In addition to the existence of a visa-free regime between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Turkey, Turkish citizens upon entering the Republic of Serbia are required to possess:
• a valid travel document that is valid for at least 3 months from the date of intended departure from the Republic of Serbia;
• proof of possession of financial means for staying in Serbia. The amount of 50 euros per day of stay is considered sufficient funds, and the proof is cash in the specified amount, a statement from a bank account;
• a health insurance policy for the period of stay in the Republic of Serbia for the amount of medical expenses that cannot be less than EUR 20,000

When entering the Republic of Serbia, the border authorities may also request for inspection:
• travel agency voucher for tourist trips;
• return air ticket;
• proof of a paid hotel or confirmation of the private address where the foreigner will be staying, as well as other information that becomes important when crossing the border to confirm the purpose of the trip

Address by the President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić at the general debate of the 78th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations

Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selaković met today in Belgrade with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.

Minister Selaković stated that the relations between Serbia and Türkiye were at their highest level in recent history, and that this was, without a doubt, partly because of the good personal and professional relationship between the two Presidents, Aleksandar Vučić and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic attended today in Geneva the signing of the Agreement on the Establishment of the World Economic Forum Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Serbia, the first of its kind in the Western Balkans.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic had a telephone conversation today with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and discussed the realization of the third High-Level Cooperation Council, whose session is scheduled for 18 January in Turkey.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic stated today that severe examples of endangering the Serbian cultural, historical and spiritual heritage in Kosovo and Metohija are proof of the important role of UNESCO in protecting and preserving heritage.

Address of the President of the Republic of Serbia at the United Nations climate change conference COP26 held in Glasgow

Tonight, the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, visited together with US Ambassador Anthony Godfrey the night works on the construction of the bridge over the West Morava on the part of the Moravian Corridor from Pojate to Kruševac, whose total length will be 112 kilometers in three sections.

Distinguished President of the Security Council,

Esteemed members of the Security Council,

Distinguished Special Representative,
I would like to thank Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr. Guterres and Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK Mr. Tanin for the report submitted and for their efforts made towards the implementation of the UNMIK mandate. I would also like to thank the members of the Security Council for the continued attention they have devoted to the issue of Kosovo and Metohija. The Republic of Serbia highly values the activities of the Mission of the United Nations in Kosovo and Metohija and supports it in carrying out its work as efficiently as possible, pursuant to the UN Security Council Resolution 1244, and undiminished in scope, aiming to build and preserve lasting peace, stability and security in the Province.

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, has discussed today by phone with the General Secretary of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg about, as the General Secretary said, worrisome situation in northern Kosovo and Metohija.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, has stated that in New York he introduced foreign ministers of 28 countries to economic success of Serbia but also to the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, which he also discussed with the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov, who told him that we could count on the support of the Russian Federation, with regards to Serbian interests in K&M.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic warned today that Pristina has seriously jeopardised local and regional stability after sending heavily armed special units to the north of Kosovo who are exerting ` against the peaceful Serbian population.

Brnabic spoke at the general debate of world leaders, as part of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic participated today at the Global COVID-19 summit, organised by the White House, which was opened by US President Joseph Biden.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, attended, together with his Turkish colleague, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the ceremonial opening of the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey in Novi Pazar today.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikola Selaković, talked today with his Turkish colleague, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, and assessed that the overall cooperation between the two countries is extremely good and that it is at the highest level in our modern history.

President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, today met with the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkey,  Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, and, in separate talks on strengthening bilateral and economic relations, agreed that there is ample room for boosting cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fields of energy, tourism, culture and education.

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, sent a telegram of condolences to the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in which he said:

"I am deeply shocked by the terrible images of the destructive power of the water that took dozens of lives in Turkey. Serbia is always ready to provide friendly help and support, sympathizing with the families of the victims. I am convinced that Turkey will bravely face the consequences of this catastrophe and that people from the endangered areas will soon be able to return to their homes", the telegram of condolences from President Vučić to President Erdoğan reads.

Source/Photo: www.predsednik.rs

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, attended the marking of the Remembrance Day of all the victims and expelled Serbs in the armed operation "Storm" and said that Serbia remembers!

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, talked on the phone with the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and expressed his condolences over the victims of the fires that are ravaging the Turkish coast. President Vučić also expressed his readiness for our country, within its capabilities, to help stop the fire, as well as to eliminate its consequences.

We have decided – our goal was and remains the EU, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said in an interview with the German daily "Handelsblatt", adding that there is no alternative for Serbia, but also stressing that China is an important partner for Serbia, and that the task of the state is to take care about the interests of its citizens.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, stated at a gathering dedicated to digitalization and the IT sector, which was held in New York, that since she became Prime Minister, she is most proud of Serbia's success in the field of digitalization.

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, received the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey today, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, with whom he discussed the possibilities for improving cooperation between the two countries in that area.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selaković took part today in Antalya in the Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the South-East European Cooperation Process participants.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic stated today, after the plenary meeting of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) held in Antalya, that the Joint Declaration, the Strategic Document for South-East Europe and the annual report of the Council for Regional Cooperation were unanimously adopted at this meeting.

Speaking to the press, Brnabic said that the plenary meeting was marked by two things – the fact that even Pristina voted for all documents, although Kosovo is marked in them with an asterisk, and also that President of the interim institutions in Pristina Vjosa Osmani referred to the Brussels Agreement at one moment.

Dear Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, members of the delegations

I would point to a few ongoing issues in my speech that refer to the competences of the Mechanism, namely, the possibility of serving the sentences passed by the ICTY and Mechanism in the Republic of Serbia, with the current practice of disabling early release of the sentenced persons as well as obligation of the Mechanism regarding protection of sentenced persons.

A new service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs "e-Consulate" was presented in Belgrade today, intended for foreign citizens who apply for a visa and aspire to come to Serbia to work.

On that occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selakovic said that this service was one of the indicators of good development of our country, which, as he pointed out, was becoming a magnet for serious foreign companies, which brought a large number of workers from other countries to work in Serbia.

 In his interview to the Turkish state info agency Anadolu, Zoran Markovic, Ambassador of Serbia to Ankara, stated that the mutual recognition of the new type of coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine certificate has started today in order to lift travel restrictions between Turkey and Serbia and invited Turkish tourists to his country.

Citizens of Serbia and Turkey will be able to travel between the two countries from 14 May, on the basis of an agreement on mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccination certificates, reached in a telephone conversation between Foreign Ministers Nikola Selaković and Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.

Citizens of the two countries will be allowed to enter the territory of the other state without a test and the application of quarantine measures if they have a vaccination certificate issued by the competent authorities of Serbia or Turkey.

Under the agreement, which was confirmed today by the Serbian Government, persons who have not been vaccinated due to age (under 18) can enter the territories of Serbia and Turkey without a test and quarantine, if accompanied by family members who have a vaccination certificate.

Serbia and Turkey will also mutually recognize the certificates on immunity that will be issued by the competent authorities to those who have recovered from Covid-19.

A similar travel regime for citizens with a vaccination certificate has also been in force between Serbia and Hungary since 30 April, based on an agreement reached by Foreign Ministers Nikola Selaković and Péter Szijjártó.

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić talked today via a video link with the representatives of the delegation of the International Monetary Fund led by the Head of the Mission, Jan Kees Martijn. The interlocutors concluded that Serbia's main goal remains to preserve the hard-earned reputation of a fiscally secure country, as well as to continue with a responsible fiscal policy so that public debt does not exceed 60 per cent of GDP, whereby Serbia continues to work on further economic growth.

During the conversation, President Vučić and Jan Kees Martijn especially referred to the incentive measures and adopted three packages of measures to help the economy and citizens, which preserved macroeconomic stability and even achieved a higher employment rate. Martijn commended the responsible economic policy of Serbia and the successful crisis management during the pandemic.

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met today with the Regional Director of the World Health Organisation for Europe Hans Kluge, to discuss cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as cooperation in improving health care in our country and other joint activities.

President Vučić thanked Dr Kluge for his personal engagement and support during the current pandemic, especially for technical assistance and expertise. On this occasion, he informed the WHO official about the results of immunisation in Serbia and plans on how to provide the vaccine to all citizens who want to get it.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked today with World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge about the epidemiological situation and the course of immunisation of citizens in Serbia.

Brnabic expressed gratitude for the cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, technical assistance and expertise, emphasising that the support of this organisation is very important for our country.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic warned, at the United Nations Security Council meeting, that the political extremism among Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija was not decreasing, but on the contrary, was becoming stronger.

At the meeting discussing the Report of the UN Secretary-General on the work of UNMIK, Minister Selakovic recalled that the obligation to form the Community of Serb Municipalities  remained unfulfilled for 2,917 days now and that, in fact, 19 April marked eight full years since the agreement was reached in Brussels, while Pristina still refused to follow up on its commitment and enable the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic stated today that Pristina further persisted in its campaign of hatred against the Serbian people, which was most drastically seen in the unfounded accusations of mass rapes and genocide.

At the UN Security Council meeting discussing the Report of the UN Secretary-General on the work of UNMIK, Selakovic emphasized that the efforts of the provisional institutions in Kosovo and Metohija to create a narrative about mass rapes of Albanian women were obvious, and that propaganda methods and lies were used for that purpose.

The Consulate General wishes to inform all foreign citizens (without residence permit in Serbia) that it is not possible for foreign citizens to get vaccinated in the Republic of Serbia.

The Republic of Serbia is currently focused on the vaccination of its own citizens, and as until now in the further we will continue to help all our friend and neighbor countries in this fight against the Covid 19.

Based on a large number of applications, we inform foreign citizens who have expressed their interest in vaccination in Serbia through e-Government, that without receiving an invitation and confirmation with the date and location for vaccination, they should not come to the checkpoints alone because they will not be accepted.

If the possibility for vaccination of foreign citizens (without registered residence in Serbia) occurs in the next period, the public will be informed. 

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić received letters of credence today from the newly-appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey Hami Aksoy, to whom he wished success during his tenure in Belgrade.

Ambassador Aksoy conveyed cordial greetings to President Vučić extended to him by President Erdoğan. Returning the greetings, President Vučić expressed great satisfaction with the high level of bilateral relations reached between Serbia and Turkey, and especially with the intensive political dialogue as well as enhanced economic cooperation, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust, by which the two countries strongly supported the stability of the entire region. In this context, he welcomed the growing interest of Turkish companies to invest in the Serbian economy, especially in the less developed parts of our country.

