The speech of Minister Dačić at the reception organized on this occasion is transmitted in its entirety:

Your Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, Dear friends,

Welcome to Belgrade and Serbia - the second home of African friends, allies and partners. For African and world statesmen, Serbia, and formerly Yugoslavia, is a land of old acquaintances, warm welcome and sincere friendship. We know how to respect and nurture differences, aware that these differences are the wealth on which we build our relationships. In a world that is increasingly characterized by a crisis and unpredictable environment, in a time of great global challenges, it is the right moment to confirm old and proven friendships. Our alliance and understanding were hardened in the not so long ago, heroic times of the anti-colonial and liberation struggle. Our exploits at that time are a lasting inspiration. We are obliged to confirm the importance of that struggle even today. It is precisely the unpredictable international dynamics that remind us to nurture historical alliances in order to jointly devise answers to current challenges. Serbia has the necessary experience, sensitivity and reliability in contact with close and friendly African nations and states. Although the ties between Africa and Europe are millennial and civilizational, at the same time, in significant segments of previous centuries, they are burdened by the burden of the conquering and colonial past. This kind of discriminatory and imperial relationship was and remains unknown, foreign and repulsive to Serbia. Serbia has always and in every way helped the struggle for decolonization and the liberation of the oppressed people. As in the past, as in today, Serbia does not have any hidden plans in Africa and in African countries. Through my personal actions, I design and implement, I dare say, ambitious African tours. I am convinced that in this way, through direct contacts, we are opening new ḫorizons of cooperation and directing it towards areas of common interest. Serbia wants to materially fulfill a favorable political bilateral framework with most African countries through concrete projects. In the wake of decades of experience and examples of good practice in equal cooperation, as conceived and practiced through the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, Serbia renewed old friendships and once again set out on recognizable paths of alliance with Africa. Proclaiming May 25 as the Day of Friendship with the Peoples of Africa in Serbia, at my suggestion, is a symbolic way to show our commitment to deepening cooperation with the African continent. Today, May 25, marks six decades since the formation of the then Organization of African Unity, and today the African Union. Since its formation, the African Union has contributed significantly to the peace and stability of the African continent. Therefore, I believe that the role of the African Union should and can be decisive for relevant African issues in the 21st century. The international reputation of Serbia exceeds the classic parameters of size and strength, and represents a recognizable trump card on the international stage and an attractive force for competent global actors. Therefore, Serbia will continue to be a link in cooperation with the African Union with different regions. Although regional action has a special importance in the normalization of world trends, the challenges we face are increasingly complex and require global cooperation. In the current circumstances, a special impulse in the international arena should provide a coordinated and principled performance, emphasizing the indiscriminate respect of international legal principles, the UN Charter and generally accepted rules of cooperation. We should not adapt consistency in respecting the "rules of the game" to daily political interests. This is precisely why we are grateful to the African countries that, almost all, respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Serbia and do not recognize the unilaterally proclaimed independence of "Kosovo". In multilateral forums, we pay special attention to Africa in our foreign policy performance. This is also the case with Serbia's candidacy for the organization of EXPO 2027, where Serbia strives to be an "African candidate" and to logistically and conceptually support the participation of these countries in the exhibition if it is selected. In addition, we are proud to point out that the Republic of Serbia has become one of the founders of the Group of Friends for Priority Africa in UNESCO since last year. We are advocates of the most comprehensive and substantial support to UNESCO Africa, not only for the sake of the well-being of African countries, but also for the benefit of the organization's entire membership. After all, this is part of what we do during our mandate as part of the UNESCO Executive Council, which we will continue to do, but only if, with your support, we are re-elected. Also, we will continue to participate in peace missions on the continent, with the desire that there will be as few as possible in the future, as well as in humanitarian and development activities and with scholarships for African students at universities within the framework of the "World in Serbia" project, which is now known throughout Africa. Although political and security issues are, often with reason, high on the scale of foreign policy priorities, the revival and worthy presentation of African traditions and cultural heritage is of inestimable importance. Here, Serbia has significant experience, expertise, but most importantly - historical and institutional memory. For decades, the Museum of African Art in Belgrade has been a prestigious reference point for regional and European historians, art historians, contemporary artists and, simply, connoisseurs and admirers of the refined and complex artistic expression of Africa. The museum has existed since 1977 and is probably the only "anti-colonial" museum of African art in Europe, whose exhibition consists exclusively of objects obtained as (private or state) gifts or through regular commercial means. Dear friends, Serbia and Africa are united by the indomitable spirit of freedom, to which we owe pride and freedom. Maybe that's why we understand and respect each other, and I'm sure that in the future we will rely on each other even more.

Long live Serbia, long live Africa!

You can watch the video of the Republic Electoral Commission related to voting abroad in the elections scheduled for 3rd April 2022 by clicking on the image below

During the signing of the agreement on the donation of 30,000 Covid-19 vaccines to Namibia with the head of diplomacy of that country, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, said today that our country intends to continue strengthening political cooperation with Namibia and other African countries.

 According to the head of Serbian diplomacy, that cooperation will continue to be based on respect for the positions of the African Union on international issues, as well as respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

 "That was and remains the only way to establish and preserve friendly relations between states and peoples, and that is why Serbia highly appreciates the support it received from Namibia in preserving its unity and integrity", Selaković said.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, met today with the President of Namibia, Hage Geingob, and stated that our two countries are bound by traditional friendship and mutual support.

On that occasion, the head of Serbian diplomacy pointed out that Serbia is interested in comprehensively improving the political dialogue through the exchange of visits at a high level.

Selaković expressed gratitude for Namibia's support for Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, emphasizing that the two countries have a mutual interest in cooperating at the multilateral level.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikola Selaković, stated that Zimbabwe and Zambia attach great importance to relations with Serbia and support it in defending its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and that they are also interested in deepening political and economic cooperation with our country.

 Summarizing the results of the first day of his visit to South Africa, during which he handed out vaccines against the corona virus, as a donation from Serbia, Selaković said that Zimbabwe's support for our key national and state interests has lasted for 30 years.

 The Minister said that the reception of the Serbian delegation in Zimbabwe was proof of that, and stated that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, but also the Deputy Minister of Health of Zimbabwe, key representatives of the state for the implementation of the fight against COVID-19, were present at the airport.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, arrived in Zimbabwe tonight, where he will begin his visit to a group of African countries to which Serbia has donated vaccines against the corona virus.

 The head of Serbian diplomacy was welcomed at the airport in Harare by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Frederick Shava, and the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, July Moyo.

