The reception was attended by representatives of the permanent missions and military advisers to the UN, as well as UN officials, representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church in New York and New Jersey, the City of New York, members of the New York Consular Corps, and the Serbian diaspora. Among the distinguished guests were His Royal Highness Crown Prince Aleksandar, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and His Grace Bishop Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church for Eastern America.
At the beginning of the formal reception, following the performance of the national anthem by Sofija Sretenović, a video address by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Đurić, was broadcast in commemoration of Statehood Day. Guests were addressed by Chargé d'Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Serbia to the UN Radomir Ilić, Colonel Miroslav Glišić, Senior Military Adviser at the Mission, and Consul General Vladimir Božović.
In his address, Chargé d’affaires of the Permanent Mission Radomir Ilić welcomed the guests and expressed his gratitude for their presence at the celebration of the Day as he emphasized its symbolism and significance for Serbia. Acknowledging the ever-changing and complex challenges the world is currently facing, he reaffirmed Serbia’s firm commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and went on to say that Serbia is being pressured through unlawful attempts to relinquish a part of its territory, which has only strengthened its resolve to defend the fundamental principles of international law.
He pointed out Serbia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and its active participation in various multilateral processes and, in this context, highlighted the adoption of the resolution proclaiming the International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), which was unanimously adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2023, as well as Serbia’s current chairmanship of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence. He made special mention of EXPO 2027 and invited the countries whose representatives attended the event to join this important project, emphasizing that it represents an opportunity not only for Serbia but for all as it provides a platform to showcase innovations, connect with global partners and contribute to global progress.
In his remarks, Consul General Vladimir Božović emphasized the significance of Sretenje, noting that it is not only a moment to reflect on Serbia’s legacy but also an opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contributions of Serbians abroad. He highlighted the achievements of the Serbian community in the United States, particularly in New York, whose talent, dedication, and perseverance have left a lasting impact. He also acknowledged the deep appreciation with which the city and the United States have embraced these contributions.
He also expressed gratitude to Mayor Eric Adams for proclaiming February 15th as Serbian American Heritage Day in New York City, recognizing it as a powerful tribute to the Serbian community and a testament to the strong and enduring ties between Serbia and the United States.