President Vučić pointed out that he highly appreciated the personal contribution made by President Erdoğan to the arrival of Turkish investors to Serbia.

President Vučić emphasized that he hoped that the circumstances would allow holding a session of the High-Level Cooperation Council between Serbia and Turkey soon, to whose work our country attached great importance.

The two interlocutors also discussed the results of specific joint projects, underlining projects in the field of infrastructure and their importance.

Source: predsednik.rs
Photo: predsednik.rs / Dimitrije Goll

24 March 2021

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic made a statement on the occasion of marking the Day of Remembrance of the victims of the NATO aggression.

"Your Holiness, distinguished Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, distinguished Speakers of the National Assemblies of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, distinguished Prime Ministers of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, distinguished Ministers of both Governments, dear guests and friends, representatives of the Serbian People from Montenegro, North Macedonia, Croatia, thank you for the fact that we are all together tonight and that the Serbian spirit is unbreakable and invincible.

One child a day and a little more than that. That is the most difficult, sickening and painful number of the NATO aggression from 1999. Killed, stopped, guilty of nothing, having committed no sin, without the right to defence, without the right to justice and without the right to life.

No one has ever been held accountable for this crime, a crime greater than a crime. No one, for the 2,500 killed civilians, but also soldiers and policemen who were only guilty of guarding, protecting themselves and their homes. No one has ever been held accountable for more than 6,000 persons injured.

Even today, 22 years after the aggression, it is not possible to explain that, there is no universal justification, despite all the work done to that end, there is no reason, it makes no sense, and only names remain, as eternal as sin.

Miljana Milic, fifteen years old,
Vladimir Milic, twelve years old,
Miomir Mladenovic, fourteen years old,
Dragan Dimic, three years old,
Julijana Brudar, ten years,
Olivera Maksimovic, twelve years old,
Miroslav Knezevic, thirteen years old,
Dajana Pavlovic, five years old,
Stevan Pavlovic, eight years old,
Marko Simic, two years old,
Milica Rakic, three years old,
Ivan Ivancic, seven years old,
Marko Ivanovic, three years old...

And the list goes on, eighty nine names, not only Serbian ones...

The senselessness of sheer killing did not choose. Sixteen children, aged two to seventeen, from the Ahmetaj and Hasani families, were killed in a convoy returning home to Prizren.

In one headline in the West, this was simply explained as a "tragic mistake". The deaths of Marko Roglic, Milan Ignjatovic, Gordana Nikolic, Irena Mitic, Milica Stojanovic, Bojana Tosovic, Branimir Stanijanovic, our Sanja Milenkovic...could not expect or get even such an explanation.

Those deaths were not tragic, for those who caused them, much less a mistake. It was just an excuse, a miserable excuse.

They were a result of intent and a clear decision, as a severe judgment against one country, its people, its children.

And that is why today we will refrain from speculation in giving a name to everything that happened during the spring of 1999. Because a crime happened, a heinous and terrible one. And it was an aggression, not a bombing, not an intervention, not a campaign, not an operation. An aggression is what happened. An attack on a sovereign country, without a decision of the United Nations, without a sufficient reason that would justify attacking the then Yugoslavia or a neighbouring or NATO country.

No one was attacked by Serbia or the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia at that time. They attacked us, with one goal. To defeat us, to keep killing us, and in the end to take away a part of our territory.

And no matter how much we analyze things today, no matter how harsh and critical we are towards ourselves, our policy and leadership at the time, it is clear that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Serbia were left with almost no choice then. The choice was horrible, either the loss of territory and people on the one hand, or the complete disappearance of the Serbian state, morals, honour, Serbian spirit, names and surnames. And we could not help but lose. Nineteen big ones attacked one small country, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. They attacked both Serbia and Montenegro. And even when they don't talk about it today, in one of the two independent countries, those are the facts. And that small country, and that small nation, to all nineteen of them so great and powerful, held a lesson in what matters most - honour, morals and love for freedom that a nation can have.

Yes, justice, lest we forget justice. All those nineteen great ones today still silently talk about their military success, avoid answering questions, while - can you imagine, one small, only numerically small Serbian people, that small but magnificent nation, with sadness, tears in their eyes, proudly remembers their resistance and struggle against the nineteen cruel and arrogant ones.

We lost a lot, we lost our fathers, brothers, spouses, children, but the honour and Serbian heart are still there, to protect Serbia, which is eternal and indestructible.

We lost children, we lost people, we lost control over a large part of the territory, we lost billions because of the destroyed infrastructure and economy.

And all that was left for us was the body of a tortured, destroyed country, a country in disintegration, mutilated, looted, wounded, deserted, and guilty, condemned for everything that happened not only in the 1990s, but throughout history.

A country that, even ten years after the aggression, did not have the strength to stand up, rise to its feet, and do anything but be silent, or bow its head and obediently apologize, for everything, even for its dead, even for its murdered children.

Today, it is no longer that failed, tortured, devastated, mutilated Serbia.

Today, it is Serbia, which has found its strength and its pride again.

Serbia, which calls things by their real names.

Serbia, which turned its back on war and defeats, and started working.

Serbia, which rose to stand on its own feet and has a voice of its own.

Serbia, which, even when they don't believe it, they listen to. Which is capable, which is growing, and is no longer part of the problem. Serbia, which is and will be, at least we will do our best to this end, the very solution that enables the entire region to live in peace and understanding.

And that Serbia, today, when there are still many more bombs in the world than vaccines, sends not bombs, but precisely those vaccines to the region. Today, it is ready to produce them as well, and in just a few months we will do just that, but not only for ourselves, but also for others, for the entire Balkans.

We are ready, and we are willing to help.

We are not ready to be and we will not be silent, nor be humiliated again.

We draw the right to that not only from the victims we had, but also from the fact that we stopped looking at others only a long time ago, and looking for fault and guilt only in them, and not sometimes in ourselves as well.

We looked at each other and admitted. Every loss, every defeat and every crime that someone committed in our name, every failure and every wrong policy.

And we are no longer doing anything that could endanger anyone.

We continue to work and work, and grow more and more, gaining strength with only one goal - to be the best in economy and education, health, in culture, science, sports...

And we want to be safe, on our own. We want our army to be much stronger than it was in 1999. So that we never again face a situation that someone is killing our children, destroying the country, or expelling our people.

We want to remain free, to decide our own destiny, and for no one to take everything away from us ever again, and give us nothing.

And that nothing today, and I will repeat it as much as necessary, is the idea of some great, powerful ones, but also those who serve them, the idea that "Kosovo" should recognize us, so that we could recognize "Kosovo".

We do not need that recognition. And Serbia will not allow you to walk over our victims, our history, our past, but also to walk over our future. You will get the answer of reasonable, kind and responsible people. We need a compromise. We need all the obligations that we and Pristina have assumed to be fulfilled, but only we have fulfilled them so far.

And this is not our whim. It is not a phantasmagoria about a Serbian world that we want to create.

Even today, when they threaten us with the formation of a Greater Albania, when they say that the Community of Serb Municipalities is not going to happen, it is ours to be calm, to take care of our people in Kosovo and Metohija, but to send a clear message to all those great, powerful ones that we are not as weak as we were, that we will be able to preserve what is our own, not touching anything that belongs to anyone else. After all, Serbia is not and will not be but a handful of oats that every crow from the whole wide world can eat. As for those who used the strength and power of the nineteen arrogant and cruel ones, I only ask them not to threaten us. Please, please, don't threaten us. They should not think that Serbia is broken and that it will not have the strength to respond. Please, please, our Albanian neighbours, do not threaten us. And we ask all others, who have demonstrated their cruelty towards Serbia, not to help you in that. That is all we are asking and nothing more.

And we will respond to calls for peace, calls for compromise, and always with good will, because we do not want to have children killed again. And we do not want the children of others to suffer again. But do not underestimate Serbia, and do not look at Serbia with the same eyes as you did in 1999.

Today, Serbia is much stronger, much more powerful. Today, Serbia is a united country of togetherness, not a divided one. Today, Serbia is incomparably stronger and better in every aspect than it was in 1999, from the economy to our army. And we will never threaten anyone, we just ask you and request from you to respect us and nothing more.

Today, we are building roads that will connect us, among ourselves, with the region and with the world. Until the end of the year, we will work on eight motorways, on eight routes in the entire Balkans, not only Serbia, eight roads of peace and cooperation.

Only a crazy person would trade this for war, for dead children, for demolition and new loss. And yes, we want to have the closest relations with everyone who took part in the aggression against our beautiful Serbia, we have forgiven a long time ago, but no, we will never forget. And don't ask us to. That one day, every year, we will remind both ourselves and you. The nineteen of you, the most powerful, strongest, greatest in terms of might and force, but not so much when it comes to honour and morality. We will keep remind you and ourselves, just so it would never happen again. Not to us only, but to none other freedom-loving people in the world.

And if we have an offer, today it reads as follows: we are ready to make the whole Balkans a winner, for everyone to win, as long as no one tries to make Serbs the only losers.

And the path to this goal is not difficult at all.

We just need to respect and understand each other and not try to humiliate each other.

And not to touch into what everyone paid the highest and bloodies price for. Freedom. And we, Serbs, know the price of freedom.

Into our right to have it, to keep it and to remember all the victims who are part of it.

And our defeats, our lives and our children are built into ours. And the lives of our heroic pilots, and our giants from Kosare and Pastrik, and our children, innocent, completely innocent, and only guilty of living in Serbia.

This is too high a price to be quiet about it.

Because that would mean that we are ready for another defeat, for another humiliation.

And we are not.

And when all go quiet, we will keep repeating.

A child a day, and a little more. This was how much you killed us. In an aggression that even you did not understand why you carried it out.

And we will keep repeating this, just so it does not happen to us again.

With special reverence, we are fulfilling our obligation to pay tribute to all innocent Serbian victims who laid their lives on the altar of the homeland, both civilians and our heroic soldiers and policemen, the heroes of Kosare, Prizren, Mitrovica.