 Tomorrow, Minister Selaković will sign an agreement with his colleague Frederick Shava on the donation of 30,000 vaccines against the corona virus, and in addition to vaccines, Serbia will also donate 65 tons of food products to Zimbabwe.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zimbabwe, Frederick Shava, signed an agreement on the donation of 30,000 vaccines against the corona virus today, and aid of 65 tons of food products is also arriving from Serbia to that African country.

 After the signing ceremony, Minister Selaković conveyed the greetings of President Aleksandar Vučić and the people of Serbia to the citizens of Zimbabwe and the officials of that country.

 "The sincerity and warmth of these greetings reflect our closeness and mutual understanding as representatives of freedom-loving nations", Selaković said, reminding that Serbia and Zimbabwe have had friendly relations for decades.

 The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, attended the marking 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.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selakovic attended today in Lusaka, in his capacity as Envoy of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, the funeral of the first President of Zambia Kenneth Kaunda, who was the leader of this African country from 1964 to 1991.

Addressing the citizens of Zambia and African officials who are today paying their respects to the deceased, Minister Selakovic underlined that President Kenneth Kaunda belonged to a generation of great people, who gave many nations freedom and independence.

"The Serbian people has fostered great friendship with the proud people of Zambia and the father of its independence throughout the history of our relations. The citizens of Serbia are proud that, during the socialist Yugoslavia led by President Tito, they cooperated with President Kaunda within the Non-Aligned Movement on building a more just, freer and more humane world. To this day, we remain loyal to these values”, Selakovic said.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selakovic met in Lusaka with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of the Kingdom of Lesotho Matsepo Ramakoae.

The two interlocutors discussed the improvement of the overall relations between the two countries, especially in the economic area. They agreed that cooperation in the field of agriculture had the most potential.

Speaking about the intensification of political dialogue and the exchange of high and top-level visits, the head of Serbian diplomacy invited Madam Minister to visit Serbia.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selakovic had a number of meetings today in Lusaka with officials from African countries, who arrived in Zambia to attend the funeral of the political founder of the independence and the first President of the country Kenneth Kaunda.

Before the state funeral held at a stadium in Lusaka, Selakovic first expressed his condolences to the President of Zambia Edgar Chagwa Lungu, and then also had talks with high-ranking officials of African countries and representatives of multilateral organizations.

Minister Selakovic talked, among others, with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Mozambique Filipe Nyusi, President of Namibia Hage Geingob, President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta and President of Malawi Lazarus Chakwera. Selakovic also met with Prime Minister of Lesotho Moeketsi Majoro, Ethiopian Parliament Speaker Tagesse Chafo, Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat and Secretary General of the Commonwealth Patricia Scotland.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 à Paris vous invite à découvrir la diversité et la richesse de la culture serbe en français.

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.

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 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.

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.    

The President said that he would rather put his "head on the chopping block" than sign any document with a recognition and reminded that he had already once refused to do so in Washington, where there were two versions of the agreement.

He stated that he immediately had his delegation leave the meeting, that he told the U.S. delegation that Serbia would not sign such an agreement, while conveying that Serbia would always endeavour to hold peaceful talks in order to preserve peace, but that it would not take any humiliation.

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.

The scope of this Open Call is co-financing of projects for the translation of representative works of Serbian literature into foreign languages

The overarching goal of this Open Call is the translation of representative works of Serbian literature into foreign languages.

Submissions in the following literary fields are eligible under this 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.

Translations of classic works of Serbian literature and works acclaimed by the expert community will be given priority for support.

The minimum amount to be financed and co-financed per project is RSD 100.000,00 (USD 1.031).

This Open Call is valid from  19h of January to 9th of March 2021.

Publishers must publish the works for which they received financial support by 1st of  December 2021.

Forms:   https://bit.ly/392NUB2

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selakovic sent a telegram of condolences following the passing of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Zimbabwe Sibusiso Moyo.

"It is with deep sadness that we received the news of the passing of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Zimbabwe Sibusiso Moyo, a sincere friend of our country.

On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and on my own, I would like to extend sincerest condolences to the friendly people of Zimbabwe, our colleagues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Zimbabwe and to the family of the late Foreign Minister Sibusiso Moyo", reads the condolence message from the Serbian Foreign Minister.

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 growth of minus 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.

Furthermore, the President emphasized that hospitals were built and renovated in our country, and that two hospitals were built from the ground up in just four months.

 

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.

He emphasized that the appointment of the Director of the Office for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the Region for the first time after almost seven years since this body was formed within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shows that it is one of the priorities of the Ministry he is at the helm of.

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.

The Head of Serbian diplomacy reminded that in a number of diplomatic missions, the four-year mandate of Ambassadors and Consuls General has already expired, so that the procedure for appointing new ones will follow, after their recall.

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.

"Serbia will remain on the course of a winning policy - the policy of stability", President Vucic said and stressed that our country remains on the European integration path and that it will carefully foster its friendship with Russia and China, while building a friendship with the United States as well.

According to the President, Serbia will continue to pursue a winning policy, with the country itself as a top priority, i.e., a policy that will enable Serbia to continue being one of the top three countries in Europe in terms of growth rate in the next two years.

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.

As Prime Minister and as someone who leads the COVID-19 Crisis Response Team, I felt obliged to be the first to receive the vaccine, to show that we believe in it, as well as in our institutions - the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia and experts who worked round the clock to test the vaccine, she said.

Underlining that it was an honour to do this for her country and be the first to pave the way for all citizens, the Prime Minister said that she agreed with President of the Republic Aleksandar Vucic that the two of them receive different vaccines, so he will most likely receive the next one that arrives, most probably the one produced by China.

At the moment we have the Pfizer-BioNTech consortium vaccine, and the vaccines from the Chinese Sinopharm are expected in the near future, as well as certain quantities of the Russian vaccine Sputnik V.

She expressed her belief that at the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter of next year we will have the vaccine of the company AstraZeneca, and after that the vaccine manufactured by Moderna.

As we promised, all vaccines licensed in their countries and approved by relevant international agencies will be available to our citizens, and of course they will be tested by all of our agencies and institutes as well, the Prime Minister pointed out.

She said that prior to the vaccination of health care workers, Minister of Health Zlatibor Loncar will also receive a vaccine shot as we endeavour to serve as an example and show how confident we are in the vaccines and institutions.

Brnabic pointed out that Serbia, not counting Great Britain, is the first country in Europe to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and the third to start a mass immunization and campaign for giving the vaccine - after Great Britain and Switzerland.

We achieved something very important and we will not stop even for a moment until the immunization of the population is completed, the Prime Minister said.

