Minister without portfolio responsible for monitoring the situation, proposing measures and participating in the coordination of activities in the field of relations between the Republic of Serbia and the diaspora, Đorđe Milićević, attended the 20th Conference of Serbian National Organizations from the countries of the region held in the premises of Matica Srpska in Novi Sad, and said that the strength of the Serbian people was always in unity.

He stated that such conferences proved the determination to keep Serbs in the region and around the world connected and to work together to preserve the Serbian identity and create better conditions for the progress of the Serbian people, announced the office of the minister without portfolio Đorđe Milićević.

‘I would like to note in particular the importance of the relationship between Serbia and Serbs living in the countries of the region. Our bond with our compatriots in the region is unbreakable, and our goal is to strengthen those bonds through dialogue and joint projects. Serbs in the region are part of our united nation. What unites us is not only a blood relationship, but also a common identity,’ Milićević said.

He added that one of Serbia’s strategic goals was to preserve the national identity of the Serbian people, regardless of borders, and that the three key steps leading to the achievement of that goal were bringing Serbia closer to Serbs living outside Serbia’s borders, networking associations and organizations that bring together Serbs, and opening this topic at the level of cities and municipalities, done by this office through support programs such as thematic children summer camps, textbook donations and other initiatives related to Serbia connecting with and helping to its compatriots.

‘Our integration in the countries where we live must not be at the expense of the Serbian language, culture and religion. This is our shared responsibility, and through initiatives and programs like this, we work to remain united, wherever we are. The Serbian Government is clearly committed to strengthening the existing ties and creating even stronger ties with our compatriots. The dialogue between us is continuous and we always know what our compatriots need, and what Serbia needs, because we can only progress together,’ Milićević said.

He added that the common goal was to preserve the Serbian language, culture and tradition, and that it was important to jointly celebrate important dates, such as the Day of Serbian Unity, Freedom and the National Flag, a date that is a symbol of the future of the Serbian people and shared values.

‘The message I want to convey is that our joint work and strategy for the future have solid foundations. No one will be able to break the ties we are building, if we remain united and joined in achieving common goals. The strength of our people has always been in unity. Let us be united, let us be proud, and let us continue to build a bright future for all of us,’ Milićević concluded.

Source: Tanjug

Photo: Office of the minister without portfolio responsible for monitoring the situation, proposing measures and participating in the coordination of activities in the field of relations between the Republic of Serbia and the diaspora