region and the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, as well as economic relations and American investments in Serbia.

Brnabic underlined that one of the foreign policy priorities of Serbia is the improvement of all areas of cooperation with the United States (US), noting that the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries is marked this year.

Speaking about the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, she said that Belgrade will remain committed to the dialogue and ready for its continuation, but, as she explained, it will also continue to insist on the full implementation of the previous agreements.

The US Deputy Assistant Secretary said that the US supports the process conducted by the EU and added that he expects the dialogue to resume soon.

He highlighted the importance of the implementation of the Brussels Agreement, noting that it is not starting from the beginning, but that many segments of the agreement, which refer to the improvement of the lives of citizens, have already been implemented.

According to him, the compromise is the basis not only of dialogue, but also of the future agreement between the two sides.

Palmer stated that the overriding interest of the US is the stability and security of the Western Balkans region, and praised the constructive role of Serbia in regional initiatives such as the Mini Schengen.

The Prime Minister reiterated that Serbia is committed to improving relations with its neighbours, and that during the pandemic, the contribution to cooperation with countries in the region has been especially visible through the provision of vaccines, humanitarian and medical aid.

Serbia can count on the support of the US on its European path, Palmer emphasised and pointed out that progress has been made in European integration and reforms, primarily in the field of the economy.

When it comes to European integration, Brnabic pointed out that Serbia has accepted the new methodology of the European Union and that it expects positive signals from the Union in the coming period.

The interlocutors also discussed the possibilities of increasing economic cooperation and American investments on our market, adding that American companies that already operate in Serbia are satisfied with the existing conditions.

The Special Representative of the State Department used the opportunity to praise the positive trend of immunisation of the population in Serbia, but also to thank for the successful vaccination of the staff of the American Embassy to Serbia.

Belgrade,
12 March 2021
 

Washington, D.C, March 1, 2021 - H.E. Ambassador Marko Djuric was pleased to join fellow Ambassadors and Chiefs of Diplomatic Missions in welcoming us all to another month of celebrating the Francophonie Cultural Festival here in Washington D.C. in a special video message. 

Joyeuse Francophonie à tous!

The Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church elected His Eminence Metropolitan Porfirije of Zagreb-Ljubljana, PhD, as the new Serbian Patriarch, in its convocation in Memorial Cathedral of Saint Sava in Belgrade on 18 February 2021.

Immediately after the election a thanksgiving service was officiated and Many Years was chanted to the Archbishop of Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije. Bells at Saint Sava Cathedral in the Vracar district of Belgrade rang a few minutes before 4:00 pm indicating that the 46th Patriarch of Serbia was elected.

Newly-elected Archbishop of Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije (Peric) was born on 22 July 1961 in Becej, to father Radivoje and Mother Radojka. He was baptized as Prvoslav. He finished primary school in Curug, and the “Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj” Grammar School in Novi Sad. He was ordained a monk according to the rite of small schime by his spiritual father, then hieromonk Dr. Irinej (Bulovic), at Decani Monastery on Sunday of St. Thomas in 1985.

He graduated from the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Belgrade in 1986, when the then Bishop of Raska-Prizren Diocese, future Serbian Patriarch Pavle of blessed memory, ordained him a hierodeacon at the monastery of Holy Trinity in Musutiste.

He attended postgraduate studies in Athens from 1986 until 1990. That year, upon the blessing of Bishop Dr. Irinej of Backa, he joined the monastery of Holy Archangels in Kovilj, where he was ordained as hieromonk and became its abbot.

Many young monks and novices came to the monastery following him. These were the years when the Kovilj Monastery became a spiritual center for many young people: intellectuals, artists, popular actors and rock musicians, especially from Novi Sad and Belgrade. Since then abbot Porfirije has particularly dealt with drug-addicted patients. In 2005, he formed for this purpose a therapeutic community called “The Land of the Living”, which is recognized as the most successful drug-addiction therapy project and, under the leadership of Bishop Porfirije, it has more than a hundred residents in camps throughout Serbia today.

During the ordinary meeting of the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Belgrade on 14 May 1999 he was elected as Bishop of Jegar, Vicar of the Diocese of Backa.

He defended his PhD thesis Possibility of knowability of God in St. Paul’s understanding according to the interpretation of Saint John Chrysostom at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Athens in 2004.

He became a lecturer at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology - Department of Pastoral Psychology - succeeding famous psychiatrist, academician Dr. Vladeta Jerotic. His lectures have been attended not only by students of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, but other Belgrade faculties as well.

Together with a group of experts: psychologists, doctors, criminologists, sociologists, Bishop Porfirije founded a civic association that deals with the resocialization of victims of destructive religious sects and cults.

Bishop Porfirije has not been just president of the Steering Board for a decade, but a real spiritus movens of the Humanitarian Fund “Privrednik”, which has provided scholarships for a great number of gifted, but poor pupils and students, regardless of their nationality or religious affiliation.

In 2005, the National Assembly elected him as representative of all Churches and religious communities, to be a member of the Council of the Republic Broadcasting Agency, and in 2008 the RBA elected him its president. As President of the Council of the Republic Broadcasting Agency, Bishop Porfirije supported the long-term interests of society and citizens, unaffected by political influences.

Since then, church radio stations have been heard in the broadcasting spectrum of Serbia. He has made a key contribution to launching of a series of radio and television shows dealing with religious topics.

In 2010, The Holy Assembly of Bishops entrusted him to establish military chaplaincy in the Serbian Armed Forces. The fruits of his labour in that field include not only the suitable legal regulations, but also the selection of military chaplains, the organization and equipping of churches at barracks and performance of the first religious services.

His expert theological works Bishop Porfirije published in magazines both in Serbia and abroad. He participated in a large number of scientific conferences and symposia across the globe.

Bishop Porfirije, as one of the most prominent contemporary Serbian clergymen and intellectuals, has an extremely wide circle of friends, not only in the Homeland, and he fosters personal friendship and close cooperation with priests and representatives of other Churches and religious communities.

He speaks Greek, English, German and uses the Russian language, while his style of communication is always adapted to his interlocutors.

He was enthroned as the Metropolitan of Zagreb and Ljubljana on 13 July 2014 in the Cathedral Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Zagreb. The solemn Hierarchal Liturgy was served by Serbian Patriarch Irinej, accompanied by a large number of archbishops of the Serbian Church and other sister Churches, as well as priests and monks, and pious people.

18 February 2021

Source: SPC/Serbian Orthodox Church

Washington, D.C, February 15, 2021 - This year, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in the United States of America celebrates Sretenje - the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia in a virtual manner. The program we prepared on this occasion is available on our Embassy’s official YouTube channel:

Serbia Statehood Day Program

On the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prepared a video available on the following link:

Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia

Belgrade, 7 February 2021 - President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Army Aleksandar Vucic attended a demonstration of capabilities of one part of Serbian Army units in the "Rastko Nemanjić" barracks in Pancevo. On this occasion, President Vucic stated that Serbia was ready to continue the EU-facilitated dialogue with Pristina at any point, while respecting also the position of the United States as well as the positions of Russia and China.

Belgrade, 7th February 2021 - President of the United States of America Josef Biden conveyed a letter of congratulation on the Statehood Day of Serbia to the President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić. The congratulation reads as follows:

"On behalf of the American people, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and your fellow citizens as you celebrate Serbia's national day on February 15.

As we commemorate 140 years of partnership between our two countries, the United States maintains its enduring commitment to promoting economic cooperation, regional stability, and democratic values. We remain steadfast in our support for Serbia's goal of European integration and encourage you to continue taking the hard steps forward to reach that aim - including instituting necessary reforms and reaching a comprehensive normalization agreement with Kosovo centered on mutual recognition. The strength of our relationship is built on a deep history of people-to-people ties, fighting as allies in both World Wars, and we celebrate the great contributions Serbians have made to American society across many fields. We also value our close cooperation in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic as we jointly confront this unprecedented global challenge.

I look forward to working with you to deepen the bonds of friendship between our countries and to strengthen the relationship between Serbia and the United States. I wish you and the people of the Serbia a joyful celebration", reads the congratulation of the U.S. President Biden. 

Belgrade, 26 January 2021 - Serbia's foreign policy positions are naturally being adjusted to the new developments at the international level, but our foreign policy priorities have not changed in a long time. Our top and most important interest is to preserve good-neighbourly relations and stability and peace in the region and, in the same context, to find a peaceful and just solution to the problems in Kosovo and Metohija, Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic said in an interview with Politika daily.

Another lasting interest of ours is full membership of the European Union, because this is the type of society we strive for. At the bilateral level, our goal is to strengthen ties with traditional friends, the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China, but also to build new partner relations with the United States. One of the most important tasks of our foreign policy is to improve the position and protect the rights and identity of our people in the region, as well as to provide various types of support to Serbs in the diaspora. All these are very important and more often than not complementary goals, Nikola Selakovic pointed out.

Belgrade, 26 January 2021 - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selaković expressed his congratulations tonight to Antony Blinken on his appointment as the new United States Secretary of State.

“Warm congratulations to Antony Blinken on his appointment - we look forward to celebrating 140th anniversary of Serbian-US relations this year by intensifying our cooperation," Selakovic said on the Ministry's Twitter account.

Washington D.C, 25 January 2021 – Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the US Marko Djuric had a meeting with Mr. Stuart Jones, President for Regions and Corporate Affairs at Bechtel who is in charge of monitoring the construction of Morava Corridor Motorway Project connecting central Serbia and Pan-European Corridors 10 and 11.

Djuric and Jones expressed mutual satisfaction over the current dynamics of the construction works at the Morava Corridor which shall connect Western and Eastern Serbia, ie. all major cities in Central Serbia between Cacak and Pojate – Krusevac, Kraljevo, Trstenik, Vrnjacka Banja.

Jones conveyed thankfulness of the Bechtel management for the excellent cooperation with Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, as well as with other competent authorities in our country. The interlocutors also discussed the possibility of Bechtel’s participation in construction of the “peace highway” between Nis and Pristina.

Ambassador Djuric remarked that projects such as the Morava Corridor send a clear signal to investors that Serbia is a safe destination for business and project implementation. As he pointed out, the opening of the Regional Office of the International Development Financial Corporation (DFC) in Belgrade speaks in favor of that. DFC represents a significant incentive not only for Serbia, its citizens and our further economic growth, but also for the economy of the entire region.

The US company Bechtel is one of the world leaders in the field of engineering, construction and project management.

The contract on the construction of the Morava Corridor, i.e. the E-761 highway, the Pojate-Preljina section, was concluded on December 5, 2019 between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Bechtel-Enka Joint Venture in the presence of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

The Morava Corridor’s planned length is 112 kilometers, and, as the first digital highway in our country, it will encompass the area of roughly 500,000 population.

Washington D.C, 22 January 2021 – Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the US Marko Djuric gave a lecture and engaged in a discussion with students attending Conflict Management Program at SAIS (School of Advanced International Studies), Johns Hopkins University.

The topic was Belgrade – Pristina Dialogue in the broader context of security, political, economic, social, rule of law and international relation issues.

Ambassador Djuric shared his experience and views on the key challenges of the Belgrade – Pristina Dialogue. He emphasized the need for retaining stability in the region as a precondition for further economic recovery and growth of Serbia. Therefore, Ambassador Djuric underlined the importance of joint efforts towards a more comprehensive political resolution.

He shared a view of the region based on European model without boundaries with free flow of people and goods and greater connections in every sense.

The introductory note made by the Ambassador was followed by a fruitful interaction with students in which the Ambassador addressed a set of questions posed by the students.

Additionally, Ambassador Djuric noted the importance of maintaining and fostering relations between Serbia and the US that will let for discovering new areas of cooperation in promoting peace and stability in the Balkans and that will provide new economic opportunities.

Washington, D.C, 21 January 2021 - Serbian Ambassador to Washington Marko Djuric says exclusively for B92.net that the inauguration of US President Joe Biden was very dignified.

"The inauguration itself was very dignified and completely peaceful. Considering that it took place only two weeks after the scenes of violence in the Congress, the inauguration was marked by an incomparably larger presence of representatives of practically all security forces," Djurić, who represented Serbia at the ceremony, told our portal.

Belgrade, 21 January 2021 - Prime Minister Ana Brnabić talked today with the ambassadors of the Quint countries and the Head of the European Union Delegation about the continuation of reforms on Serbia's path to membership in the European Union.

Brnabić confirmed that full membership in the EU remains a key foreign policy priority of Serbia, emphasizing that reforms in the area of the rule of law are in the focus of the government of Serbia.

She pointed out that Serbia is sincerely committed to the implementation of radical reforms in the field of justice, the fight against corruption, the strengthening of independent institutions and the freedom of the media, and added that much has already been done in practice.

Belgrade, 20 January 2021 - President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić conveyed congratulations to the newly elected President of the United States of America, Joseph Biden, which reads as follows:

"Please accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of taking the office of the President of the United States of America, as well as my best wishes for your good health and every success, to the benefit of your country and all its citizens.

I deeply believe that you will perform your duties with true devotion, endless energy and clear vision, typical for your long political career and rich experience of a statesman. There is nothing more honorable than serving your country, not slowing down in front of big challenges brought by uncertain times the world is unwillingly facing.

Dear President,

This year we celebrate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Serbia and the USA. In the previous period, we marked important jubilees from our common history, remembering the bright examples of our alliance on the side of truth and justice. Precisely those examples were a strong incentive for us in Serbia to strive to bring back relations with the USA to the level of true partnership, the way they used to and should be, despite scars left by times of lack of understanding and disagreements. I am convinced that, with mutual respect and common values, you will be our partner in strengthening political dialogue and economic cooperation.

Allow me, therefore, to extend to you the invitation to visit Serbia, now as the President of the USA, with a hope that you have fond memories of a visit in 2016 and that a wish for richer Serbian-American ties is mutual", reads the congratulation of President Vučić. 

Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Serbia has announced an Open Call for the Co-Financing of Projects for the Translation of Representative Works of Serbian Literature into Foreign Languages in 2021. The Open Call is valid from January 19 to March 9, 2021. 

More information on the Open Call, aimed at encouraging the translation of representative works of Serbian literature into foreign languages, along with the Submission Form and other related documents, is available in both Serbian and English on the official website of the Ministry:

https://www.kultura.gov.rs/konkurs/30/600690372a8d5

Washington D.C, 19 January 2021 - Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the US Marko Djuric spoke today with the representatives of Every Woman Treaty, an umbrella organization gathering more than 1,700 women’s rights advocates, including 840 organizations in 128 countries.

Ambassador Djuric expressed his support for the work of this significant organization in their efforts to prevent gender-based violence.

„Through direct implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, better known as the Istanbul Convention, Serbia has become one of the European leaders in ending gender-based violence", said Djuric.

