Such gatherings are not only opportunities to meet and socialize, but a living proof of the strength of the Serbian community, its unity, spiritual vitality and lasting ties with the homeland, said Đorđe Milićević, Minister without portfolio in charge of monitoring the situation, proposing measures and taking part in the coordination of activities in the field of relations between the Republic of Serbia and the diaspora, at the 37th Festival of Cultural and Artistic Creativity of Serbs in Austria held in Vienna on Saturday.

‘It is a great honor and sincere pleasure to be in Vienna, in the heart of Europe, among our compatriots who have been nurturing the cultural heritage, customs, language and identity of the Serbian people for years, with exceptional dedication and love. We are aware how important it is, especially in the diaspora, to preserve what defines and connects us as a people. It is precisely through such cultural events, folklore societies, Serbian schools, church municipalities and numerous associations that our people in Austria testify to the strength of the national spirit and proud identity. You are a living bridge between Serbia and the world, you are our face in Europe, you are the guardians of remembrance, but also witnesses of hope and the future,’ said Minister Milićević, who attended together with the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Austria Marko Blagojević, the Ambassador – Permanent Representative of Serbia to the OSCE and other international organizations in Vienna, Prof. Žarko Obradović, PhD, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation of the Government of the Republic of Srpska Nemanja Kovačević, President of the Alliance of Serbs in Austria and Head of the Republic of Srpska Representation in the Republic of Austria Mladen Filipović, representatives of Austrian political parties and Vienna city authorities.

‘We, as the state of Serbia, have the duty to support you, to improve our cooperation, to build a strong and systemic relationship with the diaspora as an equal part of an indivisible whole. I am proud to note that the All-Serbian Assembly held recently in Belgrade under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić and the President of the Republic of Srpska Milorad Dodik, signed a Memorandum of Joint Action as a symbol of our determination to never again allow disunity or oblivion. This document is more than symbolism, it is the foundation of our responsibility and common future,’ Milićević said.

He added that he especially wanted to encourage the younger generations in the diaspora to remain connected to their origins, to love and speak the Serbian language, to dance our dances and sing our songs, because that is where the spirit of the homeland lives.

‘Serbia does not forget you. Serbia respects you, loves you and awaits you – with an open heart and arms wide open. You are a part of us, just as we are a part of you. Therefore, long live Serbian culture, long live our unity, long live our people – in Belgrade, Banja Luka, Vienna, Chicago and around the world,’ concluded Minister Milićević.

Source: Politika

Photo: Dušan Veljović