She specified that our country will receive another 16,000 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in January, as well as that together with other vaccines we will have a total of one million doses in January, and a total of approximately two million doses during the first quarter of next year.

There is a dynamic on which Pfizer delivers vaccines and it varies depending on the production, and this is the case with deliveries to both Serbia and all other countries worldwide. We expected to receive 10,000 doses from Pfizer-BioNTech in December, however 4,807 doses arrived, the Prime Minister explained.

Serbia demonstrated that it is able to fight and succeed if we all work as a team, Brnabic said and called on all not to see the beginning of vaccination as the end of the fight already, but to continue to apply all measures instead.

This is to be certain and to be able to help our health care workers, and once the immunity is acquired we will be able to slowly start taking off the masks in 2021, but until then we should not see this as a victory but as the beginning of the end, the Prime Minister concluded.

After the Prime Minister, vaccine shots were also administered to the Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs and a member of the COVID-19 Crisis Response Team Darija Kisic Tepavcevic and to Predrag Kon who is also on the COVID-19 Crisis Response Team.

Furthermore, vaccine shots were also given to Head of the MMA Department for the Prevention and Control of Nosocomial Infections prof. Dr. Vesna Suljagic and academician Predrag Pesko, professor of Belgrade and Heidelberg universities and full member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

The first quantities of the vaccine arrived in Serbia on 22 December, and today they will be administered to patrons of nursing homes in Belgrade and Novi Sad.

Serbia is the first country in the region to receive a shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

In addition to procuring the vaccine among the first countries in the world, even before EU countries, Serbia is one of the rare countries that managed to build and open two covid hospitals in record time. The hospitals with 930 beds in Batajnica and 500 beds in Krusevac are a major contribution to the expansion of capacities and strengthening the health care system in the fight against coronavirus and, as President Vucic said, represent a monument of the future, that will talk about the accomplishments the state made in a short time.

Also, we recall that investments in health infrastructure have been large in Serbia, and since 2016, 80 health centers and clinics have been renovated, and works are underway on six large health centers. This way more than EUR 200 million was invested in the reconstruction, construction and equipping of hospitals and more than 300 million in the renovation of clinics and specialized hospitals, and many have already been completed, such as the University Children's Hospital Tiršova, and KBC Zemun nad KBC "Dragiša Mišović" hospitals.

The absolute priority of the Serbian Government is the successful completion of health infrastructure projects that are underway, but great attention is also paid to health workers, whose salaries have, by 2020, been increased by 56.8% for specialist doctors, and 66.9% for nurses, while significant funding is invested in the education of health professionals, as well as in equipment and working conditions.

Like other countries, Serbia has faced great challenges this year, most notably health challenges, and all factors in the state were focused on preventing the spread of the virus and safeguarding the lives and health of citizens. Serbia has faced these challenges better than many wealthier and more developed countries in Europe and the world.

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, 10 December, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia once again expresses its commitment to the achievements and values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted on this day in 1948.

The principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights were the basis for building international law in this area, as well as the international system of promotion and protection of human rights, as a unique civilizational heritage of modern times. Our obligation today is to preserve and strengthen the international system for respect for human rights, the development of human rights standards, control over the fulfillment of commitments, as well as the continuation of cooperation with international and regional institutions for the protection of human rights.

Serbia is fully committed to the universal values of human rights and the implementation in practice of international human rights instruments. Our continued cooperation with the instruments of the Human Rights Council within the United Nations, as well as with the Council of Europe and the OSCE human dimension mechanisms, is an important part of the activities of all state bodies and illustrates our consistent commitment to meeting international human rights standards.

International Human Rights Day is an occasion to once again point out the disenfranchisement of the Serb and other non-Albanian populations in Kosovo and Metohija and reiterate the call to the international community to respect guaranteed international human rights norms and contribute to creating conditions for the return of internally displaced persons, as well as return of their usurped property.

Following the passing away of His Holiness the Archbishop of Peć, Metropolitan of Belgrade and Karlovci and Serbian Patriarch Irinej, a virtual Book of Condolences has been opened at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Pretoria, on 24th, 25th, 26th November 2020, from 10:00 to 14:00.

The condolences may be sent through the E-mail info@ srbembassy.org.za or by post to the Embassy's  address: P.O. Box 13026, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria

At the following link you can find useful information on the Republic of Serbia as a favourable destination for business, as well as investing in research and development of new technologies - Brochure: "SERBIA - Emerging tech developing hub".

Pursuant to Article 5 of the Decree on Emergency State Measures, adopted by the Government of the Republic of Serbia, all electoral activities related to the Parliamentary elections, announced for 26th April 2020, shall cease.

The Republic Electoral Commission, as the body conducting the Parliamentary election procedure, has decided to suspend electoral activities during the state of emergency. However, the electoral procedure, including the deadlines for conducting electoral activities, will continue in accordance with a decision to terminate a state of emergency.

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic announced 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).

Having in mind the above mentioned, all diplomatic missions and consular posts of the Republic of Serbia abroad will suspend their activities regarding the visa applications for foreigners, beside the above mentioned categories, who intend to enter the territory of the Republic of Serbia.

Please follow the latest news on the portal of the Government of the Republic of Serbia

The special portal of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia explains in detail the procedure at border crossings when passengers entering the Republic of Serbia.

According to the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Serbia from March 15 aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus in the territory of Serbia, the borders of the Republic of Serbia are temporarily closed for all foreign citizens, with the exception of:

1. Drivers of motor freight vehicles when performing an international transport of goods in road traffic. International transit freight transport in road traffic is limited to a period not exceeding 12 hours from the moment of entering the territory of Serbia;

2. Crew of cargo ships that transport goods at one of the domestic ports. The transit navigation through international waterway on the territory of the Republic of Serbia is limited to a period not exceeding 90 hours for ships composition and 60 hours for self-propelled navigating from the moment of entering the territory of the Republic of Serbia in the case of upstream navigation, that is, no longer than 72 hours for ships composition and 54 hours for self-propelled navigation from the moment of entering the territory of the Republic of Serbia in the case of downstream navigation;

3. Railway staff in trains entering the border zone area defined by interstate agreements;

4. Crew members and cabin crew of aircraft whose final destination is Serbia or which transit through Serbia International Airports;

5. Persons who have obtained the consent to enter the Republic of Serbia from the Government Working body consisting of representatives of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure; The Government Working body imposes the conditions and restriction of transit or residence to the person whom has been granted a permission to enter the Republic of Serbia;

6. Humanitarian convoys under the obligatory escort agreed upon through diplomatic channels;

7. Members of foreign diplomatic and consular missions and offices of international organizations accredited in Serbia, as well as members of their families who are holders of special ID cards, ie identification documents issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the General Secretariat of the Government;

8. Foreign citizens with temporary or permanent residence permit in the Republic of Serbia;

Regarding the citizens of the Republic of Serbia, as well as person from item 8, arriving from: the Swiss Confederation, Italy, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Romania, the Kingdom of Spain, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of France, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Slovenia, the Republic of Greece, the mandatory isolation is 28 days; the citizens of the Republic of Serbia, as well as persons from item 7, who come from other countries, will be put under medical supervision for a period of 14 days (home isolation).