According to the Ambassador, Serbia implemented 42,900 urgent measures expelling the violators from their homes, and passed 35,834 individual protection plans by 2019 inclusive.

Ambassador Djuric also pointed out that Serbian society strongly supports any initiative aimed at ending gender-based violence.

„By continuously advancing national legislation during the governments of Aleksandar Vucic and Ana Brnabic, as well as by implementing relevant international regulations in this field, Serbia has demonstrated a responsible and serious approach in opposing any form of violence against women and domestic violence", Djuric concluded.

Washington, D.C, 18 January 2021 - Serbia joins the United States in celebrating Martin Luther King’s Day, the occasion of which was the topic of Ambassador Marko Djuric’s post on Twitter.

“On this day, we remember and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. which continues in our hearts, minds, and souls, for his words, values, and his dream are everlasting and universal for all mankind.“, he wrote in his Tweet.

He also cited a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Today, the United States of America is celebrating the Day of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister who was one of the most prominent civil rights leaders. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1964.

In his fight for the equality of African Americans, King advocated the use of nonviolent means and civil disobedience.

He was assassinated in Memphis, on April 4, 1968, right before his speech within the Poor People's Campaign, which he had initiated earlier that year.

Dr. Martin Luther King is considered to be one of the most eloquent speakers in US history. Today, his sermons and speeches, such as “Loving Your Enemies” and “I Have a Dream”, represent not only the American legacy but the legacy of the entire mankind.

In an exclusive column for the Pavlovic Today (read full article here), new Serbian Ambassador to the US, Marko Djuric, writes about Serbia’s strong partnership with the US.

Washington, D.C, 14 January 2021 - This year marks an important anniversary for The United States and Serbia: 140 years have passed since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two great countries.

In 1881, when just a handful of modern countries even existed (slightly more than two dozen, at the time), our two nations were already exchanging envoys, trading, and signing international treaties, some of which are still in place to this very day.

Through both World Wars, relations between Serbia and The United States remained steadfast, as millions of Serbs fought alongside Americans for values held in common by the two peoples.

Belgrade, 12 January 2021 - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic pointed out that Serbia is the first in Europe in terms of economic growth, which will be officially confirmed at the end of March, and that this was possible owing to the reform measures taken since 2014 and the rapid opening of the country after the first wave of corona virus.

The President pointed out that Serbia had a growth of 5.2 percent in the first quarter, while the Eurozone was at minus 3.2 percent, in the second quarter Serbia had a minus of 6.3 percent, while the Eurozone was at minus 14.7 percent, and in the third quarter, when the Eurozone was at minus 4.3 percent, Serbia's figure was only minus 1.4 percent. Vucic stated that Montenegro, for example, recorded as much as 26 percent minus in the third quarter.

Belgrade, 10 January 2021 - Prime Minister Ana Brnabic stated today that Serbia's desire is to build better relations with the United States and that she will try to do so.

Answering the question of the journalists, during the visit to the University Children's Clinic "Tirsova", Brnabic reminded that the arrival of Joseph Biden to the position of the President of the USA will affect relations with Serbia, reminded that America is one of the most important partners of our country.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that Serbia managed to do a lot to improve relations during the mandate of Donald Trump.

I would also like to thank US Ambassador Anthony Godfrey. We want to continue to build even better relations between the United States and Serbia, the Prime Minister emphasised.

Washington, D.C, 7 January 2021 - I hope that we have passed a critical point in our relations with the United States, where Serbia has confirmed itself as a constructive international factor, a responsible state, a guardian of regional stability and a growing economy - said Serbian Ambassador to the United States Marko Djuric

Could the change of the US administration shake relations between Belgrade and Washington, which had taken an upward path in recent months, how will Biden's victory reflect on the Kosovo issue, what is happening with the Washington agreement and how will friendly ties and cooperation between Serbia and the US be strengthened? We spoke about these and other current topics with the ambassador of Serbia to the United States Marko Djuric who, in an interview with Telegraf.rs, summarized the year behind us and revealed the plans for the coming period.

Belgrade, 3 January 2021 - Our compatriots living abroad are one of the great potentials that the state has not recognized in the right way so far, which is why a different approach is needed to the issue of how to strengthen our diaspora and use the good will of people who are potential lobbyists for the interests of Serbia and the Serbian people, Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic said.

"When it comes to Serbs in the diaspora, and especially in the region, this issue has been a kind of an unattended crop which requires a lot of work, and even when a lot is done at once this is not apparent immediately ", Minister Selakovic stated in an interview with Tanjug.

Belgrade, 2 January 2021 - This year, Serbia could finally have Ambassadors and Consuls General appointed to about a third of the currently vacant positions in the country's diplomatic and consular missions in the world, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selakovic is convinced that most of these positions will be filled, as he points out, by the best possible people.

"In the next year, I am convinced that the majority of these vacancies will be filled", Selakovic told Tanjug, emphasizing that the work is being done gradually, because the state wants to show that is has a quality staff who will represent Serbia's interests in the best possible way.

Belgrade, 29 December 2020 - Preservation of peace, taking care of the health and better living standard are key for Serbia in 2021, underlined President of the Republic Aleksandar Vucic, convinced that even though the completion of this ambitious and by no means easy task will be anything but straightforward, best results can be achieved by working in concert with the Government, while ensuring security and a future of certainty for the citizens.

The President said that Serbia has set for itself great and ambitious goals for the next year, notwithstanding the complex international and regional circumstances, and that it will endeavour to fully preserve peace and stability in the region and the country, while safeguarding the vital national and state interests.

Washington, D.C, 28 December 2020 - Serbia is sincerely committed to opening an entirely new chapter in the relations with the United States and that commitment of ours is not determined by specific appointments in the White House. I hope that we will have an excellent cooperation and partner relations with the administration of the new President of the United States of America Joseph Biden.

Serbia is sincerely committed to opening an entirely new chapter in the relations with the United States and that commitment of ours is not determined by specific appointments in the White House or political composition of the key U.S. institutions, the newly-appointed Serbian Ambassador to the United States Marko Djuric said in an interview for Politika.

Belgrade, 24 December 2020 - Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia Ana Brnabic received today the first vaccine against the coronavirus made by Pfizer company, at the Torlak Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera.

Brnabic, who is the first European Prime Minister to receive the vaccine, pointed out that this day may be the first since 6 March that we have a reason for a smile on our faces as it marks the beginning of the end of the coronavirus pandemic in Serbia, but also in Europe and the world.

On the occasion of 10 December, the International Human Rights Day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia reaffirms its commitment to the principles and values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on this day in 1948.

The principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights have been the foundation for the development of international law in this field, and of the international system for the promotion and protection of human rights, as a unique achievement of modern civilization. It is incumbent upon us today to safeguard and strengthen the international system ensuring respect for human rights, to develop human rights standards, control the implementation of commitments, and also to continue cooperating with international and regional institutions on the protection of human rights.

Serbia is fully committed to the universal values of human rights and implementing in practice the international legal instruments relating to human rights. Our continued cooperation with the Human Rights Council mechanisms in the framework of the United Nations, with the Council of Europe and the mechanisms of the OSCE human dimension, represents an important segment of activities carried out by all state authorities, thus demonstrating our consistent commitment to the implementation of international human rights standards.

The international Human Rights Day is an opportunity to point out once again that Serb and other non-Albanian population is being deprived of its rights in Kosovo and Metohija and to call again on the international community to ensure the respect for the guaranteed international human rights norms and contribute to creating conditions for the return of internally displaced persons and giving them back their usurped property.

Washington, D.C, November 20, 2020 - Following the repose of His Holiness Irinej, Archbishop of Peć, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci and Serbian Patriarch, and bearing in mind the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia to the United States opened a virtual Book of Condolences.
Statements and letters of condolence will be received via the following email address: info@serbiaembusa.org.

In order to promote the Republic of Serbia as a favorable destination for business and investment in research and development and new technologies, the Government of the Republic of Serbia prepared a brochure titled "SERBIA - Emerging tech development hub" which is downloadable at: https://innovations.serbiacreates.rs/.

 Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Washington D.C. in observance of the US National Holliday Labor Day will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2020.

In accordance with the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Serbia on the termination of the Decision on closing all border crossings for entry into the Republic of Serbia, i.e. the possibility of entry of all foreign nationals into the Republic of Serbia without permits, conditions have been created for issuing visas for foreign nationals in all diplomatic-consular missions of the Republic of Serbia, with the application of preventive measures in order to prevent the spread of the COVID - 19 disease (wearing masks and gloves, keeping a distance, making an appointment for visits, etc.).

We would like to inform you that the Government of the Republic of Serbia, at its session on 21 May 2020, passed the Decision on termination of the Decision on closing all border crossings for entry into the Republic of Serbia - which terminated that decision passed on 19 March 2020,  the Decision on termination of the Decision on closing border crossings - which terminated that decision, as well as the Decision on amendments to the Decision on declaring COVID-19 disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus a contagious disease, which entered into force on 22 May 2020.
By all these decisions, all border crossings of the Republic of Serbia have been opened and they are functioning in the usual regime as of today.
Amendments to the Decision on declaring the COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus a contagious disease lifted the ban on entering the Republic of Serbia, as well as epidemiological measures for all categories of domestic and foreign nationals. (without consent / permission, isolation measures and mandatory possession of a negative PCR test).

The Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government has published a statement regarding the fake website for applying for voting from abroad, which can be downloaded at the link:
http://mduls.gov.rs/saopstenja/vazno-upozorenje-lazan-sajt-za-prijavu-za-glasanje-iz-inostranstva/

We would like to inform you that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia - Directorate for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the region (MSP - USDSR), has closed the Competition for co-financing projects that will, by their quality, contribute to preserving and strengthening the ties between the homeland and the diaspora and the homeland and the Serbs in the region.

The competition will be open again once the state of emergency ends.

Washington D.C., March 16, 2020
President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic announced yesterday, on Marh 15th, that due to the coronavirus situation, a decision was made to declare a state of emergency throughout the Republic of Serbia.

President Vučić said at a press conference that the decision was made after meeting of the Covid-19 crisis response team and the crisis team for eliminating the possible and harmful effects of the coronavirus on the economy at the Palace of Serbia, which he chaired.

The state of emergency came into force immediately after the decision is published in the Official Gazette, after which a government session was held to adopt a decree on emergency measures.

Accordingly, the borders of the Republic of Serbia are closed to all foreign nationals, with the exception of diplomats accredited in Serbia and foreigners with a residence permit or permanently resident in Serbia. Citizens of the Republic of Serbia, as well as accredited diplomats and foreign nationals residing in the Republic of Serbia, who enter the Republic of Serbia, are under criminal responsibility for at least 14 days in self-isolation. This measure will be strictly controlled and its violation will be most severely sanctioned. Citizens will be provided with a legally binding solution upon entering the country. Imprisonment for violation of this provision is up to three years in prison. This is very important to reduce the movement of citizens, which is one of the main reasons for introducing a state of emergency in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

For citizens of the Republic of Serbia and foreign nationals residing in the Republic of Serbia who come from the Swiss Confederation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Romania, the Kingdom of Spain, the Federal Republic of Germany, the French Republic, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Greece isolation for 28 days.

These measures do not apply to:

Crews of freight motor vehicles when performing international road transport. In the case of international road traffic burden, the stay is limited to a period of no longer than 12 hours from the moment of entry into the territory of the Republic of Serbia;

Crew of freight ships carrying goods into one of the domestic ports. In the case of transit sailing on the international water road on the territory of the Republic of Serbia, it is limited to a period of no longer than 90 hours for ship's supply and 60 hours for self-propelled vessels from the moment of entering the territory of the Republic of Serbia in the event of water sailing. In the case of downwater, the stay in the waters of the Republic of Serbia is limited to the period not longer than 72 hours for ship's supply and 54 hours for self-guiding vessels from the moment of entry into the territory of the Republic of Serbia;

Driving staff of railway vehicles entering the zone of border stations established by intergovernmental agreements;
Crew and cabin staff of aircraft whose ultimate destination is the Republic of Serbia or in transit through international airports of the Republic of Serbia;

Persons who received the consent to enter the Republic of Serbia from the government's working body, consisting of representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior Affairs and the Ministry of Construction, Transport and infrastructure.

The humanitarian convoys contracted by diplomatic way (under compulsory escort).
  

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia would like to announce that the Serbian Parliamentary elections will be held on the 26th of April 2020.

For more information regarding the upcoming elections, please visit the Serbian version of our website by clicking one of the links in the top right corner labeled “ћирилица” or “latinica”.

February 18th, 2020 - Students representing Warwick Middle School Future City team from Lititz, Pennsylvania chose the city of Belgrade as their project in the Future City Competition held from February 15-19, 2020 in Washington D.C.

During their stay, they visited our Embassy with their parents and teachers, and held a special presentation for H.E. Ambassador Djerdj Matkovic and the Embassy staff, sharing their vision of Belgrade in the future.

February 11th, 2020 - H.E. Ambassador Djerdj Matkovic addressed the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington D.C. at the National Portrait Gallery and presented the beauties of Serbia within the promotional activities for the 19th World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations Convention to be hosted by Novi Sad from February 3-7, 2021.

On behalf of our colleagues from the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Ottawa and the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in Toronto, we invite you to attend the central celebration of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Serbia in Canada with the illumination of the Niagara Falls with the colors of the Serbian flag. This special event can also be viewed from the American side of the waterfalls.

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Washington DC, informs that we will be closed on Tuesday , February 11,  2020 due to technical reasons, and on Monday February 17, 2020 for the celebration of the National day of the Republic of Serbia. 

By decisions no. 20/30-2020/01 and no. 21/30-2020/01 od 16 January 2020, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - The Office for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the Region has launched calls for proposals for the co-financing of projects that, through their quality, contribute to the preservation and strengthening of ties between the home country and the Serbs of the region and the home country and the Diaspora. The competition is open from 20 January to 10 February 2020. All information about the competition and the application procedure can be found at MoFA-OCDSR site (currently in Serbian only)

January 20th, 2020, Washington D.C - H.E. Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the US Djerdj Matkovic had the pleasure of hosting more than 30 tourist guides from The Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington D.C. and taking them on a virtual journey through Serbia. The event was meant to kick off a series of promotional events leading to the 19th Convention of World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations to be held in Novi Sad, Serbia on February 3-7, 2021.

During the upcoming holidays, New Year and Christmas, The Embassy of The Republic of Serbia will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday on January  1st and 2nd, and  Tuesday, January 7th 2020.

During the upcoming holiday, Christmas Day, The Embassy of The Republic of Serbia will be closed on Wednesday, December 24th.

Washington, December 12, 2019 - Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia, Djerdj Matković and his wife Vera, attended the annual State Department holiday reception hosted by Secretary Pompeo.

