Press Release

Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York organized an official reception to celebrate Serbia's Statehood Day

New York, March 01, 2024.

Last night, at the "Kimberly" Hotel in the center of Manhattan, the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York organized an official reception to celebrate Serbia's Statehood Day, marking the occasion for the first time since the restoration of Serbia's state independence in 2006.

The reception was attended by over 250 guests, including numerous representatives of the City of New York, the New York Chamber of Commerce, the business community, the UN and diplomatic-consular corps, the Serbian Orthodox Church, and the Serbian diaspora.

Consul General Vladimir Božović and Deputy Mayor and City Secretary for International Cooperation Edvard Mermelstein addressed those present.

Consul General Vladimir Božović emphasized the historical and symbolic importance of February 15 - Sretenje for the establishment of modern Serbian statehood. He said that marking this day is a tribute to the spirit of freedom and the state-building endeavors of the Serbian people.

He emphasized that together with the celebration of Sretenje in the Heart of New York, we are also celebrating the historic alliance between Serbia and the USA, as well as the achievements of the Serbian community in the USA, especially the American Serbs in New York. He recalled examples of the historical alliance between the two countries, as well as the uniqueness of the Serbian community in New York. In this context, he stated that a particularly strong confirmation of the historical foundation of relations between Serbia and the USA occurred on July 28, 1918, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the Day of Prayer for the Serbian People and ordered that the Serbian flag be flown over the White House in honor of the victims of the Serbian people and alliance between the USA and Serbia during the First World War. It should also be recalled that during the Second World War, as part of Operation "Halliard", the largest rescue operation in American history, with the help of Serbs from the Pranjani region, more than 500 downed American airmen were safely returned behind Allied lines.

Consul General Vladimir Božović pointed out that it was a special honor for him that recently in New York, during his mandate, another significant and historical reminder of this friendship took place. At the flag-raising ceremony, New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared February 26, 2024, Serbian Heritage Day. He noted that these events, the proclamation of Serbian Heritage Day and the raising of the Serbian tricolor in Boling Green Park, a place of historical importance for the USA, were the first of their kind in the history of Serbian-American relations within the city of New York. With that, the mayor E. Adams and the City of New York expressed deep respect for Serbia and the Serbian people, as well as recognition of the historical contribution of the Serbian community to the social, economic and cultural profile of New York.

Consul General Vladimir Božović especially underlined that no slanderous campaign, regardless of its intensity, can diminish this legacy, the reputation of Serbia in the USA or the improvement of bilateral relations between the two countries. He indicated that Serbia's commitment to fostering friendship and improving partnership with the United States and New York remains unwavering. In this context, he emphasized that the recent assumption of the post of the Consul General of Serbia in New York is an honor which provides him with a unique opportunity to represent R. Serbia, not only in this cosmopolitan city, but also in the consular area that covers a significant part of the USA. In accordance with the strong mandate he received from PR RS A. Vučić and the Government of Serbia, he expressed his personal commitment to providing a full contribution to the improvement of bilateral relations between Serbia and the USA to a strategically appropriate level, appropriate to our common values and mutual interests. He announced the additional engagement of the Consulate General towards American partners with the aim of affirming relations in all areas for which there are significant potentials - from economic cooperation, through cultural exchange to more comprehensive political understanding. He especially emphasized that in his interactions with American officials and relevant business circles, he emphasizes that Serbia is not asking for US help, but economic engagement based on attractive and sustainable investment opportunities. Serbia's credibility in this regard is confirmed by the fact that our country is a leader in the region in attracting foreign investments, as well as that it is regulation-wise open to American investors and the accompanying business standards.

Consul General Dr. Božović noted that this approach is an integral part of Serbia's foreign policy, to jointly address open issues and existing challenges in the region through cooperation with the US, in a way that reflects shared values and aspirations.

Deputy Mayor of New York and City Secretary for International Cooperation E. Mermelstein thanked for the invitation and the opportunity to convey the congratulations of Mayor E. Adams. He assessed that the history of relations between the two countries is impressive, and that American Serbs, especially the Serbian community in New York, had a special contribution in this regard. He pointed out that on this occasion, not only exceptional personalities like Nikola Tesla are celebrated, but also all Serbian immigrants who arrived in New York in the last 200 years. He emphasized that New York is enriched by their contribution in all spheres of public life, which is why the identity of this city also includes a rich Serbian heritage. The aforementioned obligates to respect and provide further contribution to the relations between the two countries and the role of the Serbian community in the City of New York. In this context, he pointed out that the city management is very enthusiastic about the possibility of further communication and cooperation with the representatives of R. of Serbia and members of the local Serbian community.

The speeches were preceded by the performance of the Serbian and American national anthems by Sophia Morel. The special highlights of the reception were the performance of members of the KUD "Opančići", as well as the jazz duo Vlada Dinić and Miloš Čekić (piano and saxophone). During the evening, the song "Atmo daleko" was performed by Korean artist Yuhyun Lee. The repertoire of the jazz duet included numerous traditional Serbian songs, which particularly impressed the famous British-Indian-American actress Tehmina Suni who was among the attendees. The guests had also the opportunity to enjoy Serbian specialties.