Citizens of the Republic of Serbia who have dual citizenship can enter to the country only if they present a Serbian passport, not a passport of a country of the list of temporary entry ban.

Also, please find out about the latest measures of protection from the coronavirus at the following links:

https://covid19.rs/

https://covid19.rs/algoritam1/

https://covid19.rs/algoritam2/

In according to the declared state of emergency in Republic of Serbia its Embassy in Pretoria will not accept visa applications until further notice.

Only exeptions will be made if foreign citizen has obtained the previous authorization from the Commission for authorizations of entrance to the Republic of Serbia.

In order to combat the spread of infectious disease caused by the COVID-19 virus, the Embssy also informs all citizens of the Republic of Serbia residing in the jurisdiction of this diplomatic-consular mission that work with the customers shall be limited to emergencies only, starting from Monday, 17 March 2020.

In case of emergency, before arriving at Embassy in Pretoria, citizens are kindly requested to contact us on the following numbers: (012) 460 56 26 / 460 61 03 from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 2 pm

This measure will remain as long as the state of emergency is in force.

In order to protect against the introduction of infectious diseases to the territory of Serbia, from now on ALL FOREIGN NATIONALS АRE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA. 

SERBIAN NATIONALS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED AGAINST TRAVELLING TO SERBIA AT THIS TIME. The Serbian nationals coming from Italy, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Romania, Republic of France, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Slovenia, the Republic of Austria, the Kingdom of Spain, the Republic of Greece and the Swiss Confederation will be placed under mandatory isolation for the period of 28 days. The Serbian nationals coming from other countries will be placed under mandatory house isolation and medical monitoring for the period of 14 days.

The implementation of the above-mentioned measures will be closely monitored and any violation will be punishable under the law.

Covid19 – Travel Advisory

Obaveštenje za upis u birački spisak

The decision on partially-financing projects for the diaspora by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, can be found on the following link

http://www.dijaspora.gov.rs/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/ODLUKA-DIJASPORA-2019.pdf

Тhe Government of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines adopted the Decision on visa exemption for the nationals of the Republic of Serbia, holders of all passports for entry and stay on territory of that country not exceeding 30 days from the date of entry, within period of one year. The Decision came into force on 21 February 2018."

"Тhe Government of the Republic of Colombia adopted the Decision on visa exemption for the nationals of the Republic of Serbia, holders of all passports for entry and stay on Columbian Territory during a period 90 days, extendable up to 90 additional days, within a 180 days limit in a calendar year. The Decision came into force on 14 February 2018."

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and Government of theRepublic of Guatemala on visa free travel for holders of diplomatic and official passaports, signed in Belgrade, on 10 November 2016, came into force on 17 January 2018. Based on this Agreement, nationals of both States, who are holders of diplomatic andofficial passaports, will have the right to enter into, transit through and stay on the territory of the other Party without a visa within a period not exceeding 90 days from the date of entry.

At its meeting of 8 December 2017, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decision on visa exemption for entry in the Republic of Serbia for the nationals of the Republic of the Guinea Bissau. Read more...

At its meeting of 8 December 2017, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decision on visa exemption for entry in the Republic of Serbia for the nationals of the Republic of the Guinea Bissau. Read more...

At its meeting of December 28, 2017, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decision on visa exemption for the nationals of the Republic of Suriname. Read more...

MINISTER DACIC AT UN SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING DEVOTED TO THE WORK OF UNMIK Statement by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, H. E. Mr. Ivica Dacic at the meeting of the UN Security Council devoted to the work of UNMIK.

Pretoria, 8 August 2017. The Republic of Serbia during the school year 2016/2017, as a part of the project "World in Serbia", offered full scholarships for another 50 foreign students in bachelor, master and doctoral academic studies. Thanks to this project, since the school year 2010-2011, Serbia has had the honour to host many young people from 53 countries of Africa, Asia, Central and South America. On this occasion, Ambassador Bozin Nikolic received Mrs. Ema Mhloro from Zimbabwe, who is completing Faculty of Economics in Belgrade, and congratulated her on the achieved success. Ms. Mhloro said that she was very much pleased with the terms of studies and hospitality in Belgrade, especially because of that she was enabled to gain a prestigious academic title in the country with which the Republic of Zimbabwe is maintaining traditionally friendly relations.

Hezyview, 5 August 2017. Following the invitation of the Minister Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashbane and Mpumalanga Premier Mr. David Mabuza, representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in the Republic of South Africa, including Ambassador Božin Nikolic, took part in the charity event, which was organized in Mpumalanga in the framework of the organized activities on the occasion of the Nelson Mandela International Day.

Tuesday, 9 May 2017 - The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia Maja Gojkovic met today with the President of the Pan-African Parliament Roger Nkodo Dang and signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two parliaments, first of its kind between the National Assembly and a continental organizationGojkovic and Nkodo Dang agreed that the Memorandum of Understanding is the beginning of a new type of parliamentary cooperation in the interest of the citizens, adding that they expected the cooperation to give rise to a number of projects. Read more...