Dear citizens,
The National Bank of Serbia has created a Financial guide for returning citizens, in order to further inform our citizens who wish to return to Serbia,  concerning monetary regulations, to help them achieve simpler, more efficient integration, as well as managing their funds.
The Financial guide may be accessed using the following links:
https://www.nbs.rs/internet/latinica/20/plp/finansijski_vodic_za_povratnike.pdf
English version
https://www.nbs.rs/internet/english/20/dev/finansijski_vodic_za_povratnike_e.pdf

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia to the US and the Alliance Française de Washington DC are jointly organizing a free screening of a 2013 documentary titled "Milunka Savic - the great war heroine" at the Alliance Française on October 16th, 2019 at 7 PM.

Milunka Savic was the most decorated woman of World War I, who fought on the front side-by-side with Serbian soldiers. The filming of the story was preceded by several months of research and shooting in Serbia and France, given that Milunka Savic had been awarded the highest decorations of the armies of both countries: the gold Karageorge Star with Swords, the Legion of Honor of Fifth Degree, the French War Cross, and the Oblich Medal for Bravery.

The film is not only the testimony of an admirable female fighter, but also a story about the woman who raised three adopted girls together with her daughter, and who provided for the education of 30 more children. Milunka Savic’s quotations, photos from the family album, and the only preserved video recordings of her were used in the film. The documentary is supplemented with reconstructions of scenes from Milunka’s life.

The reason for my stay in Washington D.C. is the participation at the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom. The U.S. is organizing this Conference for the second time. Representatives from more than 100 countries took part in the event this year, with more than 20 Foreign Ministers in attendance.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke at the conference.

I took the opportunity to point to the difficult position of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Serbian believers in Kosovo and Metohija, and to all crimes committed in Kosovo and Metohija against Christian worshippers and religious sites of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

I also had talks with U.S. senior officials. I spoke with National Security Adviser John Bolton, Assistant Secretary of State Philip Reeker and Senator Ron Johnson.

The topic of all these talks was the situation in the region and the talks were extremely good. It has been reasserted that the position of Serbia concerning the dialogue with Pristina is being highly valued. It was clearly indicated who was responsible for interrupting the dialogue and what was the way forward, meaning that the tariffs must go in order for the dialog to continue. In that context, all talks were very useful and we presented our views once again, i.e. that we stand ready to continue the dialog but do not accept unilateral acts by Pristina, demonstrating that they don't want any compromise.

U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton underlined that finding a peaceful and lasting solution to the Kosovo issue figured high on the list of U.S. foreign policy priorities. We expect even greater engagement by the United States in the coming period in order to exert additional pressure to lift tariffs and create conditions for the continuation of the dialog", the Head of Serbian diplomacy said after the meetings in Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C, July 18th, 2019 - First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic met today in Washington D.C, on the sidelines of the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom, with Mr. John Bolton, National Security Adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump.

In the talks, Minister Dacic expressed interest of the Republic of Serbia to further enhance bilateral relations with the United States and raise it to a higher level, especially bearing in mind the alliance of the two countries in both World Wars.

Concurring with the assessment made by Minister Dacic about the necessity for further improving bilateral relations at all levels, National Security Adviser John Bolton specifically emphasized the resolve of the incumbent U.S. Administration to support as early as possible continuation of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, facilitated by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The Head of Serbian diplomacy voiced determination of the Republic of Serbia, as a guarantor of regional security and stability, to further advance security and stability in the region and conveyed readiness of Serbia for an open cooperation with the United States.

The Orfelin Circle is organizing its tenth Movie Festival titled "Best of the Orfelin Circle's 10 years of Serbian Docs & Shorts" in the Avalon Theater, Washington D.C, on June 13th and 16th, 2019. The entrance is free, and all movies are with English subtitles.

For more information, please visit: http://www.orfelin.org/10festival_e.html

INVITATION FOR BIDS

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Disassembly of Iron bars, French balcony, and main entrance overhang

BID # 01/2019

BID DUE DATE: February 08, 2019

BID DUE TIME: 5:00 P.M.

Receive bids for disassembly of 3 Iron bars (1st floor), 3 French balconies (2nd floor) and 1 Overhang (main entrance, 1st floor), and loading into the container for shipment. Bids will be opened by the Embassy committee. Bids received after closing time will be declined. Notice of the award of contract shall be given by the Embassy within seven days from received approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.Bids shall be guaranteed for a period of thirty (30) days after the opening of bids.

I. GENERAL INTENT, REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS 1.0 GENERAL INTENT – It is the intent of the Embassy of Serbia to solicit competitive bids for disassembling and loading of above mentioned things.All interesting parties can see scope of work at the embassy premises: 2221 R STREET,NW WASHINGTON DC,20008

For any clarifications, detailed or additional description of the bid, please contact the Embassy liaison officer, Mr. Nebojsa Lukovic, via e-mail: lukaja@yahoo.com or cveze@serbiaembusa.org All bids can be sent by fax no: 202 332-3933 or via e-mail at: info@serbiaembusa.org and lukaja@yahoo.com or cveze@serbiaembusa.org

Washington D.C, December 4, 2018 - David Vuich, Chairman Emeritus of the Tesla Science Foundation presented Ted Poe with an engraved trophy in appreciation of the Congressman's valued support to the Tesla Science Foundation.

During the past several years, Mr. Vuich has interfaced with the Congressman and his professional staff in an attempt to submit a formal request to the Director of the Smithsonian to recognize and consider a dedicated Tesla exhibit at the Museum. As a result of a Congressional Dear Colleague letter, the Smithsonian has agreed to establish a dialogue with the Tesla Museum in Belgrade in order to determine available artifacts that may be available for display.

At its meeting on Ocober/8/2018, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decision on the termination of the Decision on visa exemption for the nationals of the Islamic Republic of Iran, holding ordinary passports.The decision is published in the "Official Gazette of the Republc of Serbia" No. 75/2018 on October/9/2018 and enters in force on October/17/2018. From that date, citzens of the Isamic Republic of Iran, holders of ordinary passports, for entry, transit and stay on the teritory of the Republic of Serbia, need a visa.

Washington D.C, August 11th, 2018 – Washington D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation organized a soccer tournament called “DC Embassy World Cup” that took place concurrently with the World Cup in the Russian Federation. The tournament was supported by the Embassy of the Russian Federation and Washington D.C. Mayor Ms. Muriel Bowser.

Our team, which consisted of the players from Serbian diaspora and from the Embassy of Serbia, won the first place.

Sixteen different embassies participated in this football tournament in which groups were formed in accordance with the World Cup in the Russian Federation. During the group phase, the Serbian team won two and lost one game. Nevertheless, one loss in the group phase did not prevent our team to be dominant in the playoff stage and beat Peru, Uruguay, and Brazil before reaching the finals of this prestigious tournament.

Due to the poor weather conditions, the finals were postponed a few times until finally scheduled to be played in the Jellef Recreation Center on Sunday, August 11.

In the third place game, Brazil was able to beat France and finish as third in the tournament.

In the final game, Serbian team faced Argentina. During an uncertain and exciting game, Serbia was able to win with the final score of 4-1.

The winning trophy was handed by one of the Washington D.C. officials. Other awards and recognitions were also handed during the final ceremony.

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia would hereby like to thank and congratulate all the players who contributed to this enormous success. With that being said, the Embassy would also like to thank Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Football Association of Serbia for providing national jerseys for the Serbian team.

Belgrade, 28th July 2018 - The address of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic at the ceremony in the residence of the U.S. Ambassador Kyle Scott on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the flying of the Serbian flag above the White House

Washington, D.C, 27th July 2018 - First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic was on a two-day visit to the U.S., to attend the Ministerial Conference dedicated to religious freedoms and the ceremony marking the hundredth anniversary of flying the Serbian flag over the White House.

Washington, D.C, 26th July 2018 - Following is a statement by H.E. Mr. Ivica Dacic, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, at the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom

Washington, D.C, 26th July 2018 - During his two-day visit to the United States to attend the Ministerial conference dedicated to religious freedom and on the occasion of the ceremony marking the hundredth anniversary of flying the Serbian flag over the White House, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic met with John Bolton, Assistant for National Security Affairs to U.S. President Donald Trump.

In the talks, Minister Dacic expressed the interest of the Republic of Serbia to further promote and upgrade bilateral relations with the U.S., especially taking into account the alliance between the two countries in the First and the Second World War.

Expressing his agreement with the Minister's assessment that the bilateral relations between Serbia and the U.S. need to be further promoted on all levels, National Security Advisor Bolton stressed in particular the readiness of the U.S. Administration for close cooperation with the Army and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Serbia.

The Serbian Foreign Minister took this opportunity to stress the commitment of the Republic of Serbia, a guarantor of regional security and stability, to further strengthen them. In that context, he expressed Serbia's readiness to engage in open cooperation with the United States of America.

Washington, D.C, 25th July 2018 - First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic, together with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and Prime Minister of the Republic of Srpska Zeljka Cvijanovic, participated in a ceremony held at the United States Congress to mark the 100th anniversary since the Serbian flag flew over the White House.

Washington, D.C, 24th July 2018 - First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic, who is on a two-day visit to the United States, met in Washington, D.C. with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell.

In the talks, both sides confirmed their readiness to strengthen bilateral relations.

The collocutors also noted the readiness to work jointly on regional stability, as well as the need for a negotiated settlement of the Kosovo and Metohija issue.

Washington D.C, Jun 30, 2018 – Concurrently with the World Cup in the Russian Federation, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation is organizing a football tournament called “DC Embassy World Cup”. The tournament hosts those foreign embassies in Washington DC area that represent countries participating in the World Cup. In the third game played on Saturday, June 30, 2018, the Embassy of Serbia team, strengthened by representatives of Serbian diaspora from Washington D.C. and the surrounding areas, was able to beat the Embassy of Brazil with the score of 5-2, thus qualifying for the final round of the tournament, which will symbolically end on July 14, 2018.

Visual-literary exhibit "Тамо далеко: 1918-2018" / "Over There, So Far Away: 1918-2018” will be on display on Thursday, July 26, 2018 between 12:30 pm - 5 pm at the National Press Club, Washington DC.

Thе event is free and open to the public. Due to limited space, registration is required on the event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2080186138917757/

This year's Festival titled "The Orfelin Circle Presents: Serbian Contemporary Short and Documentary Film - Washington 2018" will be held at The Avalon Theater, 5612 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Chevy Chase, Washington, D.C. on June 10th, 2018 at 8 pm.

Movies are with English sub-titles. Detailed information about the program can be found at the website: www.orfelin.org.

Belgrade, May 24th, 2018 - Defence Minister Aleksandar Vulin has met today with US Congressman Brigadier General Steven Stivers from the Ohio National Guard, who is visiting the Republic of Serbia. The two interlocutors discussed the continuation of the development of bilateral military cooperation, with emphasis on cooperation within the framework of the Serbia–Ohio National Guard State Partnership Program, which lasts more than 11 years.

S E R B I A N A

Vocal chamber ensemble

P r e s e n t s

“An Evening of Serbian Music”

Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 7:30pm

Music Department Concert Hall, Montgomery College, Rockville

Los Angeles, 23rd April 2018 - In the presence of State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nemanja Stevanovic, the Consulate of the Republic of Serbia headed by Honorary Consul Mr. Ryan F. Osborne, M.D. was formally launched in Los Angeles on 21 April 2018. The Consulate of the Republic of Serbia in Los Angeles will have consular jurisdiction in the territory of the federal state of California.

New Orleans, 20th April 2018 – At the invitation of the Mayor of New Orleans Mitch Landrieu, the Ambassador Djerdj Matkovic attended the City’s Tricentennial celebration.

During his visit, the Ambassador met with Louisiana Governor John Bell Edward, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia Greg Rusovich, and the representatives of the Serbian diaspora.

Belgrade, 20th April 2018 - State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Toncev had talks today with U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Kyle Scott and U.S. Ambassador to Croatia Robert Kohorst.

During the talks, the State Secretary emphasized that the relations between Serbia and the United States were of extreme importance to our country. He underlined that Serbia was firmly committed to EU membership and that it was investing efforts towards regional stability and development.

U.S. Ambassadors were interested in the bilateral relations between Serbia and Croatia and the State Secretary provided a detailed account thereof, pointing out that a number of joint commissions and committees had been established to deal with the bilateral issues.

State Secretary Ivica Toncev told his collocutors that Serbia's primary goal was to maintain peace, stability and safety of the Western Balkan region to which we contributed by our constructive approach and would continue to do so in the future as well. He emphasized that the relations between Serbia and Croatia were of crucial importance to the regional stability and that incidents such as the one during the visit of the Members of the Croatian Parliament to the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia should not be heeded. He said that during his recent visit to Zagreb President Vucic was also exposed to even more offensive acts but still did not cut short his visit which was surely good since it invigorated the dialogue between the two neighboring countries.

The collocutors agreed that good relations between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Croatia were of particular importance to the lasting stability of the Western Balkans.

Belgrade, 13th April 2018 - Address delivered by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic on the occasion of 100th anniversary of allied relations between the Serbs and Jews and between the Serbs and Americans in the First World War:

Belgrade, 5th April 2018 - State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nemanja Stevanovic has met today with Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the United States Matthew Palmer and with US Ambassador to Belgrade Kyle Scott.

State Secretary Stevanovic criticized attacks by the Pristina police against Serbian officials and civilians in northern Kosovo and Metohija, saying they were unacceptable.

He recalled the constructive role that the Republic of Serbia had played in the dialogue so far, as well as non-fulfillment of the commitment by Pristina concerning the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities.

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Palmer condemned the rise in tensions and assessed that the continuation of the Brussels dialogue and the implementation of the agreed was of key importance, being a proper way of securing stability and peace, which was in the interest of all sides.

The two interlocutors also discussed the current situation in the Western Balkan region. In that context, they emphasized the importance of continued dialogue aimed at solving all outstanding issues, as the road leading to prosperity of the countries in the region.

The US collocutor reiterated strong US support to the process as well as to the continuation of Serbia's path towards full EU membership.

Pittsburgh, 24th March 2018 - The Serb National Federation, the Center for Russian and East European Studies at the University of Pittsburgh and the Radio Television of Serbia successfully organized the Serbian Movie Festival at the University of Pittsburgh for the third consecutive time. 

Three films were shown at the Festival: "The Promise," "Serbs on Corfu" and "Santa Maria della Salute."

At the formal reception, the president of the Serb National Federation John Martich, co-chair of the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures at the University of Pitssburgh Nancy Condee and the cultural outreach coordinator of the Serb National Federation Milos Rastovic addressed the audience, which included representatives from the film industry, academic community and the Serbian diaspora.