Today, for us Serbs, life in Kosovo and Metohija is like Via Dolorosa, using their last strength on the road to Golgotha, but we would not be Serbs if we were not capable to "exist in a terrible place".

And today, tonight, I can conclude with one important sentence. On the soil of Europe, there was, and today is stronger than ever, an indomitable, unwavering, unconquerable and never conquered Serbia.

May eternal glory be to all the victims of the NATO aggression and let us all exclaim together - long live free and proud Serbia", President Vucic said.

Source:www.predsednik.rs
Photo:www.predsednik.rs

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic participated today in the commemoration of the Remembrance Day of 17 March 2004 - Pogrom in Kosovo and Metohija. He said that exactly 17 years ago, a pogrom took place in Kosovo and Metohija, and that pogrom surpassed all other crimes.

Photo: Dimitrije Goll

"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest, these words of Elie Wiesel, a camp survivor and Nobel laureate, make it forever incumbent upon us not to remain silent against crime, regardless of who and for what reason committed it", President Vucic stated and added that we remembered and learned every lesson in which we were losers, each one in which we were silent to our own victims, and each one when we were ready to forget.   

Photo: Dimitrije Goll

President Vucic said that pogrom surpasses all other crimes, because it is not only an act, but an intention, a policy, a premediated attempt to forcibly cleanse persons belonging to other peoples and faiths from a region or a country.

"We have no right to remain silent to that", said the President of Serbia, emphasizing that we have an obligation to be winners without blood spilled and war, to be the best in the economy, healthcare, sports, education and everything else that implies development and progress.

"We also wish others to work on themselves and be successful, because we are aware that crime is a tool for losers that winners do not need, as they remember, but forgive and move on, while the losers keep spinning in the same vicious circle. We Serbs do not want to be that anymore, we want a future in which we will remember, but from which we will not return. We know what happened and we call it by its real name", President Vucic concluded.

Based on the decision of the Government of the Republic of Turkey, from Monday, March 15, 2021, all foreign nationals must fill out an online form within 72 hours before arriving in Turkey, which can be found at https://register.health.gov.tr/. And by filling it a person will get the so-called HES CODE. The form is available in English.

HES CODE is an electronic form of monitoring the health status of all passengers, and is also necessary for entry into all shopping centers, restaurants, cafes and other government institutions. The completed form is required to be displayed by all passengers in printed or online form at the entrance to the country and when boarding the aircraft. All airlines will require a completed form, and passengers who do not own it will not be accepted on the flight.

The measure of having a negative PCR test done in the last 72 hours remains in effect until further notice.

A vaccination certificate with any vaccine will not be accepted instead of a negative PCR test.

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met today for a farewell visit the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey Tanju Bilgiç and thanked him for contributing to the strengthening of political dialogue between the two countries, as well as comprehensive cooperation, especially in the field of economy.

The two interlocutors agreed that bilateral relations between Serbia and Turkey are at the highest level today and that thus the two countries provide strong support for the stability of the entire region. In this regard, President Vučić emphasised he was pleased that he had established close cooperation with President Erdoğan, thanks to mutual trust and understanding.

President Vučić said that the political dialogue in recent years has been very intense and that the same can be stated for economic cooperation, considering that trade has almost doubled in the last four years. President Vučić pointed out that he highly respects the personal contribution of President Erdoğan to the arrival of investors from Turkey to Serbia.

Ambassador Bilgiç said that at the moment, about 1,000 Turkish companies operate on the Serbian market and that he is convinced this number will constantly increase, thanks to the good market conditions and the financial stability that our country has achieved.

The two interlocutors also discussed the results of specific joint projects, with the most important projects in the field of infrastructure.

President Vučić wished Ambassador Bilgiç good health, as well as much success in his future professional engagement.

Belgrade, 09th March 2021

 

8 March 2021

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic said today that the fight against all forms of crime was a top priority of the Serbian Government and an integral part of the EU accession process.

"It is also our moral duty, in order to leave a better world for the generations to come", Selakovic said participating via video-link at the 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held in Kyoto.    

Minister Selakovic emphasized that Serbia, in its Second Serious and Organized Crime Threat Assessment from 2019, identified as its goal to eliminate cybercrime, human trafficking, terrorism and irregular migration.

The Serbian Foreign Minister pointed out that our country had established in a timely manner a normative and institutional framework that regulates prevention of abuse in this area, as well as that the Office of the Special Prosecutor for Cybercrime, a special court department and a special police unit were established. 

The Minister underlined that, in the field of the fight against corruption, Serbia was guided by the postulates set out in the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the UN Convention against Corruption.

Selakovic pointed out the efforts made by the Anti-Corruption Agency, as an independent state body, to protect the public interest, build individual and institutional integrity, strengthen transparency and accountability of the public administration.

"We strongly condemn all forms of terrorism, including extremism and radicalism, and call for them to be fully eradicated, while implementing the relevant UN resolutions and conventions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy", the Head of Serbian diplomacy underscored. 

In order to combat these complex phenomena efficiently and successfully, Selakovic said, it was of vital importance to build capacities of our societies and states, while exchanging experiences at the regional and global levels.

Minister Selakovic thanked Japanese Ambassador Hikihara for the skill he showed in conducting the talks on harmonizing and adopting the Kyoto Declaration, which, as he stressed, was an important indicator of the commitment to creating and maintaining the institutional framework for crime prevention as one of the main preconditions for promoting sustainable development goals.

"Back in 1970 when Japan hosted this event for the first time, we demonstrated strong political will to draw attention to the problem. Today, it is incumbent upon us to reaffirm this willingness and resolve and translate it into concrete steps", the Serbian Foreign Minister said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFcsVSnZorw

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked today with outgoing Turkish Ambassador to Serbia Tanju Bilgiç about the achieved results in cooperation and bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as plans and projects for the future.

Brnabic assessed that the cooperation between Serbia and Turkey is currently at the highest level and that it greatly contributes, not only to bilateral relations and economic development, but also to the stability of our region.

Summarising the joint projects, the Prime Minister pointed out that those in the field of infrastructure are especially important, highlighting the project of regional friendship and prosperity – the Belgrade-Sarajevo-Belgrade highway.

Bilgiç pointed out that Turkey considers Serbia a great friend and the most important country in the region, which greatly contributes to its stability and cooperation.

He stated that approximately a thousand Turkish companies are currently operating in Serbia and that this number will increase, thanks to good market conditions and the financial stability that Serbia has achieved.

Belgrade,
26 February 2021

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić talked earlier tonight on the phone with the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. On that occasion, President Vučić congratulated his colleague, President Erdoğan, on his 67th birthday and wished him good health and success in his work.

In that regard, President Vučić informed President Erdogan about the progress of vaccination in Serbia, as well as about the fact that Serbia continues to help its neighbours in the immunisation process. President Erdoğan said that Serbia thus shows how important peace and cooperation in the Western Balkans are for our country.

In that regard, President Vučić informed President Erdogan about the course of vaccination in Serbia, as well as about the fact that Serbia continues to help its neighbours in the immunisation process. President Erdoğan said that Serbia thus shows how important peace and cooperation in the Western Balkans are to our country.

The two statesmen affirmed that the bilateral relations between Serbia and Turkey are at the highest level and that the two countries are thus contributing to the stability of the entire region. Considering the Serbian-Turkish economic cooperation, they stated that about a thousand Turkish companies operate on the Serbian market currently, and they expressed hope that this number will increase. President Vučić said that he highly appreciates the personal contribution of President Erdoğan to the arrival of investors from Turkey to Serbia.

President Vučić and President Erdoğan discussed specific joint projects, highlighting projects in the field of infrastructure such as the highway between Belgrade and Sarajevo.

The two officials also discussed the full range of regional and global issues and expressed hope that circumstances would soon allow them to meet and continue their constructive conversation.

Belgrade,
26th February 2021

18 February 2021

The Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church elected His Eminence Metropolitan Porfirije of Zagreb-Ljubljana, PhD, as the new Serbian Patriarch, in its convocation in Memorial Cathedral of Saint Sava in Belgrade on 18 February 2021.

Immediately after the election a thanksgiving service was officiated and Many Years was chanted to the Archbishop of Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije. Bells at Saint Sava Cathedral in the Vracar district of Belgrade rang a few minutes before 4:00 pm indicating that the 46th Patriarch of Serbia was elected.

Newly-elected Archbishop of Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije (Peric) was born on 22 July 1961 in Becej, to father Radivoje and Mother Radojka. He was baptized as Prvoslav. He finished primary school in Curug, and the “Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj” Grammar School in Novi Sad. He was ordained a monk according to the rite of small schime by his spiritual father, then hieromonk Dr. Irinej (Bulovic), at Decani Monastery on Sunday of St. Thomas in 1985.

He graduated from the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Belgrade in 1986, when the then Bishop of Raska-Prizren Diocese, future Serbian Patriarch Pavle of blessed memory, ordained him a hierodeacon at the monastery of Holy Trinity in Musutiste.

He attended postgraduate studies in Athens from 1986 until 1990. That year, upon the blessing of Bishop Dr. Irinej of Backa, he joined the monastery of Holy Archangels in Kovilj, where he was ordained as hieromonk and became its abbot.

Many young monks and novices came to the monastery following him. These were the years when the Kovilj Monastery became a spiritual center for many young people: intellectuals, artists, popular actors and rock musicians, especially from Novi Sad and Belgrade. Since then abbot Porfirije has particularly dealt with drug-addicted patients. In 2005, he formed for this purpose a therapeutic community called “The Land of the Living”, which is recognized as the most successful drug-addiction therapy project and, under the leadership of Bishop Porfirije, it has more than a hundred residents in camps throughout Serbia today.

During the ordinary meeting of the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Belgrade on 14 May 1999 he was elected as Bishop of Jegar, Vicar of the Diocese of Backa.

He defended his PhD thesis Possibility of knowability of God in St. Paul’s understanding according to the interpretation of Saint John Chrysostom at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Athens in 2004.

He became a lecturer at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology - Department of Pastoral Psychology - succeeding famous psychiatrist, academician Dr. Vladeta Jerotic. His lectures have been attended not only by students of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, but other Belgrade faculties as well.

Together with a group of experts: psychologists, doctors, criminologists, sociologists, Bishop Porfirije founded a civic association that deals with the resocialization of victims of destructive religious sects and cults.

