The First Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SOFC) Under the New Presidency
The meeting was held at the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, where Executive Committee members were warmly welcomed with a glass of champagne, a traditional Serbian breakfast, refreshments, Serbian culinary specialties, and authentic Serbian *šljivovica* (plum brandy), reflecting Serbia's renowned hospitality and rich tradition.
At the opening of the meeting, President Božović informed the Executive Committee that, following his election as President of SOFC, he had received congratulatory messages from numerous senior officials, diplomatic missions, and international organizations. He particularly highlighted the letter of congratulations from Ms. Kathleen Eagen, Regional Director of the Office of Foreign Missions (OFM) at the U.S. Department of State, who, on behalf of the Department of State, congratulated the new President and emphasized the significance of his election for further strengthening cooperation within the diplomatic community and enhancing relations between the United States and the Republic of Serbia.
Welcoming those in attendance, Ambassador PhD Božović expressed his sincere appreciation to the previous leadership for their dedicated service and valuable contribution to the Society's development, while also extending a warm welcome to the newly elected members of the Executive Committee.
Presenting his vision for the Society during the upcoming term, President Božović emphasized that his priorities would include strengthening unity and mutual trust among members, expanding SOFC's membership, increasing the Society's activities, enhancing cooperation among consular missions, and establishing even stronger institutional partnerships with the City of New York, the State of New York, the Office of Foreign Missions (OFM), the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations, and other relevant institutions. He stressed that SOFC should be recognized as a modern, dynamic, and influential organization that brings together the consular corps while actively contributing to international cooperation, economic diplomacy, and mutual understanding.
As one of the first initiatives of the new leadership, the Executive Committee unanimously endorsed President Božović's proposal to organize the **SOFC Banking & Investment Networking Forum** in September, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly. The forum will bring together members of the diplomatic corps, international financial institutions, banks, investors, and business leaders with the aim of strengthening economic cooperation and fostering stronger ties between the diplomatic and business communities.
During an open and highly constructive discussion, all members of the Executive Committee actively participated by presenting their proposals, ideas, and recommendations for the Society's future work. The Committee unanimously expressed its strong support for President Božović's vision and program, emphasizing that the proposed direction provides an excellent foundation for the continued development, modernization, and strengthening of the Society's reputation.
The Executive Committee also adopted its first personnel and organizational decisions, which will contribute to the Society's more efficient operation during the coming term.
The meeting concluded in an exceptionally warm, collegial, and productive atmosphere, with a shared conviction that the new leadership marks the beginning of a new chapter in the development of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York—one founded on cooperation, openness, innovation, and a common commitment to serving the interests of the entire diplomatic community in New York.