BELGRADE CITY ADMINISTRATION
Secretariat for Culture
Belgrade, Trg republike 3
announces
PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL TWO-PHASE OPEN COMPETITION FOR THE DESIGN OF
A CONCEPTUAL SOLUTION FOR THE ZORAN EINDIC MEMORIAL AT THE
STUDENTS SQUARE IN BELGRADE
 

Competition organizer:
City of Belgrade - Belgrade City Administration, Secretariat for Culture.
Competition Purpose:
The aim of the competition is to obtain the best quality conceptual solution for the Zoran Đinđić Memorial at the Students Square in Belgrade.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia, the Republic of Slovenia, and the Republic of Serbia – as the sole Successor States to the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (hereinafter “the SFRY”) – and the co-owners of diplomatic and consular property of the SFRY, as the previous title owner, hereby issue an invitation to tender for the provision of the service of brokering the sale of the following immovable property (The information on property in this invitation to tender are only indicative. The Successor States accept no responsibility for their accuracy. Precise information may be obtained by consulting public databases of the countries where the immovable property is located. The Successor States will submit relevant data in their possession regarding the immovable property listed in this invitation to tender to the successful tenderer after the completion of the selection process.):
 

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Botswana, Honourable Dr. Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, received Ambassador Mr. Bozin Nikolic on 4th July 2016. During the meeting the parties discussed the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries. Ambassador Nikolic highlighted Serbia's readiness to develop and promote its overall cooperation with Botswana. He said that “Serbia attaches particular importance to Republic of Botswana” and he extended congratulations on the occasion of the half century of its independence. On 30th September 2016 Ambassador Nikolic accompanied by his wife attended The Golden Jubilee Celebration Gala Dinner organized by H.E. Mr. Zenene Sinombe, the High Commissioner of Botswana, in Monte Casino in Johannesburg.

June 19-21, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg Thousands of participants, exhibitors, governmental and trade representatives, diplomats, business leaders and international buyers, attended the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg for Africa’s Big 7 (AB7), Africa's largest food and beverage industry trade expo and SAITEX 2016, most prominent platform for retailers which was acquired in March by dmg ems Africa events.

Ambassador Bozin Nikolic visited Gallagher Convention Centre to meet with organizers, companies and other business participants of the expo. During the meeting with the Commercial director Mr. Bred Hook and Ms. Anina Hough, Exhibition Sales Manager, Ambassador Nikolic discussed opportunities for the participation of the Serbian firms in the Africa’s Big 7 (AB7) and SAITEX 2016 to continue cooperation and expand commercial ties.

Tuesday, 3 May 2016. - "Kosovo's admission to UEFA membership is yet another warning that we are living in a world of interest politics, rather than a world of law and rules. Against this background, it is incumbent upon Serbia to be realistic and rational in facing the fact that even the UEFA Statute can be breached to enable the sponsors of Kosovo's independence to keep their promises made to Kosovo. Read more...

Kosovo is not a state, there is no law and justice there neither for Serbs nor for Albanians and not everyone who lives in the territory accepts it as a state. This is what Serbian Minister of Labour, Social and Veteran Affairs Aleksandar Vulin said on Wednesday, on the 8th anniversary of the unilateral ethnic Albanian declaration of independence of Kosovo - a declaration Serbia considers a violation of its Constitution and territorial integrity. Read more...

"Unfortunately, the verdict in Oliver Ivanovic case is yet another evidence of politics prevailing both over law and justice in the world.

The verdict reached at a time when Albanians make continuation of the dialogue conditional and when Serbia will go to the polls, acts as a tail wind to extremists on both sides and in no way helps the stabilization process in the Balkan region.

Those behind this verdict are certainly no promoters of peace and stability", Dacic said.

Belgrade, 4. December 2015.

Closing Statement by H.E. Mr. Ivica Dacic, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia at the Twenty-Second Meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council. Read more…

Opening Address by H.E. Mr. Ivica Dacic, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia at the Twenty-Second Meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council. Read more ...

Statement by H.E. MR. Ivica Dacic, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, in the Security Council on the Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK), New York, 19 November 2015. Read more ...

Address by OSCE CiO, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic at the opening of the Conference "Europe in Crisis: A Call for a New Dialogue 1975-2015: 40 Years of the Helsinki Final Act", held at the European Parliament in Brussels. Read more...

Regarding the request of the so-called "Kosovo" for the admission to UNESCO membership during the meeting of UNESCO Executive Board and General Conference, Paris 07-21 October and 03-18 November 2015 respectively, the Government of the Republic of Serbia is pointing out some facts about

Why Kosovo is ineligible for membership in UNESCO?

• 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 ...

“Mr. President,

Dear colleagues,

Today a decision has been taken that creates a dangerous precedent with unforeseen consequences. A territory of a sovereign state has been recommended for admission to UNESCO. This is a violation of the international law, the Constitution of UNESCO, the UN Security Council resolution 1244 and the Charter of the UN.

Belgrade, 4 September, 2015 (Tanjug)

First deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Ivica Dacic takes part in a two-day informal meeting of EU ministers of foreign affairs, which started in Luxemburg on 4 September tabling the burning issue of migrations as one of the key topics of the plenary discussion. 

Read more...

Pretoria News Weekend in its weekend edition (18 July) published a magazine edited by the well known British tour operator The Independent Traveller under the title LIVING IS EASY IN SERBIAN SUMMER, presenting a rich tourist offer of the Republic of Serbia, and especially the City of Belgrade.

The Independent Traveller has offered to the Belgrade visitors a two-day tour through the city which includes its most important attractions.

Belgrade/Tirana, 27 May 2015.

Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said today in Tirana that he is proud to be the first Serbian prime minister to have paid an official visit to Tirana, that there are many areas where the two countries should work together, but that they do not agree on the issue of Kosovo-Metohija.

Read more ...

26 May 2015

First Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia and Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic participated at today’s UN Security Council meeting on the work of UNMIK.

After the meeting the Serbian Foreign Minister stressed that it was extremely important for Serbia that the UN Security Council constantly and continuously monitored developments in Kosovo and Metohija, and that Serbia was committed to maintaining the institution of quarterly reporting, although some countries argued that it should be done twice, instead of four times a year.

Read more ...

Brussels, 19. May 2015.

Leaving the OSCE chairman-in, first Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic at the 125th ministerial meeting of the European Council in Brussels called "Divided responsibility for...
Read more...

Belgrade, Sunday, 03 May 2015.                                                                                                                                                    

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office/ First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic had a telephone conversation last night with Head of Russian diplomacy Sergey Lavrov.

In their conversation, the conclusion was made that the Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements, agreed on 12 February this year, was an opportunity that should not be missed to reach a peaceful solution to the crisis in and around Ukraine, for which purpose it was necessary that all sides abided by the obligations assumed on that occasion.

OSCE Chair Dacic reiterated both the willingness and readiness of the OSCE to do everything possible to assist in the implementation of the Minsk Agreements, within its mandate. In addition, he expressed his expectation that the Trilateral Contact Group would, in the coming week, discuss the steps to be taken to intensify the political process for the resolution of the crisis, as agreed at the meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Troika in Belgrade on 28 April.

Belgrade, 23 April 2015.