Bishop Porfirije has not been just president of the Steering Board for a decade, but a real spiritus movens of the Humanitarian Fund “Privrednik”, which has provided scholarships for a great number of gifted, but poor pupils and students, regardless of their nationality or religious affiliation.

In 2005, the National Assembly elected him as representative of all Churches and religious communities, to be a member of the Council of the Republic Broadcasting Agency, and in 2008 the RBA elected him its president. As President of the Council of the Republic Broadcasting Agency, Bishop Porfirije supported the long-term interests of society and citizens, unaffected by political influences.

Since then, church radio stations have been heard in the broadcasting spectrum of Serbia. He has made a key contribution to launching of a series of radio and television shows dealing with religious topics.

In 2010, The Holy Assembly of Bishops entrusted him to establish military chaplaincy in the Serbian Armed Forces. The fruits of his labour in that field include not only the suitable legal regulations, but also the selection of military chaplains, the organization and equipping of churches at barracks and performance of the first religious services.

His expert theological works Bishop Porfirije published in magazines both in Serbia and abroad. He participated in a large number of scientific conferences and symposia across the globe.

Bishop Porfirije, as one of the most prominent contemporary Serbian clergymen and intellectuals, has an extremely wide circle of friends, not only in the Homeland, and he fosters personal friendship and close cooperation with priests and representatives of other Churches and religious communities.

He speaks Greek, English, German and uses the Russian language, while his style of communication is always adapted to his interlocutors.

He was enthroned as the Metropolitan of Zagreb and Ljubljana on 13 July 2014 in the Cathedral Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Zagreb. The solemn Hierarchal Liturgy was served by Serbian Patriarch Irinej, accompanied by a large number of archbishops of the Serbian Church and other sister Churches, as well as priests and monks, and pious people.

Source: SPC/Serbian Orthodox Church

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Serbia's foreign policy positions are naturally being adjusted to the new developments at the international level, but our foreign policy priorities have not changed in a long time. Our top and most important interest is to preserve good-neighbourly relations and stability and peace in the region and, in the same context, to find a peaceful and just solution to the problems in Kosovo and Metohija, Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic said in an interview with Politika daily.

Another lasting interest of ours is full membership of the European Union, because this is the type of society we strive for. At the bilateral level, our goal is to strengthen ties with traditional friends, the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China, but also to build new partner relations with the United States. One of the most important tasks of our foreign policy is to improve the position and protect the rights and identity of our people in the region, as well as to provide various types of support to Serbs in the diaspora. All these are very important and more often than not complementary goals, Nikola Selakovic pointed out.

What kind of relations do you expect Serbia to have with the new U.S. administration?

It is too early to speculate about this in public. The new presidential administration in Washington is currently preoccupied with internal issues and this will be the case for some time. There are people in the team of President Joseph Biden who have dealt with our region, and it is likely that the Balkans and Serbia will be the focus of the U.S. foreign policy at some point. I will remind you that President Vucic and President Biden not so long ago had very substantive talks in Belgrade, after which our President stated that he had the opportunity to talk to someone extremely well acquainted with the situation in this part of the world and an extraordinarily prepared interlocutor. Taking their personal relationship into account, but also the importance of enhancing the ties between Serbia and the United States, we have reason to expect that a meeting between the two presidents will be organized in the foreseeable future. I am sure that the nature and dynamics of the relations between Serbia and the United States will be influenced by the fact that Ambassador Marko Djuric now represents us in Washington, whose presence at President Biden's inauguration ceremony is an important signal and, I believe, a harbinger of positive developments in bilateral relations between our two countries.

How would you describe our country's relations with Moscow, Brussels and Beijing?

Russia is our traditional friend and that friendship goes beyond merely political ties. These are deep spiritual, cultural and civilizational bonds, and it is only natural that we have a mutual interest in improving those ties, even though they are at a very high level. We have a relationship with the People's Republic of China which is, in addition to the sincere iron-clad friendship between our peoples and high political representatives, based on deep trust and mutual support. Full membership of the European Union is Serbia's strategic orientation that all our friends are aware of, but our country does not forget its friendships, but strengthens and promotes them instead, and approaches all with honesty and no ulterior motives. In this context, we do not seek any preferential treatment, but only the right to freely and independently make decisions about our future and relations with all who respect us.

Could Serbia pursue a different foreign policy than the one it is pursuing at the moment?

It is always possible to have a different policy, just look at the foreign policy of Serbia ten, twenty or thirty years ago, examine the results at that time and you will realize how irretrievably expensive that policy turned out to be. Whether a policy is right, at either foreign or domestic level, is measured through its results and effect on the lives of citizens and the fate of the entire state. Our foreign policy priorities are not being defined on a whim, but are instead the result of a serious and deep examination of our complex position and strategic thinking about ways to improve it. Today, Serbia has a better international reputation and credibility than two decades ago, and the main reason for that is that our results have shown how serious and responsible we are as a country. That kind of credibility is not achieved by trickery, but only by hard and well-thought-out work on oneself. And I need to emphasize on this occasion as well that the main inspiration for such an attitude towards politics, the state and its future comes from none other than President Aleksandar Vucic. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, I have the opportunity on a daily basis to see the level of appreciation and respect President Vucic enjoys beyond the borders of our country.

When can we expect the vacant posts of Serbian ambassadors and consuls across the globe to be filled?

That is one of the main tasks for 2021. This will be a year of reinvigoration and I believe also rejuvenation of Serbian diplomacy. Our country, given its size, has a fairly extensive diplomatic network, which provides it with great opportunities for deepening political and economic relations with countries in all parts of the world. But we need more fresh and energetic staff, people who will be the most honourable representatives of a modern and dynamic Serbia. There are such people in Serbia, and we do need a serious rejuvenation, in order to avoid wide generation gaps in our personnel, and to lay the foundations of a modern career diplomacy.

How would you describe your relationship with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic?

President Vucic and I are, in addition to having close and friendly relations, by virtue of the work we do and our constitutional competencies, the closest collaborators in the realization of Serbia's foreign policy goals. This allows me to talk to him often, and on many occasions learn a lot of new and important things. President Vucic is a man who inspires people around him with his strategic and visionary approach to politics, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to be part of his closest team of associates over the years, and to have had him as a kind of political mentor. In any case, his vision of Serbia as a modern, progressive and prosperous state, which independently and on its own will decides on its destiny, is my wish as well and key motivation for political engagement. For only such Serbia is a country that its own citizens, as well as Serbs beyond our borders, can confidently rely on, while also being an inspiration to the entire region.

Source: Politika

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selakovic received today a farewell call from the Ambassador of Turkey Tanju Bilgiç, whom he thanked for his active engagement during his tenure in our country and wished success in further work.

Selakovic said that he was pleased with the level of bilateral relations, mutual cooperation based on trust and respect, which was further affirmed during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as with the intensive political dialogue between Serbia and Turkey.

The Serbian Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of excellent personal and professional relations between the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, and the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which were significantly contributing to the development of political, economic and all other relations between our two countries.

"We are also looking forward to continuing the exchange of visits at the high and top level", Selakovic said, emphasizing that there was an open invitation to his Turkish counterpart, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, to visit Serbia.

Minister Selakovic underlined in particular the importance of the infrastructure project to be carried out with the financial assistance of Turkey, namely the Belgrade-Sarajevo-Belgrade motorway, as well as of the cooperation with Turkey on the construction of energy infrastructure.

"We welcome Turkey's growing interest in investing in the Serbian economy, as well as the realization of a number of investments in less developed parts of Serbia", the Minister said, stressing Serbia's commitment to further improving economic cooperation with Turkey.

Belgrade,
26 January 2021

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic pointed out that Serbia is the first in Europe in terms of economic growth, which will be officially confirmed at the end of March, and that this was possible owing to the reform measures taken since 2014 and the rapid opening of the country after the first wave of corona virus.

The President pointed out that Serbia had a growth of 5.2 percent in the first quarter, while the Eurozone was at minus 3.2 percent, in the second quarter Serbia was at minus 6.3 percent, while the Eurozone was at minus 14.7 percent, and in the third quarter, when the Eurozone was at minus 4.3 percent, Serbia's figure was only minus 1.4 percent. Vucic stated that Montenegro, for example, recorded as much as 26 percent minus in the third quarter.

Furthermore, the President emphasized that hospitals were built and renovated in our country, and that two hospitals were built from the ground up in just four months.

He said that the state made significant efforts to procure respirators, masks, gloves, protective suits, medicines, everything that was needed, and pointed out that work was being done on 10 general hospitals throughout Serbia, adding that all these were major achievements that were only possible owing to the success of the 2014 reforms, the enactment of the Labor Law, which yielded excellent results, and also through fiscal consolidation measures.

"These are unprecedented results for Serbia. Was Serbia ever before the first in Europe in terms of growth rate? We will get the results on 31 March that will confirm that Serbia is number one in Europe. All that was possible thanks to people who believed in difficult changes", Vucic said.

According to the President, this year, as many as six highways will be built in Serbia at the same time, and in this regard, he noted that Bulgaria has announced that the highway from our border to Sofia will be completed by the end of the year, after which it will be possible to use motorway to travel to Istanbul, which is very important to ensure that our country is on a transport route.

President Vucic emphasized that in 2020, the so-called year of corona, our country had a net inflow of foreign direct investment amounting to EUR 2.9 billion net, and three billion gross, which means that many foreign companies such as Toyota Tires, Boysen, ZTF and Brose have invested in Serbia even in this year of crisis.

The President said that Serbia has the highest average wages in the region, amounting to 511 or 512 euros, and that in February, due to the January increase, the average wage will be 535 or 536 euros, and that only in Belgrade in the last seven years the average wage increased by 180 euros or 40 percent.

That President said that Serbia was fourth in the region in terms of salaries before, and that today we are officially the first, and that the difference in relation to other countries will only increase faster. He also pointed out that the employment rate is growing in Serbia as well as that our public debt increased less than in most European countries. This is illustrated by the data that in Italy the public debt surged to 156 percent, in Germany to 87 percent, in France to 114 percent, in Croatia to 88 percent, while in Serbia it is at 57 percent.

The Serbian President announced that by Sretenje, 15 February, an additional package of assistance to the economy will be earmarked, and as he explained, it will be a new capital injection for companies, the trade, entrepreneurs, small, medium and large enterprises which, as he said, concerns 1,052,000 people within that system.