Washington, D.C, 23rd March 2018 – The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Washington D.C. participated in the Francophonie Cultural Festival in Washington, D.C. The Festival traditionally takes place in March since 2001. Collector of traditional Serbian folklore objects Biljana Regan presented Serbian national costumes, artefacts and handicrafts in the final ceremony held at the French Embassy’s Cultural Centre on 23 March 2018. Promotional and tourist brochures about Serbia were shown and distributed to the visitors, who were also served rakija (plum brandy), wine and traditional desserts.

Young Serbian entrepreneur Dejan Zivanovic displayed the skills of dough and phyllo preparation, which the visitors had the opportunity to master on-site. The demonstration was followed by specialty tasting.

More than 40 Member States and Observers of the International Organization of La Francophonie, including around 1,200 visitors, took part in the event co-hosted by the Embassy of France, a branch of the Smithsonian Institution, and the Alliance Française Foundation. Like in other world cities, this festival celebrates the diversity and richness of the French language, culture and Francophone communities through a number of cultural events and programs.

Washington, D.C, 13th March 2018 - First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic met today with US Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Euro-Asia Wess Mitchell, who is visiting Belgrade as part of his first tour of the region since taking office.

The talks focused on regional stability, Serbia's European path and continuation of the Brussels dialogue.

Wess Mitchell said that the US considered Serbia one of the most important countries in the region and the linchpin of the Balkan stability.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic said that we appreciated the US support and expressed an interest in continuing positive dynamics in the development of bilateral relations in the future as well, especially in the context of 100th anniversary of flying the Serbian flag over the White House to commemorate US alliance with Serbia.

Assistant Secretary of State Mitchell pointed out that the United States was consistently supporting Serbia's European path and the progress made within the Brussels dialogue.

In order to renew traditional ties of alliance and friendly relations and further step up cooperation and mutual understanding, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic presented Assistant Secretary of State Wess Mitchell with the message of US President Woodrow Wilson, on the occasion of St. Vitus Day (Vidovdan), entitled "Celebrate Kosovo as a day of honor", published in the New York Times on June 19, 1918.

Washinton, D.C, 18th February 2018 - First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic talked today with US Senator Ron Johnson, who is paying a visit to Belgrade. 

The Serbian Foreign Minister and Senator Johnson talked about the time-honoured friendship between the United States of America and Serbia, and about the importance of the relations for both countries and for the region, too.

Today's meeting also discussed possibilities for strengthening bilateral ties, especially in the light of marking 100th anniversary since the then President Woodrow Wilson ordered that the Serbian flag be hoisted over the White House.

Interlocutors also exchanged views on the situation in the region and on the importance of the role played by the Republic of Serbia in the promotion of peace and security, for the region and Europe alike.

Senator Johnson expressed an interest on the part of the United States to assist Belgrade in finding a long-term solution in relations with Pristina. The Senator suggested that the past should not be forgotten but forgiven and left to the past, and that the focus be on the future. He called on both sides to seize an historic opportunity for progress in the normalization of their relations.

Minister Dacic reaffirmed Serbia's readiness to invest efforts in finding a lasting solution that would be in the interest of both sides and aimed at regional stability.

Washington, D.C, 15th February 2018 – The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia and the Defense Attaché Office in Washington organized a formal reception in honor of the Statehood Day and the Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Serbia. The reception took place in the Member’s Room of the Library of Congress with the support of Congressional Serbian Caucus, and its co-presidents Congressmen Ted Poe and Emanuel Cleaver.

The reception was attended by nearly 250 guests, among whom were the representatives of the U.S. administration, diplomatic and military corps and the Serbian diaspora.

Formal addresses were given by the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia Djerdj Matkovic, congressman Ted Poe, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Palmer, the Assistant Adjutant General of the Ohio Army National Guard Major General John Harris, and the Deputy Secretary of State of Maryland Luis Borunda. On this occasion, Mr. Borunda, while congratulating the Serbia’s Statehood Day, handed a special charter to Ambassador Matkovic on behalf of the governor and the people of Maryland, expressing “their respect, admiration and honor” to the Republic of Serbia.

Washington, D.C, 8th February 2018 - "Within the preparations for the meeting with the United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, I had talks with the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell. We had a thorough conversation with the aim of finding common interests shared by the United States and Serbia, to the benefit of stability, peace and future of the entire region and resolution of open issues.

Washinton, D.C, 8th February 2018 - During his visit to Washington, D.C., First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic had a separate meeting with Republican Congressman from Florida Gus Bilirakis.

Minister Dacic and Congressman Bilirakis exchanged views on current bilateral topics.

The Serbian Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude to Congressman Bilirakis for his active contribution to the activities of the Congressional Serbian Caucus in the United States Congress.

A movie by Boris Malagurski "Kosovo: A Moment in Civilization" will be shown in the Avalon Theater,

5612 Connecticut Av. NW, Washington, DC 20015,

on Tuesday, February 20th, 2018.

Tickets can be purchased at: https://bpt.me/3327339.

Washington, D.C, 26th January, 2018 – Ambassador Djerdj Matkovic was a guest at the “This is America and the World” TV show. In a 30-minute interview conducted by the famous American host and reporter Dennis Wholey, a multitude of current and topics from the rich history of Serbia were discussed. Also, Ambassador talked about the tourist and economic potential of Serbia, his goals during his service in the U.S, and the history of bilateral relations between Serbia and the U.S.

The link to the interview is available here. 

Permanent Mission of the Republic of Serbia to the United Nations

is honoured to invite you to the exhibition

"Jasenovac – Right to Remembrance"

at the United Nations Headquarters - New York

26 January – 2 February, from 3pm to 5:30pm (weekend days excluded)

The exhibition is dedicated to the International Holocaust Remembrance Day and is aimed at contributing to the maintenance of universal values of humanity and efforts to preserve the memory of the victims of Jasenovac concentration and extermination camp. 

Mandatory R.S.V.P. to sandra.pejic@serbiamissionun.org at least one day prior to the planned visit in order to obtain access pass to the UN Headquarters

Washington, D.C, 12th December 2017 – The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts organized a concert of prominent young Serbian artists, soprano Biljana Soldo and pianist Milena Gligic on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. The guest of honor at the concert was the famous Peruvian baritone Jose Sasin.

The one-hour program entitled “Celebrate the Holidays with Opera from Around the World” included solo and duet performances of famous works by Serbian, Italian, Austrian, French, Hungarian, Spanish and Mexican composers.

The concert was attended by more than 200 classical music admirers from the diplomatic corps, public and academic life, as well as from the Serbian diaspora.

The link to the conert is available here. 

Washington, D.C, 6th December 2017 – The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Washington, D.C. organized a formal reception for the members of the Women’s Diplomatic Series.

This non-profit, invitation-only organization was founded in 2009, with an aim of enabling its members to acquire knowledge about diverse countries and cultures through dialogue, education and interaction with the Washington diplomatic community.

During the reception, Ambassador Djerdj Matkovic greeted the guests and presented Serbia’s cultural, turist and trade potentials, as well as a brief overview of Serbia’s history and its relations with the U.S.

Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Washington, D.C. 

has the pleasure to cordially invite you to a special performance entitled

“Celebrate the Holidays with Opera from Around the World”

featuring two prominent Serbian artists Biljana Soldo (soprano) and Milena Gligic (pianist),

as well as a special guest Jose Sacín (baritone) from Peru,

to be held on the Millennium Stage of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

on December 12th, 2017 at 6 PM.

This performance is featured as part of the Kennedy Center’s free daily performance series on its Millennium Stage in the Grand Foyer: http://www.kennedy-center.org/video/performance/64265.

We regret that, as the theater reaches capacity, seats cannot be saved for patrons who have not arrived or are not next in line.

No free parking is provided for this event.

DIRECTIONS: http://www.kennedy-center.org/pages/visitor/directions

We look forward to welcoming you!

Washington, D.C. 29 Nov 2017 - First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic participated today in Washington D.C. at the Conference of the Atlantic Council on the Western Balkans.

During the panel discussion entitled "Investing in the Future: Can Entrepreneurs "Fix" the Balkans?" the Serbian Foreign Minister conveyed that the stabilization of the Western Balkans was key to the development of economy in the region. "Economy can have a positive role to play in the context of stabilization of the entire region, but the two are entirely interdependent, meaning there can be no development of the economy without the stabilization of the region." 

"I want to say that in the Western Balkans, we are all major economic partners to each other", noted the Minister pointing to joint infrastructure projects of regional importance such as the construction of motorways and the enhancement of rail transport networks within the region. "Important steps were made by mutual agreement to remove barriers to cooperation and boost the GDP, increase investment and employment in our region." 

Minister Dacic underscored in particular that the Republic of Serbia had also promoted its economic relations with the United States of America. He thanked the U.S. partners for their readiness and engagement in the context of joint efforts towards the promotion of U.S.-Serbia economic cooperation.

Belgrade, November 16th, 2017 – Prime Minister Ana Brnabic announced today in a video message marking the completion of the USAID Business Enabling Project (BEP) that this project fulfilled the role and provided great support to Serbia in its European integration. The US Agency for International Development and the government of Serbia marked the success of the USAID project for better business conditions - a seven-year initiative worth $ 19.5 million, which helped Serbia become a better place for business. Brnabic pointed out that this USAID project has contributed a lot to Serbia through the promotion of cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Belgrade, October 31st, 2017 - First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic said today, at an extraordinary press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that the Government of the Republic of Suriname had revoked its recognition of Kosovo and Metohija as an independent state. The Head of Serbian diplomacy conveyed that Suriname's diplomatic note on the revocation of the recognition had arrived during the night.

"On 8 July 2016, they recognized the independence of Kosovo", said Minister Dacic, adding that only five states had recognized Kosovo during his term of office, while one had reversed its decision. He noted that Kosovo's independence was so far recognized by 106 states.

"This is a historic event for us – we haven't achieved this with money since we don't have it, nor by exerting pressure since we are not able to do so – but through our dedication instead", emphasized the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia.

Belgrade, October 16th, 2017 - First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic received today a trade and political delegation of the U.S. Federal State of Maryland, led by Secretary of State of Maryland John C. Wobensmith, which is visiting Belgrade. Minister Dacic highlighted Serbia's interest to intensify all types of cooperation with the United States of America, particularly in the area of economy and further attraction of U.S. investments in the Serbian economy. Interlocutors from Maryland expressed satisfaction over their visit to Serbia which would include, in addition to Belgrade, visits to Novi Sad and Nis. It was noted that the interest of this Federal State was involvement of its companies in business and investments in the area of environmental protection in Serbia. On the Serbian side, the meeting was also attended by Ministers in charge of environmental protection, and of state administration and local self-government, Messrs. Goran Trivan and Branko Ruzic, respectively.

Bogota, October 10th, 2017 – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Serbia on a non-resident basis to the Republic of Colombia Djerdj Matkovic presented his letter of credentials to the President of the Republic of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia María Ángela Holguín at an official ceremony held in the Presidential Palace Nariño on October 10th, 2017.

Belgrade, October 9th, 2017 - First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic met today with U.S. Congressman Ted Poe, Co-Chair of the Congressional Serbian Caucus, who is on a visit to Belgrade. The Serbian Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude to Congressman Poe for the efforts he had made so far within the Congressional Serbian Caucus, aiming for the promotion of relations between the two countries and for a better public understanding in the United States of the policy pursued by Serbia, as demonstrated by his address in the House of Representatives on the occasion of the anniversary commemoration of the Halyard Mission, as well as by the congressional letter of support sent to Secretary of State Tillerson, on 3 October. The collocutors expressed mutual satisfaction over the promotion of overall bilateral relations, from the progress made in the political dialogue to the development of economic relations. In the talks, Serbia's aspiration towards membership of the EU was encouraged, as well as the constructive role it played in maintaining stability in the Western Balkans region. As the thanked the Minister for the warm welcome, Congressman Poe conveyed his readiness to continue his endeavours towards the further improvement of bilateral relations, recalling that the friendship between our two peoples dated back to the Allied Powers and World War I.

On July 18, 2017 the Embassy of Serbia in Washington, D.C. and the Co-Chairs  of the Serbian Congressional Caucus, Congressman Ted Poe and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver hosted at the US House of Representatives an exhibition and evening reception in honor of the anniversary of the "Halyard" mission, the biggest aerial rescue operation in World War II that saved lives of almost 500 US pilots.

The exhibition featuring the original photographs from the military operation was provided by the Halyard Foundation.

Ambassador of Serbia H.E: Mr. Djerdj Matkovic with the Co-Chairs of the Serbian Congressional Caucus, Honorable Ted Poe and Honorable Emanuel Cleaver

On June 7, The Embassy of Serbia had a pleasure to welcome to Washington DC Ms. Vida Ognjenovic, prominent Serbian writer, playwright, and theater director. The event was hosted by the Delegation of the European Union in partnership with the Embassy of Serbia and the Orfelin Circle.
In a lively conversation with the audience Ms. Ognjenovic discussed her viewpoints on literature, science, and the impact of modern technology, marketing and the internet. The event was moderated by Mrs. Milena Trobozic Garfield.

The Secretariat for Culture of the City of Belgrade has announced a public international two-phase competition for the design of a conceptual solution for the Zoran Djindjic memorial at the Students Square in Belgrade". The aim of the competition is to select the best conceptual solution for the Zoran Djindjic Memorial at the Students Square in Belgrade in memory of his life, work, social and historic changes he initiated in Serbia, as well of his tragic death on March 12, 2003.

Biography

Competition for the design of Zoran Djindjic memorial - explanatory sheet

On Friday, March 10, 2017 Embassies of Serbia and France in Washington, D.C. organized a movie screening and a wine tasting event.  "The Promise" is a character driven feature documentary that follows an extraordinary experience of a French family who moved in a remote village of Rogljevo in Serbia to make wine.

The screening was followed by Q&A with author Mr. Dusan Gajic and director Mr. Zeljko Mirkovic and a wine tasting reception.

Washington, DC, Thursday 2, 2017 - First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic is in Washington today, attending the 65th National Prayer Breakfast.

During the Prayer Breakfast, the Serbian Foreign Minister talked with the new United States Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson. Minister Dacic invited the US Secretary of State to visit Serbia.
 

The Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Serbia, Department of Contemporary Artistic Production and Creative Industries, announced the OPEN CALL for the Co-Financing of Projects for the Translation of Representative Works of Serbian Literature into Foreign Languages in 2017.

The scope of the Open Call is co-financing of projects for the translation of representative works of Serbian literature into foreign languages. The overarching goal is the translation of representative works of Serbian literature into foreign languages. Submissions in the following literary fields are eligible under the Open Call for the translation of representative works of Serbian literature into foreign languages: poetry, prose, drama, children’s literature (other than picture books and textbooks), anthologies and thematic selections and theoretical works in the fields of culture and arts intended for the wider readership. 

The Open Call is valid through February 28, 2017. 

