On the eve of Armistice Day, Minister in the Government of the Republic of Serbia Đorđe Milićević met at the Serbian Cultural Center in Paris with representatives of the Serbian community in France, together with the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to France, Ana Hrustanović, and the Acting Director of the Directorate for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the Region, Vladimir Kokanović.

The meeting took place in an open and cordial atmosphere, and the conversation focused on the position and challenges faced by our compatriots in France, and the possibilities for further strengthening institutional and cultural ties with the motherland.

Minister Milićević said that ‘Serbia has never and will never forget its people in the diaspora’ and that the Government of the Republic of Serbia remained committed to supporting the diaspora, through supplementary schools, cultural programs and summer camps, as well as through new initiatives that would enable closer cooperation and stronger institutional support.

‘The world today, just like 107 years ago, yearns for peace, stability and trust. Serbia was on the right side then — on the side of good, alliance and shared values. And today, we want to pass that strength on to new generations. That is why I am telling you – Serbia is your safe house, a home to which you can always return and from which you can always expect support,’ said Minister Milićević.

He noted that the Serbian community in France was a living bridge of friendship between the two countries, and that France and Serbia still shared the values of freedom and solidarity that had connected them in the most difficult times.

The Minister sent a special message to the youth of the diaspora, emphasizing the importance of preserving language, culture and tradition as the foundation of national identity.

‘Thank you for honorably preserving the name of Serbia, for being its ambassadors in everyday life – in business, in culture, in relations with neighbors. We are proud of that – both of you and of our Serbia,’ said Minister Milićević.

Source: Radio Television of Serbia – Office of the Minister

Photo: Dušan Veljović