Vucic specified that it will most likely be help in the form of two or three payments amounting to half a minimum wage each, and that there will also be sectoral aid for tourism, hotel owners, travel agencies, guides, for bus carriers, through another half minimum wage payment.

The President added that efforts will be made to extend the guarantee schemes as well, which proved to be excellent, amounting to 1.5 billion, and this time, through the same system, two more portions amounting to 500 million each could be provided. Vucic said that the first agreements with DFC worth 300 to 400 million dollars are expected in seven days.

He also stated that the state will endeavour to help pensioners further, in addition to increasing pensions by 5.9 percent in January, which will be reflected in their first checks in February, and added that pensioners should by March receive symbolic aid in the form of packages with vitamin C, D and zinc, which, as the President said, are small things, but they reflect the state's care and efforts made to protect health.

The President announced that negotiations on the procurement of the Chinese vaccine would be completed in the next seven to eight days, after the first quantities of the Pfizer and Sputnik V vaccines have arrived in Serbia, and pointed out that the Chinese vaccine was of exceptional quality, but probably the most expensive, which is why he wrote to the Chinese President and asked for a discount for our country. Vucic thanked the Americans for deciding to sell the vaccine to our country and noted that no one in the region other than Serbia has received it, except for the small quantity that Albania got.

He pointed out that our state relied on itself and its own capacities, and that our state leadership anticipated that vaccines within the European COVAX plan would arrive late.

The President rejected the claims about bad results of Serbia in the fight against the corona virus and stated that our country has recorded the lowest corona virus mortality rate in the region.

He presented statistical information indicating that Slovenia had 144 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, North Macedonia 126, Bosnia and Herzegovina 123, Bulgaria 115, Montenegro 115, Hungary 110, Croatia 107, Romania 85, and Serbia 51.

"The mortality rate in the region is as follows: Bulgaria 3.9, Bosnia and Herzegovina 3.7, Hungary 3.11, North Macedonia 3.03, Romania 2.48. Slovenia 2.15, Croatia 1.99, Montenegro 1.4, and Serbia 1.0. This can be seen in the graphs and is no fabrication", the President stressed.

He said that the state will fight for vaccines, and that only Serbia, in the Western Balkans, received significant quantities of vaccines, other than a smaller quantity that Albania received, and added that in one day since the registration for vaccination opened, as many as 63,000 persons have registered.

President Vucic expressed his belief that the year ahead will be better than the previous one as well as that the corona virus will be defeated through vaccination of citizens.

Belgrade, 12 January 2021

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić opened this morning a new Balkan Stream gas pipeline in Gospodinci near Žabalj. The pipeline passes through Serbia from the Bulgarian to the Hungarian border.

"This is an important day for our country, let the gas start flowing and let us be even more successful. I wish you a Happy New Year, and I want to thank all our Russian friends who participated with us in constructing this pipeline. Congratulations on a tremendous job, this is of great importance for the industry, the progress of the Serbian economy, but also of great importance for all the citizens of our country," said the President.

President Vučić pointed out that Serbia provided energy stability and security through the "Balkan Stream" gas pipeline, which is vital for attracting new investors, and added that gas is distributed from that place through the system of primary and secondary gas pipelines.

"This guarantees us a more certain and secure future. When you have gas in each municipality, then you can attract everyone who wants to open factories. There is still work to be done, but this pipeline guarantees us a more certain future. With the support of Russian partners, Serbia has managed to secure supplying its territory with gas. But from here, it will also go to Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina," said President Vučić.

He pointed out that we procure gas through that gas pipeline at a price of up to 155 dollars, with much lower transport costs than through another gas pipeline through which we have been supplied so far. The President noted that additional USD 30 were charged for delivering gas through Ukraine and Hungary to Serbia plus USD 18 for distribution across our territory.

Considering the high price of the gas pipeline construction, the favourable circumstance is that together with our partner, we will charge the transit tax and thus pay those costs, said the President.

President Vučić announced that the gas would be brought to many municipalities where it is not available, which will additionally attract everyone who wants to open factories.

The Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Botsan-Kharchenko, said that this is the best New Year's gift.

"This gas pipeline will provide stability to Serbia and an opportunity for the development of internal infrastructure and energy stability," the Ambassador pointed out.

The Balkan Stream is part of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline, a project of Russia's Gazprom and Turkey's Botash, to provide a stable gas supply to Turkey, southern and southeastern Europe. The pipeline is 930 kilometres long with a capacity of 31.5 billion cubic meters of gas per year. The first arm passes through Turkey, while the second arm runs to Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary. Serbia and Bulgaria call that part of the gas pipeline the "Balkan Stream".

This year, Serbia could finally have Ambassadors and Consuls General appointed to about a third of the currently vacant positions in the country's diplomatic and consular missions in the world, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selakovic is convinced that most of these positions will be filled, as he points out, by the best possible people.

"In the next year, I am convinced that the majority of these vacancies will be filled", Selakovic told Tanjug, emphasizing that the work is being done gradually, because the state wants to show that is has a quality staff who will represent Serbia's interests in the best possible way.

The Head of Serbian diplomacy reminded that in a number of diplomatic missions, the four-year mandate of Ambassadors and Consuls General has already expired, so that the procedure for appointing new ones will follow, after their recall.

One of the "vacant" spots is the post of the Serbian Ambassador to China.

"We are working hard to find the best possible solution for our new Ambassador to China and as we appointed one of the best people in the state system as Ambassador to the United States, who, I am sure, will perform his duties in the best possible way, I am convinced that it will be the same for the Ambassador in Beijing", Selakovic said.

The Minister, who took over the foreign policy sector in the Government a little over two months ago, points out that circumstances in the world, as well as Serbia's position in it, have changed, but that Serbia's foreign policy goals do not change: the country remains strategically committed to European integration and, while pursuing the EU path, it will also strengthen traditional friendships with Russia and China, as well as promote and strengthen new partner relations with the United States.

"Relations in the region, good-neighborly relations, regional cooperation are also important for Serbia, because this fits into the set of requirements on the European path. But, even regardless of the European path, it is always important who you live next to, who you live with, what your neighbors are like and what the relations are like in the neighborhood", Minister Selakovic said.

He also points out that the issue of Kosovo and Metohija is of inestimable importance, it being the main national and state issue for Serbia and the Serbian people.

"When I say that circumstances are changing, but not the goals - the EU and European integration was our goal seven years ago as well, but look at what our room for maneuver was then, in terms of economic aspects, and look at it today. Circumstances changed, and then you adjust your actions to these changed circumstances, to the best extent possible", Minister Selakovic said.

He reminds that foreign policy priorities for 2021 were also outlined by the President of the Republic, and that maintaining peace and stability in the region is the absolute priority.

"Only in a peaceful and stable region of the Western Balkans and Southeast Europe can Serbia thrive economically, culturally and scientifically - in every respect. Peace and stability in the region are “sine qua non” without which there is no development and progress. Serbia has acted, is acting and will act as a factor that stabilizes the entire region and maintains peace in the region, showing that it is the region that benefits everyone the most", Minister Selakovic said.

Relations in the region have always been complex, and the region, Minister Selakovic noted, is to our great regret, burdened with issues that we cannot have a bearing on, and which concern the past.

Serbia's approach is to seek room to influence what is happening today and what will happen happen in the future.

In this context, he states that the so-called "mini-Schengen" initiative for market unification of the region, which originated from Aleksandar Vucic and was met with a positive response from the Prime Ministers of Albania and North Macedonia, is one of the opportunities to do much more for the region.

"To show how much more we can do if we act together and if we seek our common denominators, and not what separates and divides us ", Selakovic points out.

When it comes to relations with the United States, Selakovic said that one should not expect the great powers to change their positions the way we would like, want or imagine, but that it is important that the Ambassador in Washington, Marko Djuric, also emphasized that his task, among other things, will be to make efforts to change the climate in bilateral relations with the United States - the most important country in the world, as our lacking communication with them in the past seriously affected the position of the Serbian people and Serbia.

"I am convinced that Djuric will work seriously on that, together with President Vucic, Prime Minister Brnabic and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and contribute to a large extent to changing that climate", Minister Selakovic said.

He points out that it is extremely important for Serbia to promote its partner relations with the United States to a higher level.

"This is a country with which we cooperate closely in many areas and a country with which we must strive, and not give up in doing so, to find what we have in common, our common ground and good examples of our cooperation in the past, and to create space for such cooperation in the future as well", Minister Selakovic concluded.

Source: Tanjug

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91Ba_AWOSjY

Preservation of peace, taking care of the health and better living standard are key for Serbia in 2021, underlined President of the Republic Aleksandar Vucic, convinced that even though the completion of this ambitious and by no means easy task will be anything but straightforward, best results can be achieved by working in concert with the Government, while ensuring security and a future of certainty for the citizens.

The President said that Serbia has set for itself great and ambitious goals for the next year, notwithstanding the complex international and regional circumstances, and that it will endeavour to fully preserve peace and stability in the region and the country, while safeguarding the vital national and state interests.

"Serbia will remain on the course of a winning policy - the policy of stability", President Vucic said and stressed that our country remains on the European integration path and that it will carefully foster its friendship with Russia and China, while building a friendship with the United States as well.

According to the President, Serbia will continue to pursue a winning policy, with the country itself as a top priority, i.e., a policy that will enable Serbia to continue being one of the top three countries in Europe in terms of growth rate in the next two years.

A precondition for that, the President noted, is to crack down on criminal groups, but also to ensure even bigger investments in the police and army forces.

"Serbia is the country that recorded the highest growth in Europe in 2020", the President pointed out at the annual press conference and added that he expects to conclude a new arrangement with the IMF, as well as that Serbia, by the end of next year or early 2022, will raise its credit rating to an "investment" one, which will put our country's rating on par with the most developed EU countries.

As the greatest success in 2020, Vucic noted that Serbia will end the year with the highest growth rate in Europe, which, as he said, is expected to be from minus 0.75 percent to minus one.

"I am proud to be the President of a country that is the European champion in terms of GDP", Vucic pointed out and added that German Chancellor Angela Merkel was also pleased with Serbia's success.