For more information please visit the website of the Ministry of Culture and Media 

On the occasion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 75th anniversary of the founding of Jasenovac concentration camp, a delegation of Serbia headed by Mr. Vladimir Bozovic, Advisor to the Serbian Prime Minister visited the United States. The Delegation composed of government officials, survivors and researchers took part the main commemoration at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City and attended an art exhibition "The Truth about Jasenovac – the Right to Remembrance", the biggest exhibition on Jasenovac ever displayed in a foreign country.           

On Tuesday, January 17, 2017, The Embassy of Serbia was pleased to host a presentation "Serbs on the Military Frontier of Austro-Hungary and the Life of Field-Marshall Mihajlo Baron Mikasinovic" by Branko Mikasinovich, Ph.D. and Branko Terzic, Sc.D. (Hon.)

The presentation included a presentation of the book by Djuro Zatezalo "Baron Mihajlo Mikasinovic", a general of Serbian origin in the Austrian Army. The book provides an insight into the context of the mid-eighteen century lives of Serbs on the Military Frontier of Austro-Hungary and the many aspects of their struggle.

Washington, D.C. - On December 13, 2017, a prominent Serbian ethno singer Bilja Krstic and the Bistrik Orchestra performed at the Kennedy Center Millennium stage. The concert was organized by the Kennedy Center and the Embassy of Serbia in Washington, D.C.

Bilja Krstic and the Bistrik Orchestra create music that is a fusion of traditional ethno music, a cappella songs and ethno grooves with original improvisation and a modern music approach. This year the ensemble is celebrating its 15th Anniversary. In January 2017 British world and folk music record label Arc Music will produce the group's new album, entitled SVOD.

INVITATION TO TENDER FOR PROVISION OF REAL ESTATE SALES 

THE SALE OF DIPLOMATIC REAL ESTATE IN NEW YORK (USA), TOKYO (JAPAN), BONN (GERMANY) AND BERNE (SWITZERLAND)

Belgrade, 16 Aug 2016 – Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said today after a meeting with US Vice President Joseph Biden that a significant US support is expected in maintaining peace and stability in the region, without which there is no better life for citizens, nor economic progress.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the United States for endorsing Serbia's European path, adding that our country is making every effort to fulfill all of its obligations as. We also discussed bilateral relations between the United States and Serbia, the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and possible progress in the future, as well as regional relations and Serbia's European path, Vucic said.

"Congresswoman Bentley will be remembered for her invaluable contribution to the improvement of the state of affairs in the country she lived in, and for the fact that she had never forgotten her Serbian roots, as proven by actively promoting interests of the Republic of Serbia and its people. We will always remember both the support she lent to our country in the most precarious of times in its history and her contribution to the advancement of the overall relations between the Republic of Serbia and the United States of America.

On June 23, 2016, after a break of nearly a quarter of a century, a new direct flight from Belgrade to New York City has been re-established. The AirSerbia flights to New York will be operated five times a week under the numbers YU500 and YU501, the same ones which Air Serbia’s predecessor JAT Yugoslav Airlines used when it had direct flights to NYC. The Airbus A330 aircraft named after Nikola Tesla, the most famous Serbian-American, has capacity of 254 seats, economy and business class. The first wide-body aircraft for intercontinental regular traffic between the Balkans and the United States is currently the largest aircraft in the fleet of Air Serbia.The Serbian airline is now the only company in the region that has a direct flight to the United States.

On June 19, 2016 H.E. Djerdj Matkovic, Ambassador of Serbia, participated in the bust dedication ceremony honoring Mileva Maric at the Serbian Cultural Garden in Cleveland, Ohio. While Mileva Maric, the wife of Albert Einstein, a brilliant mind and physicist and mathematician herself is the first woman honored in this park, the Serbian Garden already features the busts of Bishop Petar Petrovic Njegos, Mihajlo Pupin, King Petar I, Nikola Tesla, Stevan Mokranjac and Vuk Karadzic.

H.E. Mr. Djerdj Matkovic, Ambassador of Serbia, attended the 46the session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States in Santo Domingo, June 13-15. The main theme of the General Assembly this year was „Institutional strengthening for sustainable development in the Americas“. During this three day conference Ambassador Matkovic met with a number of heads of delegation of the OAS member states. In those meetings ambassador Matkovic presented a candidature of Serbia for the position of United Nations Secretary General and confirmed Serbia's interest in continuation of a fruitful political dialogue with countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

March 10, Washington - Ambassador of Serbia H.E. Mr. Djerdj Matkovic participated in the 9th Global Infrastructure Leadership Forum, that is taking place in Washington DC, March 9th - 11th. The forum is designed to provide a unique marketplace by bringing high level executives from engineering, construction and  technology sectors together with key decision-makers from the public sector, multilateral development banks and project sponsors from around the world. Ambassador Matkovic presented "Nikola Tesla Airport" privatization potentional and met with companies interested in doing business in Serbia.

March 1, 2016 - US  Library of Congress,  Member's Room

Ambassador Matkovic with Colonel Dragan Galic, Defense Attaché, and Lieutenant Colonel Dejan Vujaklija, Assistant Defense Attaché 

The Embassy of Serbia in Washington DC and the Alliance Française de Washington are proud to present a screening of "We will be world Champions" (Bicemo prvaci sveta) on March 2 at 7 pm.

The Alliance Francaise is located at 2142 Wyoming Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

This event is part of the DC Francophonie Festival.

"We Will Be the World Champions" is a story about four pioneers who fathered the Yugoslav school of basketball, and whose merit is the development of this sport in Europe. The central event is the crucial game at World Cup 1970 between Yugoslavia and the United States. From the point of view of the main character, Nebojša Popović, we follow the growth and life path of enthusiasts, whose professional work, ideas and efforts made their major dream come true, the first gold medal for Yugoslavia in world championships.

The movie will be in Serbian will English subtitles.

This is a FREE event but registration is required.

To get FREE tickets please go to Eventbrite

The Embassy of Serbia in Washington DC is pleased to be part of this year's the DC Francophonie Festival, that will take place from 1 to 18 March on various locations in DC.

D.C. Francophonie Cultural Festival celebrates the diversity and richness of the French language and francophone communities around the world through a series of cultural events and outreach programs presented every spring in the U.S. capital region. Celebrating the creative artistry of the French-speaking world, the Francophonie Cultural Festival is a voyage of exploration, discovery, and cultural sharing that highlights the diversity of the French language and cultures. Since 2001, more than 40 embassies and partners (including AFDC and The Smithsonian Associates) have collaborated each year to present an array of experiences all rooted in the Francophone culture — from Africa to the Americas to Asia to the Middle East–through concerts, cuisine, films, literary salons and lectures for all ages.

As an observer in the International Organization of the Francophonie Serbia is pleased to contribute to the program of the Festival in Washington DC.

Serbian Ambassador in Washington Đ. Matkovic headed the delegation of the Republic of Serbia at the 21st regular Ministerial Council of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) held in Petion-Ville, Haiti, January, 18 – 19, 2016.

In addition to a number of meetings with the countries of the Caribbean region, Ambassador Matkovic met with S. Honore, UN SRSG and Head of the UN stabilization mission in Haiti – MINUSTAH, in which Serbia is a participating state. On that occasion, the Ambassador visited the personnel of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia who are part of MINUSTAH since July 2015. Since 2008 Serbia’s contingent has been providing training and monitoring support to the National Guard of Haiti.

Together with the Head of MINUSTAH and Members of the Serbian Delegation Ambassador Matkovic laid a wreath at the memorial dedicated to victims of the earthquake of January 12th, 2010, commemorating six years since the tragic event in which 220,000 civilians and around 100 members of MINUSTAH lost their lives.

On October 13, Ambassador of Serbia H.E. Djerdj Matkovic participated in a panel discussion „Responding to the Refugee Crisis in Southeast Europe”. The event explored the short- and long-term effects of the crisis on the legal systems and security within countries on the Western Balkan Route. The event was organized by American Bar Association ABA ROLI and the United Macedonian Diaspora. Speakers included Ambassador of the Republic of Macedonia V. Naumovski, President of the United Macedonian Diaspora M. Koloski, and N Dasarathy, Senior Advisor from ABA ROLI’s Middle East and North Africa division.

Ambassador of Serbia, H.E. Đerđ Matković will testify at the US Helsinki Commission Hearing

“Europe’s Refugee Crisis: How Should the US, EU, and OSCE Respond?”

Tuesday, October 20, 2015, at 2 p.m.

Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2200

Live webcast will be available on http://bit.ly/1VRaf3G

The hearing will have two pannels, which will be as follows

Panel One

• Anne C. Richard, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, U.S. Department of State

Panel Two

• Mr. Shelly Pitterman, Regional Representative to the United States and Caribbean, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
• His Excellency David O’Sullivan, Ambassador of the European Union to the United States
• His Excellency Djerdj Matkovic, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the United States
• Mr. Sean Callahan, Chief Operating Officer, Catholic Relief Services

• Because the request for its membership is a serious breach of the international law, the Constitution of UNESCO' The legally binding UN Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) and the Charter of the UN whose Article 25 says that "The Members of the UN agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council in accordance with the present Charter". 

• Because according to the UN Security Council resolution 1244, which reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (now Serbia), Kosovo and Metohija is an integral part of the Republic of Serbia, under the administration oBf the UN. Since Kosovo cannot be considered a State, it does not fulfill the basic requirement for membership set out by the UNESCO Constitution.

• Because unilateral attempts such as this one seriously harm and disrupt the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, under the auspices of the European Union in which mutually acceptable solutions for many complex issues  have been devised so far. The issue of the Serbian cultural heritage and the property of the Serbia Orthodox Church has not yet been discussed within the dialogue where it belongs.

• Because this is an unacceptable politicization of UNESCO which should not overtake the competences of the UN. Security Council as the highest authority for the preservation of the international peace and security. UNESCO should not serve as an instrument for the affirmation of an illegal and unilaterally declared independence of a part of the territory of one UN member state. The primary goal of UNESCO is to promote universal values of humanity through education, science and culture not to make political decisions with regard to the statehood.

• Because this would be a dangerous precedent, harmful for many states. This would open the door for other entities to follow the same path thus threatening territorial integrity and sovereignty of other member states.

Serbia's future: Challenges and opportunities for regional stability, reconciliation, and integration

September 16, 2015

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT

Brookings Institution

Washington, DC

On September 16, the Center on the United States and Europe (CUSE) at Brookings will host Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić for a public address on Serbia’s outlook, and how the country can enhance political and economic stability and cooperation in the region and reaffirm its European perspective. In his remarks, the Prime Minister will explore challenges and opportunities for the country and the continent as a whole, including the rapidly-growing influx of migrants and refugees and the importance of regional reconciliation.

REGISTER TO ATTEND

Washington, 3 June 2015 – Prime Minister Alekandar Vucic stated that all the talks he had with representatives of large American companiesduring his visit to the United States were very good and that in all of them, the importance of preserving political and economic stability for Serbia was highlighted.

Washington, 2 June 2015 – Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic has arrived on an official visit to the United States of America where, at the invitation of Vice President Joe Biden, he will stay until 4 June.

Vucic told the Radio-Television Serbia (RTS) upon arrival in Washington that this visit is very important for our country, and expressed his satisfaction that he will meet with senior US officials and representatives of a large number of US companies.

American investors will not consider investments in one country if there is no political stability and if the US government does not approve it, he said.

The Prime Minister underlined the importance of the talks that he will have on the first day of his official visit with representatives of the three companies related to IT sector, General Electric, Microsoft and NCR.

After that, he will meet with US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and later, with representatives of the Serbian diaspora in the United States.

Ten day soccer camp “Sport camps for children and Diaspora" for children from the Diaspora aged 8 to 14 years, starts on July 15 at the Zlatar Mountin. The camp is organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in cooperation with Office for Diaspora and Serbs in the region and the Sports Association of Serbia.

In addition to soccer training, participants will attend educational sessions, lectures on national history and the Serbian language classes. The total price of 350 euros includes daily sports training, ten days of room and board, all meals, transport by bus from Belgrade - Zlatar – Belgrade and a medical examination.

Parents need to provide a written consent for the participation of the child and a valid health card.

Payment instructions

For more information please contact:
 

1. Slobodan Hranisavljević
stručni saradnik
Tel : 011/ 3035-043, 011/3224-269, 063/ 441 238
Faks: 011/322 0079
I-mejl: slobodanh@eunet.rs

2. Slaven Radonić
stručni saradnik
Tel: 011/ 3035-043; 011/3224-269
Faks: 011/3220-079
I-mejl: slaven.radonic@eunet.rs

Chicago, May 16, 2015 - H.E. Mr. Đerđ Matkovic, Ambassador of Serbia, visited Chicago on 14 and 15 May 2015. During his stay Amb. Matkovic had meetings with Deputy Governor of the State of Illinois Ms. Evelyn Sanguinetti and Deputy Mayor Mr. Steve Koch on further cooperation between Serbia and Illinois, as well as between Sister Cities Belgrade and Chicago.

He also met with the representatives of the Academy of "Sveti Sava", paid a visit to the Serbian Parochial school in Chicago, the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral and Serbian-American Museum St. Sava.

The visit was specially focused on strengthening economic ties with the Serbian Diaspora. The Serbian-American Chamber of Commerce and  the Consulate General of Serbia in Chicago organized a meeting between the ambassador, business people and representatives of the Diaspora titled "The importance of the Diaspora in the economic cooperation with Serbia - Possibilities and Challenges". Ambassador Matkovic conveyed readiness of the Embassy and the Consulates General of Serbia in the US to assist all members of the Diaspora interested in investing in Serbia or doing business with Serbian companies.

Belgrade, 12 May 2015 – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Zorana Mihajlovic and US Ambassador to Serbia Michael Kirby today signed the Agreement on Air Transport between the governments of Serbia and the United States.

Mihajlovic said after the signing of the agreement that all technical requirements for direct flights between Serbia and the United States have been met, and expressed hope that they will start as soon as possible.

She said that the US Federal Aviation Administration ranked Serbia in the category of the first order, which in aviation means that the country is safe and that it can apply for direct flights.

The establishment of direct flights after 23 years will have great significance for the further economic development of Serbia, Mihajlovic assessed and reiterated that our country is ready as far as technical conditions are concerned.

The next step are talks between air authorities which will decide when to establish direct flights.

Kirby expressed the hope that this will be done in the near future, probably in a few months, noting that it largely depends on the companies that are to operate flights.

Belgrade, May 8, 2015 -  First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic met today with US Congressional Representative Dana Rohrabacher, Chairman of the House Europe, Eurasia Subcommittee, who is visiting the Republic of Serbia in the framework of his tour of the region.

During the meeting, the interlocutors exchanged views on regional topics, including on current bilateral and international issues. Minister Dacic expressed his satisfaction over the positive dynamic of the bilateral dialogue and indicated that Serbia’s foreign policy position today was much better, inter alia as a result of recognition of its commitment to the dialogue with Pristina and the constructive relations with neighbouring countries.