The Republic of Serbia cherishes the values defined by the Bandung Conference and attaches great importance to its relations with Asian and African states, to which it has been tied by bonds of decades-long traditional friendship and very good political relations. Presidents Tito and Nehru, together with Egyptian President Nasser and Indonesian President Sukarno – the founding fathers of the Non-Aligned Movement, have left an indelible imprint upon these relations.

The Republic of Serbia cherishes the values defined by the Bandung Conference and attaches great importance to its relations with Asian and African states, to which it has been tied by bonds of decades-long traditional friendship and very good political relations. Presidents Tito and Nehru, together with Egyptian President Nasser and Indonesian President Sukarno – the founding fathers of the Non-Aligned Movement, have left an indelible imprint upon these relations.

Today, 60 years on, we are witness to the growing importance of Asia and Africa on the global scale, as reflected not only in high growth rates, but also in the increasingly successful “South-South” cooperation, which is essential to the stability of the world economy. The spirit of Bandung, which has stood the test of time, is proving vital even today, as demonstrated by the impressive attendance of the current Jakarta meeting of Heads of State or Government of countries from both continents.

Тhe Government of the Republic of Serbia, аt its meeting of 30 October 2014,  adopted the Decision on visa free entry to the Republic of Serbia for holders of foreign passports having a valid Schengen, UK and other Member States' visa, or visa of the United States of America, and for holders of foreign passports having residence permit in the countries of the Schengen area, EU or the United States of America, which was published in the "Official Gazette of RS", No. 119 of 31 October 2014 and which will enter into force on 8 November 2014.
By this decision, the above-mentioned categories of foreign nationals may, without prior visa application, enter, transit or stay in the Republic of Serbia up to 90 days during a six-month period, but not exceeding the expiring date of the said visas or residence permits.
There is a possibility for foreign nationals to enter the Republic of Serbia with two passports e.a. expired national passport with valid visa or residence permit and valid national passport without valid visa or residence permit.
Foreign nationals, holders of a residence permit in the form of a separate card (not a sticker affixed to their passport), must present their valid passport, upon entering the territory of the Republic of Serbia.
Please note that a visa is required for holders of emergency travel documents and travel documents for refugees and aliens of all countries.  Nationals from UN Member States with which the Republic of Serbia has no diplomatic relations need visas for entering the country.

Belgrade, April 16th, 2015 

Source: BETA, TANJUG

Serbia is interested in renewing its traditionally friendly relations and bilateral cooperation with Zambia, Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic has said. He made the comments after meeting with Zambian Foreign Minister Harry Kalaba in Belgrade on Wednesday.

"Believe it or not, trade between Zambia and Serbia amounts to USD 27,000 today. That is what the policy of not cherishing a friendship has led to," Dacic said at a joint press conference after the meeting with the Zambian minister.

Dacic said that he has launched a campaign in the Foreign Ministry that is aimed at renewing the friendly ties with many African, Asian and Latin American countries, with which, he said, Serbia has traditionally friendly relations.

Dacic thanked Zambia for its principled position not to recognize the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo.

It is also the position of most African countries, and Serbia appreciates that, he noted.

The Serbian minister also stated that this was the first visit of a high ranking Zambian official after many years, and that Zambia "and Tito's Yugoslavia" were "great friends."

"Zambia's first president, Kenneth Kaunda, attended the funeral of (Josip Broz) Tito and wept," said the Serbian minister, and remarked that "we usually curry favor to those who don't like us," but added that this "practice" has now been changed.

Kalaba told reporters that it was "somewhat sad" that Serbia and Zambia failed to foster their relations through economic exchange, which is now "almost inexistent."

He added that his country wishes to establish cooperation, especially in the areas of economy, culture, military, agriculture, and sport.

"The Belgrade business community is welcome in Zambia," the minister said, and added that it was "unacceptable" for economic exchange to be at such a low level.

Kalaba also remarked that his country has not recognized Kosovo, and would not make any decision "until the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue has been finished."

Belgrade, 01 March, 2015

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic held a regular press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, today, highlighting the activities in February and announced the activities coming up in March.

Foreign Minister Dacic started today’s press conference by referring to the tragedy of six Serbian workers killed in a fire on the Yamal Peninsula, Russian Federation, and underlined that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received a Letter Rogatory from the Russian Federation requesting legal assistance, which was forwarded to the Ministry of Justice. He emphasized that the competent authorities of the two countries were making utmost efforts in order that the procedure of identifying the bodies of the killed Serbian nationals be completed as early as possible.
The major activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in February were focused on Serbia’s OSCE Chairmanship, said Dacic. Acting as the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister Dacic met in Belgrade, in February, with OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities Astrid Thors and Special Representative of the German Government for OSCE Chairmanship Gernot Erler.
As the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Serbian Foreign Minister Dacic participated in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s winter meeting in Vienna and met, on the sidelines of the meeting, with OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ilkka Kanerva; OSCE Assembly Secretary General Spencer Oliver; Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in the Trilateral Contact Group Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini; Head of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine Ertugrul Apakan; Head of the Monitoring Mission at the border crossing points between the Russian Federation and Ukraine Paul Picard, and State Secretary of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs Markus Ederer.
One of the certainly most important visits paid in the capacity as the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office was the visit to the United States where Foreign Minister Dacic participated in the meeting of the UN Security Council and the hearing before the Helsinki Commission of the US Congress. During his visit to the United States, Minister Dacic met with UN Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon, Foreign Ministers of Russia and Ukraine, Sergey Lavrov and Pavlo Klimkin, as well as Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi and President of the UN Security Council, Permanent Representative of China Ambassador Liu Jieyi. Minister Dacic underlined the importance of the support of 15 UNSC members to the Serbian OSCE Chairmanship.
Dacic particularly referred to one of the most important meetings during his visit to the United States, the meeting with US Secretary of State John Carry.
At the beginning of the month, Foreign Minister Dacic and the Serbian Prime Minister participated in 51st Munich Security Conference which reviewed the crisis in Ukraine and its implications for global and European security architecture, deterioration of the situation in the Middle East, global refugee crisis, fight against terrorism, cyber security, climatic changes and the ebola virus. On the sidelines of the Conference there was a meeting of the OSCE Troika and the Co-Chairpersons of the “Minsk Group”. As the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, together with the other two Troika members, Minister Dacic received the “Ewald von Kleist”
award, presented since 2009 for particular contribution to peace and conflict resolution, which has been awarded for the first time to an international organization.
In February, Serbian Foreign Minister also took part in the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington where he met Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, Congressman Ted Poe and Emanuel Cleaver, Co-Chairs of the Serbian Caucus, as well as with Senator Chris Murphy.
As regards bilateral visits, Minister Dacic paid an official visit to Hungary, at the invitation of his colleague Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto.
Referring to regular activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dacic said that the process of installing biometric equipment used for receiving applications for issuance of passports in diplomatic/consular missions of the Republic of Serbia have been continued. Presently, biometric equipment has been installed in 44 embassies and consulates of the Republic of Serbia, and there is a tendency to have them installed in all diplomatic/consular representations with the exception of missions and cultural/information centre.
Regarding the European integration process, Minister Dacic underlined that exploratory and bilateral screenings have been completed for 28 chapters thus far, and that the screening process is expected to be completed by March 2015.
Among the activities planned for March, a visit to Latvia has been announced, which is scheduled for 6-7 March, when MFA Dacic will meet EU foreign policy head Federica Mogherini.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dacic also announced a meeting with the Western Balkan 6 (“WB6”) in Pristina, but emphasized that neither an official confirmation nor invitation to the meeting have been received.
In capacity as OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister Dacic will open the Conference on the Protection of Security and Integrity of Journalists in the OSCE Region, to be held in Belgrade, on 26 March 2015. Moreover, this Conference is the first meeting organized by Serbia as the OSCE Chair.
At the invitation of Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Vesna Pusic, MFA Dacic will pay an official visit to Croatia, on 11 March 2015.
Furthermore, among foreign official up-coming visits to Belgrade, the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Paolo Gentiloni, is expected on 31 March.
Minister Dacic will visit, together with Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic, NATO Headquarters in Brussels, on 18 March, where he will meet with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
This visit was agreed following the adoption of the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) R. Serbia – NATO by the Serbian Government at its meeting on 20 December 2014; the document was adopted by NATO North Atlantic Council (NAC) on 15 January 2015, thus
ending the IPAP adoption procedure. Following the adoption of IPAP, the visit will raise the political dialogue between the Republic of Serbia and NATO to an even higher level.
At the invitation of the Dragan Sormaz, Head of the Permanent Delegation of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, the Serbian Foreign Minister will address, on 31 March, the participants in the 88th Rose-Rot Seminar of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Belgrade, where he will speak about the European integration process of the Republic of Serbia and its OSCE Chairmanship.
At today’s press conference, the Foreign Minister also highlighted the importance of the measures of austerity and rationalization of expenses implemented also in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as a result of which all embassy payments of allowances for hospitality expenses during the visits of Serbian officials to foreign countries were discontinued.

