The Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, Vladimir Božović, PhD, at the invitation of the Mayor of New York, Eric Adams, attended a reception marking Eastern European Heritage

The reception brought together senior representatives of the diplomatic corps, consuls general, city officials, and numerous figures from public and cultural life. Guests enjoyed a rich selection of specialties from Eastern European countries, with one of the event’s partners being the prestigious New York institution Russian Samovar, which enriched the evening with a special gastronomic experience. The atmosphere was further enhanced by a carefully selected musical program, giving the entire event a refined note of elegance.

During the reception, Mayor Adams extended a special greeting to all consuls general and arranged for a group photograph. Thanks to the special relationship and mutual respect he has developed with Consul General Božović, the Mayor also dedicated time during the reception to hold a meaningful and constructive conversation with him. This segment of the event was devoted exclusively to further strengthening cooperation between the Consulate General and the City of New York, as well as exchanging views on key initiatives of mutual importance.

Consul General Božović informed the Mayor in detail about the results of his meeting with Aissata Camara, Commissioner for International Affairs of the City of New York, and her team, conveying all the key initiatives presented by the Consulate, with particular emphasis on the initiative to erect a monument to Nikola Tesla in Manhattan.

On that occasion, Consul General Božović expressed his gratitude to Mayor Adams for the continuous support he has provided to the Consulate of the Republic of Serbia, especially for the historic act of raising the Serbian flag for the first time in New York in 2024, and again in 2025, as well as for proclaiming Serbian-American Heritage Day, which represents a significant contribution to the visibility of the Serbian community in the city.

Mayor Adams warmly welcomed the initiative to erect a monument to Nikola Tesla, emphasizing that his image and legacy deserve a dignified and permanent place in the cultural and historical landscape of New York—the city where Tesla lived, worked, and left a profound and lasting legacy. On this occasion, the Mayor expressed his wish for this important project to be realized during his term, endorsed the priorities set by the Consulate for the current year, and stressed that the values and mission of the Consulate are fully aligned with those of the City of New York.

In his cordial conversation with Consul General Božović, the Mayor underlined the importance of ongoing support and close cooperation with the Consulate, noting that such encounters serve as a bridge between local government and the diplomatic community.

This meeting stands as an exceptional example of successful cooperation, contributing not only to strengthening cultural and historical ties but also to enhancing understanding and solidarity among different communities in New York. The event reaffirmed the significance of Eastern European heritage, which the Consulate actively promotes, highlighting its contribution to the city’s cultural mosaic and the values shared by the countries of the region and the United States.