Rep. Rohrabacher said that the US appreciated the efforts of the Republic of Serbia aimed at establishing full regional stability, indicating that significant progress had been made in this context. He also underlined that Serbia enjoyed full US support in this process

Ambassador Djerdj Matković delivered remarks at the North Virginia Community College (NOVA) on April 23, 2015, as a part of NOVA’s multicultural week. Ambassador Matković presented fоreign policy priorities, economic potentials, tourist destinations and cultural heritage of Serbia.

Belgrade, 14 April 2015 – Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development Srdjan Verbic and US Ambassador to Serbia Michael Kirby today signed a Memorandum of understanding on the Fulbright academic exchange programme, which provides for an increase in the number of scholars and intensive cooperation of educational, scientific and research institutions of Serbia and the United States.

Verbic said that the Fulbright grants are intended for students, professors and researchers, and that there have been 150 Fulbright programme participants from Serbia in the last 15 years.

The Minister of Education also noted that this programme exists in more than 150 countries.

Kirby said that the Fulbright academic exchange programme is one of the most prestigious American exchange programmes and that it is good that the Ministry of Education wants to help young people get their education in the United States.

April 2, 2015 Washington – The Embassy of Serbia hosted a presentation of the book “Tesla: A Portrait with Masks” by a renowned Serbian writer Vladimir Pistalo. Since it was published in Serbia in 2008 it became a bestseller and was awarded with NIN Literary Prize for the best novel of the year. Since then tho book has been translated to 10 European languages.The first US edition was published in 2015 and has already received excellent literary reviews in the US.

Washington, D.C., March 17, 2015  – The Woodrow Wilson Center organized the OSCE Security Days Conference, first held outside of Vienna. It brought together foreign ministers, ambassadors and prominent leaders to discuss current challenges in the Euro-Atlantic security. The Conference was composed of four panels discussing topics of Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic Security, Afghanistan and Central Asia, Preventing Radicalization that leads to Terrorism and Strategies for Future. Prominent participants included OSCE Secretary General Amb. Lamberto Zannier, Amb. Dejan Sahovic, Head of Serbian Chairmanship Task Force, Deputy Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan and Afghanistan, Ambassadors of the Russian Federation and Ukraine to US, Permanent Representative of Germany to the OSCE.

In his remarks Ambassador Dejan Sahovic, Head of the Serbian OSCE Chairmanship Task Force, laid out priorities of the Serbian Chairmanship in 2015 and highlighted the added value of the joint Swiss-Serbian cooperation that provided continuity and institutional stability. He stressed that Serbia will build upon the cooperative and inclusive nature of the OSCE that recently brought about the joint decision of 57 member states on a new 12 month mandate of the Special Monitoring Mission for Ukraine and resources for its operations. Regarding the upcoming activities of the Serbia OSCE Chairmanship he informed about the Panel of Eminent Persons, “Helsinki Plus 40“ Process and the Ministerial Meeting to be held in Belgrade later in December of this year.

Belgrade, 10 March 2015 – Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and US Ambassador to Serbia Michael Kirby spoke today about concrete American investments in Serbia, investments of American companies and the speedy creation of a better investment environment in the country.

During the talks, it was underlined that it is necessary to invest in smaller places too so that the survival of local population could be ensured, as well as more even regional development of Serbia.

The Embassy of Serbia is pleased to announce its participation at the Smithsonian DC Francophonie Cultural Festival that is taking place every year during the month of March in Washington, D.C.

The D.C. Francophonie Festival celebrates the diversity and richness of the French language and francophone communities around the world through a series of cultural events and outreach programs presented every spring in the U.S. capital region. As part of this program the Embassy is pleased to invite you to the movie

"Professor Kosta Vujic's Hat"

The movie will be screened at the Alliance Francaise, on Saturday, March 21 at 3.30 pm.

Free entrance.                          

Location: Allaince Francaise, 2142 Wyoming Ave, NW            

Language: Serbian with English subtitles                                    

To attend please RSVP 

The Embassy wishes to invite you to the final closing celebration of the Smithsonian DC Francophonie Festival

"La Grande Fete"

The annual Francophonie Cultural Festival spotlights the music, art, literature, film, cuisine, and customs of French-speaking countries and regions from across the globe, and its closing celebration is always magnifique. This year’s bash will be no exception.

Belgrade/Washington, 26 Feb 2015 – First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, who is also Chairman of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), met in Washington today with US Secretary of State John Kerry.

Dacic said at a joint press conference before the meeting that Serbia attaches great importance to bilateral relations with the United States, especially in times when it is chairing such an important international organisation as the OSCE.

As a chair country, we will be faithful and true to the principles on which the OSCE is based, since the former Yugoslavia was one of the founders, Dacic stated.

He said that the Serbian Chairmanship will make every effort to have good communication with the 57 OSCE member states on the area from Vladivostok to Vancouver and to coordinate its work with the most important political factors.

Dacic said that at the meeting with the US Secretary of State, they will not only discuss the work of the OSCE, but also bilateral relations between Serbia and the United States.

It is a great satisfaction for me that our bilateral relations in recent years have been moving upward. It is very important to restore the strategic partnership that the United States and Serbia had a long time ago, 100 years ago, Dacic underlined and recalled that our bilateral diplomatic relations were established more than 130 years ago.

Serbia’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ivica Dačić, will testify before the Helsinki Commission in his capacity as Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE. He takes the helm to conclude the implementation of a joint leadership plan developed with Switzerland, which chaired the OSCE in 2014.

“Serbia’s Leadership of the OSCE”

Belgrade, 10 Feb 2015 – Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic spoke today with US Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Hoyt Yee and US Ambassador to Serbia Michael Kirby.

The American diplomats congratulated the Serbian Prime Minister on initialling the Judiciary Agreement yesterday in Brussels, and described it as a great success that confirms the dedication of the Serbian government to dialogue with Pristina.

PM Vucic underlined that it is his job to work the hardest and best for his people in Kosovo-Metohija and central Serbia.

The collocutors also examined the process of European integration, and Vucic said he expects the US support to Serbia's European path.

One of the topics discussed was the bilateral cooperation between Serbia and the United States, particularly in light of the meetings of the PM Vucic with US Vice President Joseph Biden and Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland during the Securiy Conference.

February 10, Washington D.C. - Embassies of Serbia and Switzerland co-hosted a reception at the Residence of the Swiss Ambassador to celebrate the close cooperation between the Serbian and the Swiss Chairmanships and thank for the support during Switzerland’s Chairmanship of the OSCE in 2014.

In his speech ambassador Dahinden of Switzerland stressed that “for the first time, two countries have agreed to work out a joint program for their two Chairmanships. That will create continuity for the OSCE and strengthen its capacity to serve as a relevant actor in the region.”

Ambassador of Serbia Matkovic highlighted the important role the OSCE plays in Europe adding that at the Munich Security Conference OSCE received this year’s Ewald von Kleist Award for the outstanding contribution to international peace, stability and security in Europe. Regarding the situation in Ukraine ambassador Matkovic said that although a small nation, as a current chair of OSCE Serbia will make the utmost efforts to contribute to the peaceful solution of the current crisis.  

February 4, 2015 - First Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dačić arrived to Washington DC for a three-day visit to the United States. On 5th of February he will attend the 63rd National Prayer Breakfast and meet with senior State Department officials and Serbian Caucus in the US Congress.

Minister Dacic will meet with the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Ms. Victoria Nuland, Co-Chairs of the Serbian Caucus, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver and Congressman Ted Poe, as well as with Senator Chris Murphy.

On February 6 Minister Dacic will participate in the session of the UN Security Council to discuss the new UNMIK report which covers the period from October 16, 2014 to January 15, 2015.

On January 29 the Wilson Center hosted the panel discussion “Security Challenges in Europe in 2015”. The panelists included Martin Dahinden, Ambassador of Switzerland to the US, John Milton Cooper, Senior Scholar Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin, Vladimir Jovičić, Charge d'Affaires, a.i. Embassy of Serbia to the US, Oleksandr Chalyi, Former First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Maxim Trudolyubov, Fellow, Opinion Page Editor, Vedomosti Daily, Russia.

The discussion aimed at providing a broad view of European security challenges in 2015. Particular emphasis was placed on the priorities of the Swiss Chairmanship of the OSCE and what remains to be done following the transition to Serbian Chairmanship.

The Embassy of Serbia is pleased to invite you to the presentation of the book
"Serbian Medieval Cultural Heritage" by Vesna Petkovic.

The event will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, 12 - 1 pm at the Library of Congress 

European Division Conference Room, Thomas Jefferson Building, LJ-250, Washington, D.C. 20540

Free and open to the public

Belgrade/Vienna, 16 Jan 2015 – First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic spoke yesterday in Vienna, where he presented to the OSCE Permanent Council priorities of Serbia’s chairmanship of the OSCE, with heads of OSCE field missions and institutions of this organisation.

Dacic, who is also Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE said that Serbia, as a country in which the OSCE has long been present, attaches great importance to this organisation’s field missions, whose activities will be supported during the country’s chairmanship.

He noted that regional cooperation is one of the priorities of the presidency, and added that good neighbourly relations are not something that should be taken for granted, but must be nurtured.

The First Deputy Prime Minister said that the most important task during Serbia’s chairmanship of the OSCE will be to work on securing the return of peace and stability in Ukraine.

Speaking about cooperation with institutions of the OSCE, Dacic underlined that Serbia will intensify its good cooperation with them during its chairmanship.

14 January 2015 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dačič today strongly condemned yesterday’s deadly incident in which several people were killed and wounded on a bus near a government-controlled checkpoint in Buhas, eastern Ukraine.

"I condemn in the strongest terms this attack on innocent passengers. I am appalled by this incident and its tragic outcome, and express my deepest sympathy to the families of the victims."
“This incident comes as the situation in the east of the country has significantly deteriorated and I call on all sides to immediately halt the use of force, exercise restraint, return to negotiating table and implementing both the letter and the spirit of the Minsk documents."
“I am following the situation closely through reports from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, and I urge all sides to allow for the safe and unhindered access of OSCE monitors to all areas so that they can do their job.”

Belgrade, 9 Jan 2015 – Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic chaired this year's first meeting of the Office for coordination of security services which discussed the current security situation, activities dedicated to the prevention of possible terrorist activities and the fight against corruption.

It was concluded that peace, priorities, stability and security of the citizens of Serbia are task of all competent authorities. In addition, a permanent mixed working group on combating terrorism in the Republic of Serbia was formed.

"Aware of responsibility, we shall do our best to justify the trust", Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic

Belgrade, 31 Dec 2014 – The Serbian government adopted at today's session the National Strategy for Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, which includes strategic planning, coordination and cooperation of all institutions in order to decrease the risk of money laundering and terrorism financing.

The strategy is also aimed at preventing the introduction of the assets that are suspected to be the proceeds of crime into the financial system and other sectors, as well as the detecting and prosecuting the offenders and confiscating the illegally acquired assets.

The national strategy covers the period to 2018 and provides for the formation of professional teams that will work on the prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing​.

15 October 2014

Washington DC, 11.October 2014 - President of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Tomisalv Nikolić awarded posthumously a Gold Medal Of Merit to Stella Jatras, US diplomat, analyst and writer for outstanding achievements in public and cultural activities and presentation of Serbia in the U.S. The medal was handed over to the Jatras family by Adviser to the President of Serbia, Mr. Oliver Antic, during the ceremony at the Embassy of Serbia.

Belgrade, 6 Oct 2014 – Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic spoke this evening with Vice President of the United States Joseph Biden, who expressed his appreciation and support to reforms that Serbia started implementing.

In a telephone conversation, Vucic and Biden discussed bilateral Serbian-US political and economic relations. 

Biden expressed his hope that Serbia will remain a factor of stability in the whole region of the Western Balkans. 

The Prime Minister said that Serbia is committed to its European path, and that it will start with strict economic reforms, as its citizens want, in order for Serbia to become a successful and modern country. 

Also, Vucic and the US Vice President exchanged views on the global political and economic trends.

This October the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra will perform for the first time in its history in the United States. The concert in Washington will be held on October 8 at the Strathmore Music Center, North Bethesda, Maryland at 7.30 pm. Concerts will also be held in Chicago (October 6), Cleveland (October 7) and New York (October 9)

The Ambassy of the Republic Serbia in Washington DC invites all classical music lovers to join us in welcoming the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra at the concerts  in the United States. 

Strathmore Music Center, October 8,  7:30 pm

Click here to purchase tickets online

Program:

Conductor: Muhai Tang       Solist: Željko Lučić

Belgrade/Berlin, 28 Aug 2014 – First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic said today in Berlin to the Western Balkan region is a region of peace and stability, adding that it expects to soon join the European Union.

At a conference on the Western Balkans within a ministerial panel on "Economic Management and Joining the EU", Dacic in his address expressed gratitude to the government of the Federal Republic of Germany and Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the initiative and his personal commitment to ensure that these conference be held. 

The First Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that the new approach to the EU, in accordance with which chapters 23 and 24, relating to the rule of law and fight against corruption, should be opened at the beginning of the negotiation process, in the best interest of the candidate countries. 

He said that European integration is the most effective and quickest way to achieve high standards in these areas, which are crucial for the overall development of the state and society and for ensuring economic growth and social prosperity. 

According to Dacic, Serbia's priority is the rule of law, as a prerequisite for attracting foreign investments and activation of small and medium enterprises in the country. 

He recalled the 2013 Judicial Reform Strategy and the Strategy for the Fight against Corruption, which specifies in detail all the measures and timetable for implementation. 

He emphasised bilateral assistance and support of Germany in this field. 

The First Deputy Prime Minister said that efforts should be made to improve the regulatory framework and law enforcement, as well as to build a culture that has zero tolerance towards corruption. 

Dacic said Serbia does not expect the EU to lower its criteria for membership. 

We consider that it is significant every country moves towards the EU at its own pace, said Dacic.

August 5 - CNN Interview with the Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic on Ukraine and the Serbian Path Toward the EU accession

"Our friendship with the Serbians is based on our shared belief in democracy and standing up for liberty. During both World War I and World War II, our two countries fought on the same battlefield and our people shared and shed blood together. Because of that brotherhood, we have a special relationship."