New York, 23 February, 2015
Statement by First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia/ Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dačić at today’s UN Security Council Open debate on maintenance of international peace and security, entitled “Reflect on History, Reaffirm the Strong Commitment to the Purposes and Principles of the Charter of the United Nations”

“Mr. President,
Esteemed Foreign Minister Wang Yi,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great honour and satisfaction to take part today in this very important open debate, initiated and organized by China as President of the Security Council. I take this opportunity to thank China, and you personally, Mr. Foreign Minister, for making it possible for us, in the year when we mark 70 years since the adoption of the Charter of the United Nations, to re-consider once again and re-commit and re-dedicate ourselves to the respect and safeguarding of its principles.

The purposes and principles of the United Nations, as enshrined in the Charter, continue to be just as valid and important today as they were at the time of the Charter’s adoption. The expectations to save the world from the scourge of war, respect the dignity of each and every human person and to ensure justice at all levels are not smaller now than they were 70 years ago.
We firmly believe that these goals can be achieved only through strengthening international cooperation in all fields, based on the principles of sovereign equality of States, refrain from use of force, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, respect for territorial integrity, pacific settlement of disputes and through mutual respect and honouring of differences.

Excellencies,

I take this opportunity to point out on behalf of the Republic of Serbia once again its commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States. The principles of the Charter of the United Nations are ius cogens of contemporary international public law and their full implementation is a precondition of the rule of law.
The Republic of Serbia strongly supports the strengthening of the role of the United Nations in maintaining peace and security and respecting international law. The realization of the basic functions of the principal organs of the United Nations can be efficient only if carried out to the benefit and on behalf of all Member States and will be effective only if decisions are harmonized with the principles of the Charter, specifically the principles of territorial integrity and non-interference in the domain of substantive internal competencies of States.

The Republic of Serbia supports the efforts made to assess and find ways and possibilities to improve the work of all organs and bodies of the United Nations, especially the work and effectiveness of the Security Council in the field of maintaining international peace and security and responding unanimously to most complex security challenges and threats.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As pointed out on a number of occasions by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the 70th anniversary of the United Nations is an historic chance for all Member States to make a contribution to the fulfilment of what is our common goal: making the world better, more developed and just.

Let me re-iterate the main principles that the Republic of Serbia is guided by in its foreign policy: safeguarding the international multilateral world through respect for international law and the rule of law; primacy of peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue; and the achievement of a higher level of mutual respect and understanding among peoples.

We honour these principles also in our current position of Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). In this capacity, I would like to point out on this occasion that the partnership between the OSCE and the United Nations is vital for maintaining long-term peace and security in the geographical space from Vancouver to Vladivostok. Co-operation with the United Nations enables the OSCE to achieve progress in confronting both existing and emerging challenges. This approach is firmly grounded on the 1999 Platform for Co-operative Security and the principles reaffirmed in the 2010 Astana Commemorative Declaration. As security challenges continue to evolve, the nature of OSCE co-operation with the United Nations must evolve as well, becoming more pragmatic and action-oriented. Especially in times of economic hardship, enhancing synergies and finding new ways of working together that capitalize on the relative strengths of each organization is critical. Effective, pragmatic co-operation that builds on the respective mandates and strengths of the United Nations and the OSCE is a key objective of the OSCE’s proactive approach.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The only road to peace and prosperity leads through mutual cooperation, respect and honour, of which we have had an example to convince ourselves in after the difficult and challenging years of the 1990s and, more recently, in Kosovo and Metohija. Tolerance of every kind, especially religious tolerance, is the key for overcoming problems that the present-day world is faced with, regrettably in an ever more ruthless way.

I consider that at the core of respect for international law and the rule of law is, primarily, the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each and every State, while the solution for every crisis is not military intervention, but dialogue alone.

A sovereign State cannot emerge through cancelling the existence and sovereignty of another. The right to security and all other rights of citizens of a country should never be realized through violating the fundamental rights of others.