Consulate General of Republic of Serbia in New York

For media inquiries, please contact:

(Marija Nikolic, +1 212 596-4241, officecgnyc@mfa.rs)

"Mr. Edward Melmestain, Commissioner of City of New York for international cooperation,

Your eminence, Bishop Irinej,

The Honorable members of the City Council,

Excellences and esteemed colleagues,

My fellow Serbians,

Dear Guests,

Welcome and thank you for joining us today at the reception marking the National Day of the Republic of Serbia.

Two weeks ago, on February 15, the hearts of Serbia and Serbs across the globe beat in unity as we marked the anniversary of the Serbian Revolution. It was on that memorable Sretenje day in 1804 that Djordje Petrovic, famously known as Karadjordje, led the First Serbian Uprising. On the same day in 1835 under the leadership of Prince Milos Obrenovic, another founding father of modern Serbia, the Grand National Assembly adopted the Sretenje Constitution, at the time one of the most progressive legal documents of this kind.

These landmark dates have been crucial in establishing Serbia as a proud member of the community of independent nations and a loyal friend to all who stand for freedom and human dignity.

It is for these reasons that on this day, we pay tribute to the resilience and spirit of the Serbian nation.

Today, as we honor this special occasion in the heart of New York, we also celebrate the bonds of friendship with the U.S and this great city. I cannot help but feel a profound sense of pride speaking about the resilient connection between Serbia and the United States, shaped by our common history. In times of global conflicts, Serbia and the U.S. have stood together as loyal friends, committed to doing what's right.

A powerful confirmation of this friendship occurred on July 28th, 1918, when President Woodrow Wilson declared a Day of Prayer for the Serbian People. He also ordered the Serbian flag to fly over the White House in honor of the sacrifice made by the Serbian people and the enduring alliance between the United States and Serbia during the First World War.

The same alliance grew stronger in World War II. In 1944, for months, brave Serbs in the Pranjani region hid and protected American airmen shot down during their flights targeting Germany's oil supplies in Romania. With their help, during Operation Halyard—the biggest rescue operation of its kind in American history—more than 500 American airmen were safely returned behind the Allies' lines.

It is my honor and privilege to say that yet another reminder of this friendship took place here in this great city just three days ago. At the flag-raising ceremony, on behalf of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, February 26, 2024, has been declared Serbian Heritage Day. This event was the first of its kind in the history of Serbian-American relations within the City of New York.

Mayor Adams' noble gesture signifies a profound respect for Serbian-American relations and recognizes the historical contributions of Serbian communities to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of New York City.

Indeed, the American Serbs and the Serbian community have a lot to be proud of - from Djordje Šagić, known as George Fisher, a hero of the Texas Revolution, Mihailo Pupin, a luminary at Columbia University, Nikola Tesla, the visionary inventor, to Mladen Sekulovic known as Karl Malden, a legendary actor, Charles Simic renowned American poet to Marina Abramovic, a global icon of the art of performance, the Serbian community has left its notable mark across various chapters in the history of the United States and New York City.

Tonight's gathering is a testament to this legacy as well.

I feel compelled to emphasize that no smear campaign, regardless of its intensity, can diminish this heritage, Serbia’s reputation in the US, or the advancement of our bilateral relations.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Serbia’s commitment to fostering friendship and promoting partnerships with the United States and New York City remains unwavering.

The position of Serbia’s Consul General provided me with a unique and honorable opportunity to represent my country in this great nation and remarkable city and contribute to the goal close to my heart – bringing our relations to the historically suitable level, appropriate to our common values and joint interests.

I am proud to have the full support of President Aleksandar Vucic and the Serbian Government, who have entrusted me with a strong mandate.

One of my priorities at the new position will be comprehensive engagement with the US partners aimed at mutual objectives and interests. The possibilities are boundless. From economic cooperation to cultural exchange to more comprehensive political understanding.

Allow me to emphasize that the message I share with the city administration and the relevant business circles underlines that Serbia is not asking for US aid but economic engagement based on attractive and viable investment opportunities. My country is economically and in terms of regulation wide open to US investors and eager to embrace their business practices and standards.

This is fully in line with Serbia's policy to address longstanding issues and newly raised challenges in the region through cooperation with the US, as a reflection of our common values and joint aspirations for a better future.

 At the end, allow me to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our distinguished guests, diplomats, and friends of Serbia who have joined us this evening. Your presence here underlines the strength of our relationships and the importance of collaboration in today's world.

Certainly, my special gratitude goes to the members of the Serbian community, leaders of its organizations as well the representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

I would particularly like to thank Commissioner Edward Melmestain for honoring us tonight with his presence. I had the privilege to raise with him the Serbian and the American flag at the ceremony on Monday. He is a great friend of Serbia and the Serbian Community in New York.

I invite you to join me in raising a glass to the friendship between Serbia and the US, the well-being of this great city, and the peace, prosperity, and success of Serbia and the Serbian people.

Long live Serbia,

Long live United States,

Long live New York

I invite Commissioner Edward Melmestain to take the floor.

CONSUL GENERAL

VLADIMIR BOZOVIC, PhD"