According to President Vucic, this result will encourage Serbia to accelerate its European path, while continuing friendships with those who did not turn their backs on Serbia when it was at its darkest hour, namely Russia and China.

The President pointed out that the activities to attract foreign investors will continue, then that work will be done on investments in agriculture, primarily the food industry, new machinery, and digitalization of agriculture.

President Vucic also emphasized that the goal is for salaries in the public sector to average between 560 and 570 euros by the end of the year. Only in Belgrade, the average salary would be around 700 euros.

President Vucic reminded that the salaries of health care workers will increase by five percent from January 1, while the salaries of others in the public sector will increase by 3.5 percent and an additional 1.5 percent as of April 1, while corporal, private first class and non-commissioned officer army ranks will get an increase of an additional 10 percent. He noted that the minimum wage will be increased by 6.6 percent and so will pensions from January 1, by 5.9 percent, with the plan that the average pension amounts to 270 euros by the end of 2021. The President especially pointed out investments in health care, reminding that two new covid hospitals have been opened and that the renovation and construction of health facilities continues throughout Serbia, while stressing that Serbia is by far the first in the region in terms of hospitalized persons per 100,000 citizens, which is why it has recorded a low mortality rate , and also that Serbia this year has been among the top three countries in the region according to the number of PCR tests performed.

Speaking about tourism, the President said that, next year, efforts will be made on the development of the Danube basin region, from Apatin to Kladovo, that the Ovcar-Kablar Gorge will be developed, as well as our mountain centers.

Discussing the field of culture and information, President Vucic said that the implementation of the media strategy and the completion of the reconstruction of the National Theater in Subotica are important for next year, and he announced investments in museums, especially emphasizing the relocation of the History Museum to the train station building. He also stated that the floor heating in the Church of Saint Sava will be completed next year.

He pointed out that the state will continue to take care of our citizens in Kosovo and Metohija, that no one can forbid Serbia to help its people, and that Serbia will not give up on helping our people.

As he emphasized, Serbia is ready to send medicines and vaccines to the Albanian population as well, and pointed out that in the upcoming period our country will pursue a policy of peace in the region and will endeavour to cooperate with Zagreb, Sarajevo, Podgorica and others.

From Тuesday, 29.12.2020. at 21 UTC (turkish time 00.00, serbian time 22.00) all foreign citizens who come to Turkey by air are required to take a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours. This decision included all tranzit passangers as well.

Children under age of 6 years are not required to have a PCR test.

In case someone does not show a negative PCR test, they will be quarantined at the address they report as residence (apartment, hotel, etc.) or if there is no determined place of residence, they will be quarantined at places determined by the Provincial Health Administration. PCR tests must be performed on the 7th day of the quarantine period and those with negative test results then end the quarantine period, while the treatment of those whose PCR tests were positive will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health for KOVID-19.

The decision will continue until March 1, 2021.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia Ana Brnabic received today the first vaccine against the coronavirus made by Pfizer company, at the Torlak Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera.

Brnabic, who is the first European Prime Minister to receive the vaccine, pointed out that this day may be the first since 6 March that we have a reason for a smile on our faces as it marks the beginning of the end of the coronavirus pandemic in Serbia, but also in Europe and the world.

As Prime Minister and as someone who leads the COVID-19 Crisis Response Team, I felt obliged to be the first to receive the vaccine, to show that we believe in it, as well as in our institutions - the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia and experts who worked round the clock to test the vaccine, she said.

Underlining that it was an honour to do this for her country and be the first to pave the way for all citizens, the Prime Minister said that she agreed with President of the Republic Aleksandar Vucic that the two of them receive different vaccines, so he will most likely receive the next one that arrives, most probably the one produced by China.

At the moment we have the Pfizer-BioNTech consortium vaccine, and the vaccines from the Chinese Sinopharm are expected in the near future, as well as certain quantities of the Russian vaccine Sputnik V.

She expressed her belief that at the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter of next year we will have the vaccine of the company AstraZeneca, and after that the vaccine manufactured by Moderna.

As we promised, all vaccines licensed in their countries and approved by relevant international agencies will be available to our citizens, and of course they will be tested by all of our agencies and institutes as well, the Prime Minister pointed out.

She said that prior to the vaccination of health care workers, Minister of Health Zlatibor Loncar will also receive a vaccine shot as we endeavour to serve as an example and show how confident we are in the vaccines and institutions.

Brnabic pointed out that Serbia, not counting Great Britain, is the first country in Europe to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and the third to start a mass immunization and campaign for giving the vaccine - after Great Britain and Switzerland.

We achieved something very important and we will not stop even for a moment until the immunization of the population is completed, the Prime Minister said.

She specified that our country will receive another 16,000 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in January, as well as that together with other vaccines we will have a total of one million doses in January, and a total of approximately two million doses during the first quarter of next year.

There is a dynamic on which Pfizer delivers vaccines and it varies depending on the production, and this is the case with deliveries to both Serbia and all other countries worldwide. We expected to receive 10,000 doses from Pfizer-BioNTech in December, however 4,807 doses arrived, the Prime Minister explained.

Serbia demonstrated that it is able to fight and succeed if we all work as a team, Brnabic said and called on all not to see the beginning of vaccination as the end of the fight already, but to continue to apply all measures instead.

This is to be certain and to be able to help our health care workers, and once the immunity is acquired we will be able to slowly start taking off the masks in 2021, but until then we should not see this as a victory but as the beginning of the end, the Prime Minister concluded.

After the Prime Minister, vaccine shots were also administered to the Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs and a member of the COVID-19 Crisis Response Team Darija Kisic Tepavcevic and to Predrag Kon who is also on the COVID-19 Crisis Response Team.

Furthermore, vaccine shots were also given to Head of the MMA Department for the Prevention and Control of Nosocomial Infections prof. Dr. Vesna Suljagic and academician Predrag Pesko, professor of Belgrade and Heidelberg universities and full member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

The first quantities of the vaccine arrived in Serbia on 22 December, and today they will be administered to patrons of nursing homes in Belgrade and Novi Sad.

Serbia is the first country in the region to receive a shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

In addition to procuring the vaccine among the first countries in the world, even before EU countries, Serbia is one of the rare countries that managed to build and open two covid hospitals in record time. The hospitals with 930 beds in Batajnica and 500 beds in Krusevac are a major contribution to the expansion of capacities and strengthening the health care system in the fight against coronavirus and, as President Vucic said, represent a monument of the future, that will talk about the accomplishments the state made in a short time.

Also, we recall that investments in health infrastructure have been large in Serbia, and since 2016, 80 health centers and clinics have been renovated, and works are underway on six large health centers. This way more than EUR 200 million was invested in the reconstruction, construction and equipping of hospitals and more than 300 million in the renovation of clinics and specialized hospitals, and many have already been completed, such as the University Children's Hospital Tiršova, and KBC Zemun nad KBC "Dragiša Mišović" hospitals.

The absolute priority of the Serbian Government is the successful completion of health infrastructure projects that are underway, but great attention is also paid to health workers, whose salaries have, by 2020, been increased by 56.8% for specialist doctors, and 66.9% for nurses, while significant funding is invested in the education of health professionals, as well as in equipment and working conditions.

Like other countries, Serbia has faced great challenges this year, most notably health challenges, and all factors in the state were focused on preventing the spread of the virus and safeguarding the lives and health of citizens. Serbia has faced these challenges better than many wealthier and more developed countries in Europe and the world.

Belgrade,
24 December 2020

This link contains a list of laboratories authorized by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey to perform PCR tests.

https://hsgm.saglik.gov.tr/tr/haberler/yetkilendirilmis-covi-d-19-tani-laboratuvarlari.html

Starting from December 20, 2020 a negative result of PCR test, done in the last 48 hours is mandatory when entering Serbia. PCR test is mandatory for foreign and Serbian citizens from what ever country they will be arriving. Serbian citizenns who come to boarder without the PCR test will be required to spend 10 days of self-isolation at their homes, that can be concluded before in case that the person does the PCR test after coming to Serbia and it results negative.

On the occasion of 10 December, the international Human Rights Day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia reaffirms its commitment to the principles and values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on this day in 1948.

The principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights have been the foundation for the development of international law in this field, and of the international system for the promotion and protection of human rights, as a unique achievement of modern civilization. It is incumbent upon us today to safeguard and strengthen the international system ensuring respect for human rights, to develop human rights standards, control the implementation of commitments, and also to continue cooperating with international and regional institutions on the protection of human rights.

Serbia is fully committed to the universal values of human rights and implementing in practice the international legal instruments relating to human rights. Our continued cooperation with the Human Rights Council mechanisms in the framework of the United Nations, with the Council of Europe and the mechanisms of the OSCE human dimension, represents an important segment of activities carried out by all state authorities, thus demonstrating our consistent commitment to the implementation of international human rights standards.

The international Human Rights Day is an opportunity to point out once again that Serb and other non-Albanian population is being deprived of its rights in Kosovo and Metohija and to call again on the international community to ensure the respect for the guaranteed international human rights norms and contribute to creating conditions for the return of internally displaced persons and giving them back their usurped property.

The President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met today the ambassadors of EU Member States accredited to Serbia and the Head of the EU Delegation Sem Fabrizi in the Palace of Serbia, to talk to them about topics such as dynamics of the accession negotiations between Serbia and EU, stability in the region, regional projects, as well as the Economic and Investment Plan presented by the European Commission together with the Enlargement package. President Vučić once again confirmed that cooperation with the European Union and fully-fledged membership of Serbia remain one of the key foreign policy priorities of our country. He particularly emphasised that in this respect Serbia is honestly dedicated to further and deeper reforms, approaching them with responsibility and seriousness, and that it tries to adopt and apply the best practice through cooperation with institutions of the EU and its member states.

"Serbia will continue being dedicated to the promotion of peace and stability in the region, by improving bilateral relations with neighbours, and by strengthening regional cooperation while respecting all concluded agreements", President Vučić stated, adding that the European future of the Western Balkans is of utmost importance for both stability of the entire region and security and further prosperity of the EU. Ambassadors pointed out that declarations on the common regional market and the Western Balkans green agenda, which were signed by Serbia and all leaders of the region, received a warm welcome in Brussels and EU Member Stated, and that good and solid connectivity and integration of the region largely facilitates the cooperation of the very Union with the Western Balkans in all areas of joint interest.