Excellencies,

We strongly support the position of China, the President of the Security Council, that we should work continuously and as a matter or priority on promoting peaceful ways of settling disputes as provided for in Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations. We believe that coercive measures should be used only as a last resort and only in cases when international peace and security are really threatened or breached. The dialogue being conducted right now between Belgrade and Priština with the facilitation of the European Union demonstrates in the best possible way our resolve and full commitment to the normalization of relations and the quest for a lasting and sustainable political solution for Kosovo and Metohija.

Unfortunately, crises around the world are multiplying, just as is the number of people in need of help; we all should therefore feel called upon to make the United Nations stronger and more efficient, primarily through contributions by all its individual Members. The Republic of Serbia is proud of its leader position in the region of South-East Europe and seventh place in Europe by its participation and contribution to the United Nations missions. As the representative of the country which has its peacekeepers deployed in 8 United Nations missions, I would like to emphasize that the security of the crafters and implementers of global peace must be one of the priorities.

Mr. President,
Excellencies,

At the time when the United Nations was taking shape, oblivious of future threats and challenges, the world was full of hope that the wounds of two World Wars were going to heal. We inherit what came to pass over these 70 years and understand it as a guideline and impetus to our endeavour to make sure that history, in its darkest form, is not repeated.
To uphold the ideals that have guided us all these years, each and every one of us should invest the best efforts to bring about a better world than the one we have inherited. To that end, we firmly believe in the future of the United Nations and the historic role and mission of pro-active multilateralism.

Thank you all for your attention.”

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office/First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic, in response to the continuation of heavy fighting around Debaltsevo and deterioration of the humanitarian situation, urged all the parties to the conflict to refrain from violence.

Dacic, as Chairpeson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), also urged both parties in the conflict to cease immediately all military operations.
The Minister expressed his sadness over the loss of human lives, and on humanitarian grounds called on the conflicting sides in and around the Debaltsevo area to establish a local three-day truce, to be in effect immediately and supported by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine.
He estimated the truce would enable an urgent evacuation of the civilian population from the conflict zone.
Minister Dacic asked Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in the Trilateral Contact Group, to pursue this proposal further within this body.
The truce should also allow for immediate continuation of consultations aimed at ensuring a sustainable cease-fire and full implementation of the Minsk Protocol and Memorandum, Dacic stressed, adding that the two documents remained the basis for a peaceful settlement of the crisis.
The statement of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) also quoted Dacic as saying that the Trilateral Contact Group had expressed its readiness to engage in such consultations.
 

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic held, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, his first press conference in 2015, where he took stock of January’s activities and announced the upcoming activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in February.

At the very outset, Minister Dacic underlined that one of the major events in the previous month was the formal assumption of the 2015 OSCE Chairmanship by the Republic of Serbia. On the occasion of assumption of the OSCE Chairmanship in Vienna, on 15 January, Minister Dacic attended in his capacity as the Organization’s Chairperson-in-Office the Permanent Council Meeting in Vienna, where he presented the Serbian Chairmanship’s priorities.
Speaking about Serbia’s OSCE Chairmanship, the Foreign Minister stressed that it came at a very difficult moment in time considering the escalation of the crisis in Ukraine and stated that the top priorities in our work would be to support all efforts aimed at a peaceful solution. Given the deterioration of the situation in eastern Ukraine, Serbia, as the OSCE Chair, held extraordinary meetings of the OSCE Permanent Council, on 20 January and 26 January. The Minister deplored yesterday’s unsuccessful negotiations of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk and expressed hope for scheduling a new round of peace negotiations at the earliest possible date.
As the OSCE Chair, Foreign Minister Dacic visited the OSCE Mission to Serbia on 29 January 2015. This was the Minister’s first visit to an OSCE field mission and he intended to visit during the Serbian Chairmanship as many of the OSCE field operations as possible.
As regards bilateral meetings he had last month, Foreign Minister Dacic underlined the importance of his visit to Italy and the participation in the trilateral meeting of Foreign Ministers of Serbia, Italy and Albania. Minister Dacic hosted Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto during the month of January and announced that a return visit would take place on 10-11 February 2015. Minister Dacic further emphasized as extremely important the opening of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Serbia.
Minister Dacic also paid a very important visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he participated in the Executive Council meeting of the African Union. During the Summit, the Foreign Minister met with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and other senior AU officials, and had a number of bilateral meetings with the Foreign Ministers of African countries. Dacic particularly drew attention to the fact that he met, at the meeting, with representatives of the AU member States which did not recognize the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo and Metohija, who stated that their countries would maintain their principled position in the future as well.
Referring to the regular activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs related to consular affairs, the Foreign Minister said that the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Serbia on visa-free entry into Serbia by foreign passport holders having a
Schengen visa or a UK or any other visa of an EU Member State or a US visa, has been implemented since 8 November 2014.
Speaking about the activities planned for the coming month, Minister Dacic announced that he would be hosting OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors, on 2 February.
Among the numerous visits to be made in the coming month, Foreign Minister Dacic singled out his visit to Washington, on 5 February 2015, where he would attend the 63rd National Prayer Breakfast, together with many other world officials.
Minister Dacic further said that he would participate in the UN Security Council meeting devoted to the work of UNMIK, on 6 February 2015. He also underlined the importance of the 51st Munich Security Conference, to be held from 6-8 February, which he would attend together with Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic. Minister Dacic also stated that the OSCE Troika would meet on the MSC fringes.
Foreign Minister Dacic went on to say that 9 February was an important date on which the political dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina was due to resume in Brussels.
As the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Dacic will visit OSCE Missions in Skopje and Podgorica, in February. Minister Dacic underlined that he would participate, in the same capacity, in the UN Security Council meeting of 24 February. The following day, he would attend the hearing before the US Congress Helsinki Committee in Washington DC. In closing his today’s press conference, the Serbian Foreign Minister stated that the Serbian Government was working in unison on the identified foreign policy priorities. Therefore, the promotion of its European integration process, maintaining regional stability, preservation of good relations with traditional partners including cooperation with non-EU Member States are goals that the Republic of Serbia wishes to achieve in the future, in order to ensure for itself the best possible position in the international arena.
 

Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Pretoria informs that on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Serbia – February 15th, the Embassy will be closed on Monday the 16th and Tuesday 17th of February 2015.

21 May 2014 - SA sends a message of condolences to several European countries following deadly floods The Government of the Republic of South Africa conveys its deepest condolences to the Governments and the people of the Republic of Serbia, the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina following recent deadly floods that affected these countries. The severe floods are reported to have claimed the lives of dozens of people, living behind a trail of destruction and devastation. The thoughts of the South African Government and the people are with those who have lost family and friends as a result of the disaster.

http://www.dirco.gov.za/docs/2014/euro0521.html