The Orfelin Circle and the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia invite you to the fifth annual

"Festival of Serbian Contemporary Documentary and Short Film - Washington 2014", May 29 and June 1, 2014

During the first night of the festival audience had the opportunity to see the following films:

Down on the Corner - Corina Schwingruber Ilić & Nikola Ilić, Cortha Film, Lucerne, Switzerland, 2013

Springtime Suns - Stefan Ivančić, Faculty of Dramatic Arts, Belgrade, 2013                      

Stardust - Vladimir Perović, Radio-televizija Vojvodina, Novi Sad, 2011 Best short film, Parnu Int'l Film Festival, Estonia, 2012

Way In Rye - Goran Stanković, AFI, Los Angeles, 2013 Finalist for student Academy Award 2014

Rabbitland - Ana Nedeljković & Nikola Majdak, Baš Čelik, Beograd, 2013 Tricky Women Award of the City of Vienna, Vienna 2014

When I was a Boy I Was a Girl - Ivana Todorovic, Academic Film Center, Novi Beograd, 2013 Best Documentary Short Film award, SEE Fest, Los Angeles 2013

PROGRAM FOR SUNDAY, June 1, 8-10 PM

The Bag - Marko Sopić, 2012 The Golden Plaquette of Belgrade for the best film of the international competition program, The 61st Belgrade Documentary and Short Film Festival, Belgrade 2014

Five Minutes Each - Vojin Vasović, Blink Studio, Kragujevac, 2011 Gold Kahuna Award, Honolulu Film Awards, Honolulu 2012 Best animation award, The MiX International Short Film Festival, Richmond 2012 Best animated film, Cineview Film Festival, Toronto 2011

Spasosvdan - Dobrivoje i Dobrila Pantelić, Produkcija Tri-D, Zavlaka, 2008

Time's Up - Daniel Deni Mateić, Deni Mateić, Beograd, 2013

Kosma - Sonja Blagojević, CVK Kvadrat, Beograd, 2013 Best Cinematography award in documentary film category, SEE Fest, Los Angeles 2014

Screenings of the selected films will be shown starting at 8 PM on both days at The Avalon Theater, 5612 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Chevy Chase, Washington, DC. All movies are with subtitles.

PROCEEDS OF THIS EVENT WILL BENEFIT SERBIAN FLOOD RELIEF!

 Bring your friends and join us!

For more information about the festival please visit www.orfelin.org

Diplomatic and consular missions of the Republic of Serbia in the United States and Canada would like to thank all humanitarian and non-profit organizations registered in the U.S. and Canada for their work and activities in collecting humanitarian aid for the flooded areas in Serbia.

On this occasion we would like to emphasize that no organization or Diaspora association has received from the Government of the Republic of Serbia the exclusive right to collect and send humanitarian aid.

Diplomatic and consular missions of Serbia highly appreciate efforts of all organizations, associations, individuals, Serbian Diaspora clubs and the Serbian Orthodox Church to collect humanitarian aid.

We will continue to provide assistance to all interested organizations and individuals so that the humanitarian aid reaches to the people in need.

Belgrade, 29 April 2014 – The former Prime Minister Ivica Dacic handed over today this duty to the newly-elected Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic at the Serbian government building.

Prime Minister Vucic and Dacic, who in the new government has the position of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs, stated on this occasion that there is a lot of work ahead of Serbia and that the aim of this government is to do something for the country by which it will be remembered by future generations. 

They announced a rich diplomatic activity and especially referred to yesterday’s visit of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, who expressed support to the new government of Serbia.

Vucic recalled that in 2015 Serbia will preside over the OSCE, which means that the Minister of Foreign Affairs will have a lot of work.

He announced that European Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed will soon visit our country.

Dacic also gave Vucic the Report on the government’s work and expressed satisfaction with their mutual cooperation to date and results of the previous government’s work over the last two years, and first of all with the fact that Serbia’s image in the world has been improved. 

He noted that he will have a lot of work on his new position, and recalled that Serbia will chair the OSCE and that the Summit of the countries of the EU and Western Balkans will soon be held in Greece. 

Dacic announced that a meeting of Council of Europe foreign ministers will soon be held, at which the situation in Ukraine will be looked at.

He presented Vucic with a replica of a mythological creature from the Ravanica monastery, which has the body of a lion and the head of an eagle.

Belgrade, 28 April 2014 – Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said today that Serbia will be the first country in this part of Europe to launch talks on chapters 23 and 24, related to the rule of law, as soon as next year.

Vucic expressed the hope at a news conference after a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton that our country will receive assistance from the EU in this process, as promised by Ashton today.

The arrival of the EU High Representative to Belgrade on the first day after the formation of the new government of Serbia is a great honour and a good sign for our country, he said and expressed his appreciation for such an act, but also for everything that Ashton has done for Serbia.

Vucic said that a great deal of merit goes to Ashton for the fact that Serbia is on its path towards EU membership and for the acceptance of the Brussels agreement, noting that she, more than many others in the Union, wanted to hear Serbian views, comments and needs.

April 5–June 14

Though it is justly associated with political restrictions on creativity and meager resources, the Cold War era in the former Eastern Bloc nevertheless saw film and video makers creating independent and experimental work on their own terms. This series focuses on films that defied the established traditions of both narrative and documentary cinema and were produced outside large state-run studios. Borrowed from archival collections across the region—including Poland, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Latvia, Estonia, and the Czech Republic, as well as U.S. and Western European archives and the personal archives of several filmmakers—the films offer fresh insights into the artistic explorations of time-based media undertaken by artists and amateurs, as well as by professional filmmakers in the region. Seen today, these titles seem as potent as any work produced contemporaneously in the Cold War West. With special thanks to the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, and the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia.

Innocence Unprotected April 5 at 2:00

Reminiscences of a Journey to Lithuania April 5 at 4:30

Documentaries with a Human Face (Part I) April 26 at 2:30

Documentaries with a Human Face (Part II): 235 000 000 April 26 at 4:00

Balázs Béla Studio (Budapest) May 3 at 3:30

City Scene / Country Scene May 10 at 1:00

Experimental Film in Croatia and Serbia May 24 at 4:00

Artists, Collectives, Communities June 7 at 1:30

Home Movies and Found Footage June 8 at 2:00

Medium Experiments: From Film to Video June 14 at 4:00

For more information please visit National Gallary of Art

Belgrade, 7 April 2014 – Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and Ambassador of the United States to Serbia Michael Kirby agreed at today's meeting that relations between the two countries are on the rise and that there is great potential for improving economic cooperation.

Dacic said that in dialogue with Pristina in Brussels Serbia seeks to reach a fair solution that will ensure complete safety and survival of Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija and a stable peace in the region. 

Special attention is devoted to the discussion of the importance of strengthening institutions in Serbia that will strongly support economic development and the process of European integration.

Congressmen Ted Poe, Co-Chair of the Serbian Congressional Caucus

Congressmen Emanuel Cleaver II, Co-Chair of the Serbian National Caucus

Dimitrije Vasiljevic is an award-winning, New York-based jazz pianist and composer who weaves Balkan motifs into European jazz. Hailing from Serbia, he is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and the NYU Steinhardt School. At this Carnegie Hall debut, Vasiljevic showcases his original compositions and several jazz standards in his own arrangements. 

To learn more about Dejan Vasiljevic please visit  www.dimitrijevasiljevic.com

Belgrade/Washington, 7 Feb 2014 – Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Ivica Dacic said in Washington that he spoke with new Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) James Comey about very good cooperation between the American and Serbian services and the opening of FBI offices in Belgrade.

Belgrade, 5 Feb 2014 – Prime Minister Ivica Dacic will pay a visit to the United States of America, where on 10 February he will participate in a meeting of the UN Security Council dedicated to the situation in Kosovo-Metohija.

Dacic will confer with FBI Director James Comey on 6 February in Washington. 

Also, the Prime Minister of Serbia will meet with Congressmen Robert Aderholt and Ted Poe in Washington. 

On 7 February, Dacic will meet with Deputy Secretary of State William Burns and Deputy Director of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Thomas Harrigan. 
Dacic will also attend the prayer breakfast organised by the President of the United States Barack Obama.

The Minister of Defence of the Republic of Serbia , Nebojsa Rodic arrived in Washington, the USA. During the official working visit , a series of bilateral meetings are planned with officials from the Pentagon , State Department , National Guard Bureau , the Defense Intelligence Agency , the National University of Defense and the US Congress.

In addition to bilateral meetings , the defense minister will sign two agreements. In the Pentagon the minister will meet with the United States Secretary of Defense Charles Hagel where these two officials will sign an Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the United States on security measures for the protection of classified military information,  while during his visit to the State Department minister will sign the agreement on enhancing cooperation and the status of forces within the framework of the Partnership for Peace Program.

Besides being received by the  Secretary of Defense and senior officials from the State Department minister Rodic 
will also be received by the  chief of the US National Guard Bureau General Frank Grass, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Lieutenant General Michael Flynn and the President of the US National Defense University , Maj. Gen. Greg Martin. In addition to these meetings, the defense minister will visit the members of the Ministry of Defense and the Army of Serbia, who are currently in training at the National University of Defense of the United States.

Furthermore, during his visit to the United States, Defense Minister Nebojsa Rodic will attend the ceremony 
on the occasion of Saint Sava, in the organization of the Serbian diaspora in Washington .

The Government Office for Cooperation with Diaspora and Serbs in the Region has opened an online RAPID RESPONSE SERVICE. For any inquiries or questions regarding personal documents, statutory and property issues and education please visit  www.dijaspora.gov.rs/brzi-odgovori/ or call + 381.11.3202.937

Belgrade/Brussels, 21 Jan 2014 – Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic led in Brussels today a Serbian delegation at the First intergovernmental conference between Serbia and the EU, which officially marked the beginning of negotiations on the accession of our country to the EU.

Speaking at a press conference after the First intergovernmental conference, Dacic underlined that historically this is the most important event for Serbia after World War II, and that as of today Serbia is formally part of the process of accession to the joint family of European nations.

He thanked the EU for the assistance it has provided to our country to get to this day, and highlighted the contribution of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, who was a key factor in coming to a compromise in dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, and of European Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule, who worked patiently over the years to create the conditions so that he could write in his report that Serbia deserves to get candidate status and open the negotiations.

Belgrade, 13 Jan 2014 – Minister of Transport Aleksandar Antic spoke today with US Ambassador to Serbia Michael Kirby about cooperation between the two countries, with a special emphasis on cooperation in the field of air transport.

A statement by the Ministry of Transport says that during the meeting it was underlined that in order to attract investments from the US, Serbia must build a good transport infrastructure.

Kirby said there is an increased interest of US investors for Serbia, pointing to highly qualified labour and many advantages for production and further export of goods and services as Serbia’s strong points.

Speaking about cooperation in air transport and safety issues, Antic voiced his hope that at the meeting to be held on 24 March the US Federal Aviation Administration will confirm Serbia’s progress in this field. 

Bearing in mind our country’s ambition to become the regional leader in air transport, such a decision would be of great importance and would enable the national air carrier Air Serbia to fly to the United States, Antic underlined.

Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia has opened a call for submission of project proposals in the following areas:

1 Translation projects of renowned works of Serbian authors into foreign languages

2 Cultural activities of Serbs abroad

The overall objective of the competition is to support the translation of representative works of Serbian literature into foreign languages, as well as to support and encourage realization of projects in the cultural field of the Serbian nationals abroad with the aim of preserving of their cultural identity.

Who is eligible to apply? Institutions, artistic and other associations and organizations/entities, registered in the Republic of Serbia and outside the territory of the Republic of Serbia, and publishers registered solely or mainly in the field of publishing industry, outside of the Republic of Serbia.

Who is not eligible? Cultural institution founded by the Republic of Serbia.

The competition is open from December 21, 2013 to March 21, 2014.

Information about application procedure and required forms are available on the website of the Ministry of Culture www.kultura.gov.rs

For more information about the open call, please contact

Mladen Veskovic mladen.veskovic@kultura.gov.rs , + 381.11.3398.026 or

Ivana Ivanov ivana.ivanov@kultura.gov.rs , + 381.11.2927.815

Belgrade/Brussels, 20 Dec 2013 – President of the European Council Herman van Rompuy officially confirmed today that the accession negotiations with Serbia will start on 21 January of 2014, and that all EU member states approved the negotiating framework for Serbia.

Rompuy told a press conference held after a two-day summit of heads of state and government of the EU in Brussels that at the first intergovernmental conference, the EU will be represented by Greece, which as of 1 January 2014 will take on a six-month presidency of the EU.

He expressed the hope that the first chapters will be opened in the second half of 2014, and added that the negotiating framework adopted today provides the opening of chapters 23 and 24, relating to the judiciary, police, and basic human rights.

He added that Chapter 35 (various issues), including normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, will be opened at the same time.

Belgrade, 17 Dec 2013 – Prime Minister Ivica Dacic announced tonight that the accession talks of the EU with Serbia will start on 21 January.

In a live broadcast on RTS, Dacic said that the EU foreign ministers’ decision adopted in Brussels tonight to hold the first intergovernmental conference of Serbia and the EU in January is a historic event, which has been waited for by many generations and which has been the goal of many previous governments in Serbia.

Belgrade, 10 Dec 2013 – Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and Director of the Office of South -Central European Affairs of the US State Department Jonathan Moore pointed out in a meeting today that the United States supports Serbia's European path and reforms undertaken by the government of Serbia.

Dacic and Moore emphasised that dialogue between Belgrade and the provisional institutions of government in Pristina and the implementation of the agreement reached in Brussels have a positive impact on stabilisation of the situation in the region, and that local elections in Kosovo were well organised.

The Prime Minister stressed the commitment of the government of Serbia that all outstanding issues be resolved efficiently and in a timely manner.

He expressed confidence that the intergovernmental conference on Serbia’s EU accession will be held as soon as possible, i.e. no later than January next year, given that the government has adopted all the necessary documents for negotiations.

Dacic said that Serbia's interest is to promote political dialogue and enhance economic cooperation with the United States.

Belgrade, 6 Dec 2013 – The Serbian government ordered at its session today that all flags in the Republic of Serbia be taken to half-mast today in order to mark the death of former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela.

18 Nov 2013. Prime Minister Ivica Dacic will be on a two-day working visit to the United States of America (US) on 18-19 November, during which he will participate in the work of the UN Security Council session (SB UN).

On 18 November Dacic will meet US representative to the UN Samantha Power and with Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Vitaly Churkin.

The Prime Minister will hold a meeting with representatives of companies General Electric and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts. 

The Prime Minister will also attend a cocktail party hosted by President and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Academy of Sciences Ellis Rubinstein.

On 19 November Dacic will participate in the work of a UN Security Council session. Before the session, the Prime Minister will meet with Permanent Representative of China to the UN and the current President of the UN Security Council Liu Jieyi.

Belgrade/London, 12 Nov 2013 – Serbia’s no.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic defended his title at the ATP World Tour Finals in London after beating last night Spaniard Rafael Nadal 2-0 in sets, 6-3, 6-4.

This is Djokovic’s seventh title this year and the third victory at final masters tournaments in his career.

Previously, Djokovic had qualified for the finals of the London tournament after defeating Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 2-0 in sets, 6-3, 6-3.

