Vladimir Božović, Consul General of Serbia in New York, had the honor of welcoming NYC Commissioner for Immigrant Affairs, Mr. Manuel Castro

Vladimir Božović, Consul General of Serbia in New York, had the honor of welcoming NYC Commissioner for Immigrant Affairs, Mr. Manuel Castro, for his first official visit to the Consulate General.

During the meeting, a wide range of topics related to the Serbian community in New York were discussed, including their long-standing presence, cultural engagement, access to city services, and the need for Serbian-language information. Božović emphasized the importance of Serbian representation in public forums on immigration and access to resources for preserving language and identity.

Commissioner Castro enthusiastically accepted, at the proposal of Božović, the initiative for official materials to be translated into Serbian and expressed his office’s commitment to better inclusion of the Serbian community. He accepted the invitation to visit Serbian diaspora organizations, churches, and schools in New York.

A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the initiative to erect a monument to Nikola Tesla in New York, which Commissioner Castro praised enthusiastically, calling Tesla a figure who embodies the spirit of the city.

The Commissioner also expressed strong support for the Consulate’s mental health workshop on migrant identity, led by therapist Daria Filipović, describing it as a heartfelt example of care that goes beyond institutional roles.

The meeting concluded in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation, with Commissioner Castro personally commending Consul General Božović’s dedicated efforts in supporting the Serbian community and confirming the City’s willingness to strengthen future collaboration.