"As much as 70% of foreign investments come from the countries whose representatives are sitting here today", Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Sem Fabrizi said, adding that Serbia can rest assured the EU will continue supporting and investing in the Serbian economy. While Covid-19 has put all economies under stress, Serbian economy has resisted and proved its resilience. With the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, the EU will remain Serbia's strongest partner for economic recovery which will support infrastructures, green and digital transition. We welcome the announced reforms in the areas of rule of law, including judiciary reforms and media freedom. This is precisely the base for acceleration of the accession process and we encourage the new government to keep working and implementing in this direction", Fabrizi said.

President Vučić pointed out that Serbia highly appreciates that the EU, despite numerous challenges it is facing has managed to preserve the enlargement issue on its agenda, especially through the recent adoption of a new, changed methodology of the negotiation process. "In this respect, we expect from the EU that Serbia's accession negotiation dynamics follows and values our reform efforts", President Vučić said pointing out that Serbia is ready to continue working with its European partners on implementation of the reforms and numerous joint projects. President Vučić particularly noted that Serbia welcomes the Economic and investment plan presented by the EC together with the Enlargement package, and expressed our country's readiness to continue working with the partners in the region on the implementation of this Plan so as to improve the economic potential of the region and achieve better infrastructure connection, which would bring us closer to the single European market.

"In this context, we hope the Multiannual financial framework 2021-2027 will be adopted soon, because that will mean a possibility to use funds designed for reform implementation in Serbia and in the region", President Vučić said, reiterating that Serbia remains on its European path with an honest faith in cooperation with the European partners. "2020 has been an extremely difficult year for all, especially the impact of COVID–19. When I look at new Government's commitment to implement reforms, the Economic and Investment Plan of the EU, the new methodology and increased cooperation to fight COVID-19, I see 2021 with a much more favourable perspective for progressing the enlargement", Fabrizi concluded.

President Vučić also pointed out that Serbia is prepared to work intensively with the EU Member States on finding an adequate response to the new challenges, such as COVID-19 pandemic.

Belgrade, 8th December 2020

VAŽNO OBAVEŠTENJE VEZANO ZA PUTNO ZDRAVSTVENO OSIGURANJE

Obaveštavamo sve državljane Republike Srbije koji planiraju da turistički posete Republiku Tursku u narednom periodu, da Republika Turska ne pokriva bolničko lečenje u slučaju da se neko zarazi virusom Kovid 19.

Pri dolasku na letovanje potrebno je da uplatite putno zdravstveno osiguranje koje pokriva lečenje Kovid 19.

U Srbiji jedina osiguravajuća kuća koja pokriva celokupno lečenje Kovid 19, i to u iznosu do 30.000,00 € jeste „Dunav osiguranje“. Pri kupovini putnog osiguranja potrebno je naznačiti da želite paket osiguranja koji podrazumeva lečenje Kovid 19. Za sve dalje informacije potrebno je da kontaktirate osiguravajuću kuću „Dunav osiguranje“.

Druga osiguravajuća kuća koja u Srbiji delimično pokriva lečenje Kovid 19 je "DDOR Novi Sad" ili druge osiguravajuće kuće koje imaju tu vrstu osiguranja.

Treća opcija koju možemo predložiti građanima jeste, ukoliko svoj paket osiguranja ne obezbede u Srbiji, to urade po prispeću u Republiku Tursku. Naime privatna osiguravajuća kuća „Güneş Sıgorta“ (Guneš sigorta) pokriva troškove lečenja izvazvane Kovid 19. Više informacija, kao i cene osiguranja možete videti na veb stranici link, gde popunjavanjem svojih podataka i odabirom paketa osiguranja (najveći paket pokriva iznos do 7.000,00 €) možete videti cenu za određen broj dana koji unesete. Ukoliko se odlučite za ovu opciju, savetujemo da kupovinu izvršite direktno u poslovnici po dolasku u Tursku gde ćete plaćanje izvršiti u turskim lirama.

Izvor vesti: internet stranica Ambasade Republike Srbije u Ankari

MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND MEDIA Department of Contemporary Artistic Production and Creative Industries announces this OPEN CALL for the Co-Financing of Projects for the Translation of Representative Works of Serbian Literature into Foreign Languages in 2020  

For more information click on the following link:

Announcement Translation Grant 2020

The National Bank of the Republic of Serbia has prepared a Financial Guide for Returnees, which seeks to improve the information for our citizens who wish to return to the Republic of Serbia, from the aspect of foreign exchange regulations, and in an effort to create conditions for their easier return and faster integration, as well as for easier management of their financial resources. The aim of these activities is to provide, in one place, all the information regarding most foreign exchange issues that are significant for the return of our citizens from abroad, in accordance with the law on foreign exchange. The financial guide can be accessed through the website of the National Bank of Serbia through the following link:

www.nbs.rs/internet/english/20/dev/finansijski_vodic_za_povratnike_e.pdf

www.nbs.rs/internet/latinica/20/plp/finansijski_vodic_za_povratnike.pdf

At the second International Theatre Festival in Istanbul, Maltepe Belediye Tiyatrosy, our country was represented in a joint production with a partner from France. The officials of the General Consulate attended the performance to show their support.

The actress Marina Dimitrijevic, from Belgrade, and Boutros el Amari, from Paris, hosted a puppet workshop, where they taught both children and their parents about the puppetry history, puppet making and playing with puppets. Further, they hosted a workshop on Commedia dell arte, originally from Italy, showing early forms of theater, and a theater play Playland.

Marina Dimitrijevic, a co-founder of the theater troupe SAMTEATAR, has so far had performances in 15 countries worldwide with her acting projects, and has received several international awards for them. Some countries she has visited several times. Such is the case with Turkey, where she has performed for the third time. This is the third country where the Serbian-French team has met for cooperation. Tunisia and Egypt were followed by Istanbul, Turkey, and Boutros is also directing a monodrama Au bord de la mer, to be performed by Marina Dimitrijevic. The play will be performed in French, and is also planned for a tour worldwide.

“Boutros is a talented colleague with a great experience, and in cooperation with people from other countries, he brings a wide perspective with reference to art. We hope for a long-term cooperation and many wonderful future projects”, Marina said in a conversation with our officials."

September 23, 2019

During an official visit to Istanbul, the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Turkey Zoran Markovic visited the associations of our emigrants in Pendik and Bajrampasa. These associations bring together the largest number of emigrants and their descendants from the territory of the former Yugoslavia, primarily Bosniaks from the Raska region in the Republic of Serbia, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Ambassador Zoran Marković, on this occasion, presented several packages of textbooks for learning Bosnian for younger elementary school students, which is part of a wider project implemented with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Serbia and several sponsors, members of our emigrant community in the Republic of Turkey. The aim is to bring our language, tradition and culture closer to the youngest generations of the emigrants.

At its meeting of 24 May 2018, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decision on visa exemption for the nationals of the Republic of Burundi, holders of all passports. The Decision is published in the "Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia" No.39/2018 of 25 May, 2018, and enter into force of 2 Jun, 2018. Under the Decision, the nationals of that country can enter, transit through and stay in the territory of the Republic of Serbia without a visa, during a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of entry, within period of one year, if there are no hindrances defined in Article 11 of the Law on Foreigners

At its meeting of 24 May 2018, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decision on visa exemption for the nationals of the Republic of Azerbaijan, holders of ordinary passports. The Decision is published in the "Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia" No.39/2018 of 25 May, 2018, and enter into force of 2 Jun, 2018. Under the Decision, the nationals of that country, holders of ordinary passports, can enter, transit through and stay in the territory of the Republic of Serbia without a visa, during a period not exceeding 90 days in period of 180 days, from the date of entry, if there are no hindrances defined in Article 11 of the Law on Foreigners.

At its meeting of 8 Mart 2018, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decision on visa exemption for the nationals of Georgia, holders of ordinary passports. The Decision is published in the "Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia" No.18/2018 of 9 March, 2018, and enter into force of 8 March, 2018. Under the Decision, the nationals of that country can enter, transit through and stay in the territory of the Republic of Serbia without a visa, during a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of entry, if there are no hindrances defined in Article 11 of the Law on Foreigners .

At its meeting of 8 December 2017, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decision on visa exemption for entry in the Republic of Serbia for the nationals of the Republic of the Guinea Bissau, holders of all passports. The Decision is published in the "Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia" No. 111/2017 of 11 December 2017 and enter into force on 19 December 2017. Under the Decision, the nationals of the Republic of the Guinea Bissau can enter, transit through and stay in the territory of the Republic of Serbia without a visa, during a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of entry, within period of one year, if there are no hindrances defined in Article 11 of the Law on foreigners.

Тhe Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran adopted the Decision on visa exemption for the nationals of the Republic of Serbia, holders of ordinary passports for entry and stay in the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran without a visa, during a period not exceeding 30 days within period of one year. The Decision came into force on 1 November 2017.

Tourist organization of Belgrade, in cooperation with the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul, organized a presentation of tourist offers of Belgrade at the hotel Radisson Blu Bosphorus in Istanbul on November 24. The event was attended by over hundred guests from travel agencies, tour operators, representatives of media, distinguished guests from Consular Corps, representatives of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Serbian Diaspora. Business meetings of representatives of Turkish and Serbian travel agencies and tour operators were organized in cooperation with Turkish Airlines.

At its meeting of 22 August 2017, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decision on visa exemption for the nationals of the Republic of India, holding ordinary passports. The Decision is published in the "Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia" No. 79/2017 of 25 August 2017 and enter into force on 2 September 2017.

Under the Decision, the nationals of the Republic of India can enter, transit through and stay in the territory of the Republic of Serbia without a visa, during a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of entry, within period of one year, if there are no hindrances defined in Article 11 of the Law on Foreigners .

Photo: Wikipedia

At its meeting of 22 August 2017, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decision on visa exemption for the nationals of the Islamic Republic of Iran, holding ordinary passports. The Decision is published in the "Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia" No. 79/2017 of 25 August 2017 and enter into force on 2 September 2017.

Under the Decision, the nationals of the Islamic Republic of Iran can enter, transit through and stay in the territory of the Republic of Serbia without a visa, during a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of entry, within period of one year, if there are no hindrances defined in Article 11 of the Law on Foreigners .