Belgrade, 11 Nov 2013 – Prime Minister Ivica Dacic laid a wreath today at the Mausoleum to Defenders of Belgrade in the First World War. The observation ceremony of the Armistice Day in the First World War was attended by representatives of the Serbian government, Serbian Army, City of Belgrade, as well as ambassadors and foreign envoys. The central state ceremony held next to the Mausoleum to Defenders of Belgrade has been held in order to pay tribute to all soldiers and civilians who fell innocent victims during the First World War.

Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic laid a laurel wreath to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Avala with full military and state honours. The wreath, laid with the sounds of the state anthem “God of Justice”, carried an inscription: “To the soldiers of the great war by their proud descendants – President of the Republic Tomislav Nikolic.” After the wreath-laying ceremony, Nikolic signed the book of impressions. The Serbian delegation also included Minister of Defence Nebojsa Rodic and Chief of the Serbian Army General Staff General Ljubisa Dikovic. The Armistice Day is observed around in the world with various events in the memory of 11 November 1918 when the armistice took effect at 11.00.

Belgrade, 7 Nov 2013 – Prime Minister Ivica Dacic said today in a meeting with Vice President of US company Intel John Davis that the Serbian government supports the rapid development of information technology in Serbia in cooperation with major international companies in IT sector.

Belgrade, 4 Nov 2013 – Prime Minister Ivica Dacic said today that the sector of information technology (IT) has a great potential for economic development in Serbia, which is the chance that the Serbian government intends to use with the help of the world's largest IT companies.

Dacic said at today's meeting with Microsoft CEO Steven Ballmer, which was also attended by First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, that the government of Serbia has marked the growth and development of the IT sector as a key economic priority, given that this sector can be a stimulus for the country’s economic recovery.

The Prime Minister said that our country has a great potential in this area, and recalled that the good cooperation between the Serbian government and the company Microsoft is entering the second decade.

 

Belgrade, 25 Oct 2013 – Prime Minister Ivica Dacic said today that IT sector can be the backbone of the country’s economic recovery and can trigger a new development cycle.

                

The Serbian government is open to investments of big international companies and willing to introduce modern technologies in the systems of games of chance. 

In a traffic accident that occurred on the road between Williston and Minot, North Dakota, on 4 October 2013, Vladan Jovanovic was killed, while Dusan Travica and Goran Siparica were severely injured, all nationals of the Republic of Serbia. 

The Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in Chicago, which is in charge of this case, reacted promptly and after receiving the information, immediately contacted the friends of victims, talked with the doctors at the hospital in Minneapolis and contacted the respective U.S. police department to get a report on the accident. The official report of the U.S. police stated that the driver was not under the influence of alcohol or any other illegal substance.

Immediately upon receiving an official letter from the hospital in Minneapolis, the Consulate General delivered it to the families of those injured to assist them in obtaining a visa for urgent travel to the United States.

With the help of the Consular Department of the MFA, father of one of the injured, Andjelko Travica, obtained a U.S. visa in a summary procedure and is due to leave for States on 10 October, where Dusan Travica underwent surgery and is still on life support. The other injured person, Goran Siparica, is in a better condition.

Following the accident, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, issued a statement in which, among other things, it is stated that condolences were sent to the family of the young student who was killed.

Belgrade/New York, 4 Oct 2013 – Prime Minister Ivica Dacic today expressed belief that Serbia will be next, the 29th member of the EU, in the next ten-year period.

The Republic of Serbia welcomes the adoption of UN SC Resolution on chemical weapons in Syria 2118 (2013), based on the decision of the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

The Resolution, based on the agreement reached between the Russian Federation and the United States, strongly expresses the consent of the international community that the use of chemical weapons is unacceptable, and constitutes a key step towards creating the possibilities for the safe and stable future of all citizens of Syria.

The Republic of Serbia expresses its hope that the elimination of chemical weapons in Syria will be followed by strong diplomatic efforts aimed at putting an end to violence and reaching a sustainable solution.

When - September 28, 2013 3:00 - 6:00 PM

Where - NYU Washington, DC, 1307 L Street, NW Washington, DC 20005

In Partnership with the Global Language Network, New York University, Washington DC will be hosting G-Fest, an international festival that will be open to the general public and free of charge.

G-Fest showcases ethnic and cultural diversity, celebrating unique worldly traditions, encouraging cultural exchange and understanding. Featuring interactive country booths, dance performances, cultural displays, and more, G-Fest will allow students and guests the opportunity to learn the customs of our friends around the globe.

Join us for an afternoon of language, culture, food and fun!

For more infomation, please visit G Fest

Prime Minister Ivica Dacic sent a telegram of condolence to Prime Minister of Lithuania Algirdas Butkevicius following the death of Lithuanian customs officer Audrius Senavicius, who was killed in this morning's attack against EULEX in the north of Kosovo-Metohija. "On behalf of the government of the Republic of Serbia and myself, please accept our deepest condolences over the death of the Lithuanian officer who was killed in this morning's attack on EULEX. The Serbian government will do everything to help identify the perpetrators of this crime, reads the telegram.
 

Belgrade/New Orleans, 17 Sept 2013 – Prime Minister Ivica Dacic said at the US-Serbian Business Forum "Invest in Serbia", held in New Orleans, that Serbia is a reliable and safe destination for investors.

Dacic presented investment opportunities in Serbia and changes that are to take place, such as the cutting of red tape and tax reform.

The forum was attended by around 50 companies, and the Prime Minister spoke with representatives of the leading companies in the field of ore extraction, such as Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc. and Chevron's North America Exploration & Production.

Freeport has gone the longest way in cooperation with Serbia as it already conducts research on the extraction of ore discovered in our country, Dacic said.

According to him, Chevron is interested in the exploitation of oil shale near Aleksinac.

Mayor of New Orleans Mitch Landrieu welcomed this direct way of attracting investment and offered a long-term economic cooperation.

He said that the United States and Serbia have many common interests, which is why it is necessary that the United States improve cooperation through their cities.

The Embassy of Serbia and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts have the pleasure to present young Serbian artists Ms. Anđela Bratić (flute) and Ms. Jasna Popović (piano) at the concert at the the John F. Kennedy Center on September 18, 2013 at 6 p.m.

Free admission.

PROGRAM: P.Stojanović, K. Babić, S.Barber, R. Muczinsky, F.List. A. Grgin, J. Williams, B. Mladenović, F. Borne

Anđela Bratić was born in Niš, graduated from the Faculty of Music Arts in Belgrade, completed her master studies at the University of Mainz in the class of Professor D. Gavrić. She pursued professional advancement at courses held by eminent flautist and professors Irena Grafenauer, Janos Balint, Yossi Arnheim and Dieter Flury. She is the winner of several national and international awards. Since 2009 she has been assistant professor for flute at the Faculty of Arts in Niš.   

Jasna Popović was born in Belgrade, where she received her first piano lesson at the age of six. Popović attended the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Munich, Germany. She has won numerous awards such as Passantino Award for Special Achievements from the City University of New York in 2006. This academic recognition was followed by a series of successful performances at Weill Recital Hall/Zankel/Stern Perlman Auditorium at Carnegie Hall, United Nations, Steinway Hall, Lefrack Hall and throughout the Europe, Asia and South America. Jasna Popović is Bechstein artist residing in New York City.

Ambassador Vladimir Petrović attended the commemoration of the birth of the Liberator Simon Bolivar, at the Organization of American States, July 24, 2013in Washington, DC

On the occasion of the Independence day Embassy of the Republic of Serbia will be closed on July 4th and 5th, 2013. For emergencies only our clients can use phone 202.332.0333, ext. 102

Belgrade/Brussels/Washington, 28 June 2013 – President of the European Council Herman van Rompuy stated today that EU leaders decided that the accession talks with Serbia should start by January 2014, which is a historic moment for the Balkans and Europe as a whole. Van Rompuy underlined at a press conference that there are no new conditions for the start of negotiations and announced that in January 2014 an inter-governmental conference with Serbia will be held, by which negotiations on EU membership will be opened formally. He also announced his visit to Belgrade on 1 July during which he will highlight the importance of the progress made in the process of European integration. President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso welcomed the decision to set the date for the start of negotiations with Serbia, describing it as a historic event. Prime Minister of Serbia Ivica Dacic said that the European Council's decision to open accession talks with Serbia is final and historic and that there are no new conditions set. The meeting of the governments of all 28 EU member states will be held in January at the latest, at Germany's request, the Prime Minister announced. Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Ivan Mrkic said that European Council’s decision has confirmed that Serbia conducts responsible policy. He reiterated that Serbia is finally entering an irreversible process of becoming member of the European family. Minister Mrkic emphasized that Serbian Government has ensured present and future for Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija, while at the same time it has opened a door for friendship with Albanians and all other nations that share this region where we all live.

The Embassy of Serbia and the Kennedy Center have the pleasure to present mezzosoprano Jadranka Jovanovic Dimitrie Lazich, baritone Nikola Rackov, pianist Djordje Nesic, pianist at the concert “RAINOBW OF MUSIC” on the Millennium Stage of the Kennedy Center on June 10, 2013 at 6,00 pm Free admission PROGRAM: Andrew Lloyd Weber Friends for Life Mauro Giuliani Alle mie tante lagrime Vasilije Mokranjac Etude in b-flat minor Djordje Nesic, pianist Konstantin Babić Prepletuum Mobile (Allegro) Serge Rachmaninoff Letter to Stanislavsky Piotr I. Tschaikovsky Don Juan's Serenade Matvey Blanter What Makes You Sad? Nino Rota Canzone arrabiatta Marko Tajčević Three Balkan Dances Nikola Rackov, pianist Jacques Brel Ne me quitte pas Evergreen standards (four hand piano medley) Isidor Bajić There is Shine in Your Gentle Eyes Evgeny Doga from the movie Gypsies take the sky

Belgrade, 4 June 2013 – First Deputy Prime Minister responsible for defense, security and the fight against corruption and crime and Minister of Defense Aleksandar Vucic spoke today with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Evelyn Farkas. Vucic expressed satisfaction with the cooperation with KFOR and the United States’ decision to keep the present level of troops in Kosovo-Metohija. The First Deputy Prime Minister informed Farkas about the elements of the agreement reached between Belgrade and Pristina in Brussels and the plan for its implementation. He also noted that bilateral military cooperation between Serbia and the United States is at a high level. Farkas stated that the United States supports reforms and European integration of Serbia and added that the agreement between Belgrade and Pristina is a brave and pragmatic decision which will contribute to a better future of Serbia to a large degree. She underlined that the United States will not withdraw its troops from KFOR until the conditions for that are created.

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia has the pleasure to present exhibition "Walking towards spring" by Sanja Pesic Ostojic June 06 – June 20, 2013 Opening of the exhibition will be on June 06, 2013 from 6, 30 to 8, 30 pm at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia 2134 Kalorama Rd. NW Washington, DC 20008. The exhibition will be open until June 20 2013 during the working hours of the Embassy.

On Assistant Foreign Minster of Serbia Ljubica Vasić will discuss the challenges and opportunities that the Republic of Serbia faces on its path to European integration. She will address key reforms that the country has introduced so far to advance its EU accession bid and will explain why the European integration process is important for the overall development of the country,. She will outline the steps that Serbia has taken to achieve one of its main foreign policy goals – EU membership.

Venue: Woodrow Wilson Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

Time: May 29, 2013 / 1:00 - 2:00 pm

Read more:

http://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/serbias-challenges-its-path-to-eu-accession

Excellency, I and the citizens of the Republic of Serbia have been deeply saddened by the news of a tragic loss of life and enormous destruction left in the wake of a massive tornado which hit Oklahoma City on May 20, 2013. Even at this sad hour, I would like to convey to you that the people of Serbia sympathize with the families of victims and the people of the United States of America. Please accept, Excellency, my most profound condolences and may I ask you to offer our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families.

Ivica Dačić

Serbian Foreign Minister extends deepest sympathies following tornado in Oklahoma

Letter of condolences addressed to H.E. Secretary of State John Kerry May 21, 2013 Excellency, Please accept my deepest condolences at the tragic loss of life of great many citizens of Oklahoma City in a massive tornado disaster on May 20, 2013. Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of the victims. May I as Your Excellency to convey to the people of Oklahoma City our heartfelt sympathies. Ivan Mrkić Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia

Meeting between H.E. Ambassador Vladimir Petrović with Secretary General of the OAS, H.E. José Miguel Insulza Washington, May 21, 2013 - H.E. Ambassador Vladimir Petrović met today with Secretary General of the Organization of American States, H.E. José Miguel Insulza. Ambassador Petrovic informed Secretary General about current developments in Serbia and Serbia’s foreign policy priorities. Two officials also discussed upcoming 43. Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States, to be held in Guatemala, June 4-6, 2013.

May 15, 2013 Readout of Vice President Biden’s Meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic Vice President Biden met with Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic this afternoon in Washington. The Vice President reiterated the United States’ commitment to a strong and growing bilateral partnership with Serbia. The Vice President congratulated Prime Minister Dacic on reaching an initial agreement in the EU-facilitated Dialogue to normalize Serbia’s relationship with Kosovo. This agreement holds the promise of advancing the European aspirations of both countries and securing a peaceful and prosperous future for their citizens. Prime Minister Dacic and his government showed leadership and conviction in taking this important step. The Vice President underscored the importance of Serbia and Kosovo moving forward expeditiously to meet their Dialogue commitments and to implement the agreement in full. The Vice President encourages both Serbia and Kosovo to take this historic opportunity to move their countries forward.

Wasington, DC, May 15 2013, During his visit to the United States, Prime Minister Ivica Dacic will on 15 May 2013 meet with US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns and with Vice President Joseph Biden.

Washington/San Francisco, 14 May 2013 – Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Ivica Dacic called on American companies today at an investment conference in San Francisco to invest in Serbia. Dacic stated that Serbia is open to investors and that it is a politically stable country dedicated to obtaining EU membership and strengthening its economy. He underlined that the companies willing to invest in IT industry will get special incentives. Speaking at the conference, the Serbian Prime Minister addressed prospective investors from the West Coast of the United States, mostly IT companies, and highlighted all political and economic advantages of investing in Serbia. The conference, organised by the American Chamber of Commerce, was also attended by representatives of companies that already invest in Serbia. They presented their experiences on what they encountered in Serbia and what should be done next. Before that, Dacic met with the leadership of companies Hewlett Packard, Pay Pal and Oracle, which announced development of business in Serb

Serbian PM Dacic to visit US major IT companies Washington, May 13, 2013 – Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Ivica Dacic, who is on a visit to the United States, will meet today with the management of the company Hewlett Packard and will attend a presentation of the emergency response system. Dacic will also visit PayPal and Oracle and discuss the investment opportunities in Serbia with the leading companies in the field of IT. The Prime Minister will speak at a seminar on investment in Serbia and branding.

http://www.predsednik.rs/node/653