Photo: Wikipedia

Upon the invitation of Mr. Ali Kilic, mayor of the Municipality of Maltepe in Istanbul, a delegation of Loznica Municipality visited this Istanbul Municipality from 4 to 6 August 2017. A meeting was held with Mr. Ali Kilic, mayor of Maltepe, and his assistants in charge of international cultural cooperation and for development and economic cooperation. Two sides expressed their satisfaction with the cooperation so far, within which this was a second visit of Loznica delegation to the municipality of Maltepe, while the representatives of Maltepe visited Loznica in 2016. Within the framework of the visit on the second day a two-hour Festival was performed at the central square in Maltepe. The program of the Festival was opportunity to present the cultural and tourist potentials of Serbia, among other things.

At its meeting of 11 May 2017, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decision on visa exemption for the nationals of Republic of Peru, holding ordinary passports. The Decision is published in the "Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia" No. 46/2017 of 12 May 2017 and enter into force on 20 May 2017. Under the Decision, the nationals of Republic of Peru can enter, transit through and stay in the territory of the Republic of Serbia without a visa, during a period not exceeding 90 days within period of six months from the date of entry, if there are no hindrances defined in Article 11 of the Law on Foreigners .

The Belgrade City Administration, Secretariat for Culture, has announced a “Public international two-phase open competition for the design of a conceptual solution for the Zoran Đinđić memorial at the Students square in Belgrade”. (announcement)

The aim of the competition is to obtain the best quality conceptual solution for the Zoran Đinđić Memorial at the Students Square in Belgrade and to create a dignified mеmогу of Zoran Đinđić, his life, work and social and historical changes he initiated in Serbia, as well as of his tragic death at the entrance to the building of the Government of the Republic of Serbia on March 12, 2003.

Zoran Đinđić was one of the founders of the Democratic Party and served as President of the Executive Board from September 1990, and as President ofthe Party from Јаnuary 1994. He was a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Philosophy and Social Theory, member of all three multiparty sessions of the National Parliament of the Republic of Serbia and of the Council of the Republics in the Parliament of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

He was elected Мауог of Belgrade on the 21 February 1997, representing the Together coalition, which topped the polls in many Serbian cities in the 1996 local elections. In June 2000, Đinđić took on the role of coordinator in the Alliance for Change and then became head of the Central Election Committee and promotional campaign coordinator of the Serbian Democratic Opposition (DOS) for the elections held on the 24 September 2000. He became Prime Minister of Serbia on 25 Јаnuary 2001, after the victory of DOS in the Serbian parliamentary elections in December 2000.

Zoran Đinđić was murdered on March 12, 2003 in front of the Serbian government building, for striving to liberate Serbia from her past and to lead her into the future. Đinđić left behind his wife Ružica, daughter Jovana and son Luka.

Mr. Markovic paid a visit to Bursa, as a guest of branch of RUMELISIAD. RUMELISIAD is an organization gathering businessmen (similar to chamber of commerce) originating from the Balkans. Main goal of this organization is coordination and contributing to stimulation of business activities of their members, and mainly oriented towards Balkan region. They cooperate with all chambers and relevant ministries in Turkey.

Consul General Zoran Markovic, in Bursa on the 3rd of March, had long and comprehensive talks with director of MARTUR and members of the board of directors, Mr. Mufir Karademirler and his associates (directors of development), on potential investments in Serbia. MARTUR is one of 8 members of the holding, active in seat systems production for Fiat, Ford, Renault – Citroen, Toyota and Turkish Tobas.

During official visit to Bursa (from 3rd to 5th of March), Consul General Zoran Markovic paid a visit to local Association Bosna-Sancak, which brings together large number of emigrants from Serbia.

They used this opportunity to affirm once again, tight relations between home country, learning mother tongue and preserving traditions, originating from our region. Mr. Markovic introduced present attendants to their rights regarding forthcoming Presidential elections. He explained procedures and deadlines, and referred them to web page of the Consulate General for more information and necessary forms.

During official visit to Bursa, Consul General had a meeting with a Member of Turkish Parliament, from AK Party, Mr. Huseyin Sahin. They used this opportunity to reaffirm good bilateral relations between our countries, on both parliamentary and economic levels.  

On the second day of the visit to Republic of Turkey, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications Mr. Ljajic, met with representatives of notable Turkish textile companies, at the meeting organized by DEIK. Alongside trade exchange, in the upcoming period, they have reached a conclusion that additional efforts shall be also put into strengthening cooperation in the field of investments. In that regard, it is encouraging that each day more and more companies from Turkey are opening in Serbia. Mr. Ljajic emphasized that Turkish companies hire over 8 000 employees and that the goal is to open 10 more factories this year.

Business of Turkish textile company “Aster” became a model of successful foreign investment and good practise. Mr. Ljajic introduced economic measures and financial stimulation, tax reliefs and other advantages for foreign investors. He noted significance of Free trade agreements between Serbia and Russian Federation, as well as preferential trade treatment with USA. He also emphasized the fact that Government of the Republic of Serbia and relevant institutions pay special attention to each investment, accepting there is always space for improvement. However, Serbia comes before in the region when considering advantages offered to foreign investors.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Ljajic, began his visit to Turkey by meeting with Minister of Economy Mr. Zeybekci in Istanbul, on 28th of February. The two sides talked about free trade agreement waiting to be revised, bringing liberalization in agriculture and additional services, strengthening mutual investment promotion, agreement on transition permits in land transport, as well as joint infrastructural project between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.

Following Istanbul the delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Mr. Ljajic, flew to Ankara for a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey Mr. Binali Yildirim, Minister of Agriculture Mr. F. Celik and president of TIKA Development Agency. On the second day of the visit, Mr. Ljajic had a meeting, coordinated by DEIK, with representatives of multiple Turkish textile companies in Istanbul. 

Mayor of Bayrampasa, Municipality with the best organized community of Serbian emigrants, Mr. Atila Aydiner, paid a visit to Consul General Mr. Zoran Markovic on 23rd of February. Although the main reason of the visit was the forthcoming “Ramadan Caravan”, traditionally organized in countries of Balkan and this year visiting Serbian cities Belgrade, Novi Pazar and Sjenica, the occasion was also used to mutually emphasize great importance of such events, stepping outside of narrow religious frames and serving as a good cause for deepening relationships between people of the two countries, all of which based on the widely accepted premise that “ Without peace and good relations between Bosniaks and Serbs, there is no peace in Balkans”.

This event is highly important for establishing economic cooperation, with foundation set in the previous period, making this the right time for further deepening. In this respect, it was agreed for Mr. Markovic to give a presentation to local businessmen from Bayrampasa and information valuable for their potential investments in Serbia. It has also been concluded that economic cooperation entails all other forms of cooperation, which is an upgrade and important condition for the common prosperity of people of the two countries.

On Saturday, February 18, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul Zoran Markovic, had an hour and a half long live interview in prime time on the most viewed regional TV - Rumeli TV, which is being widely broadcast in entire Balkan, also via satellite and internet. Name of the program Consul General participated in was “Bosniak Coffee”.

Interview was organized as a set of questions and answers, related mostly to citizenship applications, economic cooperation between Turkey and Serbia and advantages of investing in Serbia.

This occasion was used to explain the procedure of acquiring and re-acquisition of citizenship to a very wide audience, as well as the comparative advantages of investing in the Republic of Serbia.

Response to the interview was excellent, confirmed by many messages of congratulation and support after the show. One of the interesting facts is that calls were received from viewers in Poland, Macedonia and other countries.

Video of the interview may be found on the following link: http://m.tvarsivi.com/rumelitv-18-02-2017-5652172y.html

Balkan Indoor Junior Championship in Athletics took place in Istanbul, on 12th of February 2017. Serbian national team has won 4 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals. We would like to use this opportunity to congratulate our boys and girls, and express how proud we are of them. Thank you!

Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul Mr. Zoran Markovic has paid a visit to the national team during their stay.

As a result of cooperation of the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul with publishing houses, as part of our commitment to cultural cooperation between the two countries, the Belgrade writer Miodrag Jaksic, was presented with the distinguished literary prize "ROSETA WORLD LITERATURE" for 2017 at a ceremony in Istanbul, which is annually awarded by popular Turkish literary magazine "Roseta" for the overall contribution to world poetry.

Jaksic was presented the award by Mr. Vedat Akdamar, chief editor of magazine "Roseta" in the presence of Zoran Markovic, Consul General of Serbia in Istanbul and other distinguished guests from cultural and public life of Istanbul. Explaining the decision for Miodrag Jaksic as this year's laureate "ROSETA WORLD LITERATURE" Mr. Vedat Akdamar stressed the "special value of Jaksic`s thought poetry, interwoven with fine and clearly accentuated philosophical point of free thought, effective poetic images, which through the abundance of brilliant description of the social, community and love experience of modern man, bring bold innovations in contemporary poetry ".

The "ROSETA WORLD LITERATURE" award presentation was held at the Hotel Titanic in Istanbul, at the closing ceremony of the International Literary Festival "Kemal Sureyya" in honor of the great writer of the Turkish new wave in literature, which brought writers from all around the world together.  

10.01.2017.

Ambassador of Montenegro, Consul General of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Consul General of the Republic of Serbia sit down at breakfast with students from the territory of former Social Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, currently enrolled in universities in Turkey.

The breakfast was organized by the Association “Bosna-Sancak” in Municipality Bayrampasa in Istanbul and the main idea of this gathering was sharing experience and improvement of communication with representatives of their home countries.

Istanbul Municipality Pendik was host to Jubilee Annual Session of “Bosna-Sancak” Association Assembly, gathering large number of expatriates originating from Serbia. Together with large number of guests, this event was honored by the presence of Mr. Rasim Ljajic, Vice president of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, presidents of Novi Pazar, Sjenica and Tutin municipalities and Mr. Zoran Markovic, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul.

This occasion also served as a reminder of the need for tighter cooperation between home country and expats, with emphasis on economic and cultural relations.

The First International Young Writers Festival was held in Istanbul from 17th to 20th of November. The representative of our country Teodora Balabanovic, was one of the notable participants.

The Festival was officially opened by guest of honor Mr. Zoran Markovic, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul.

Consul General Zoran Markovic interview given to local TV Rumeli Turk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sShnjJeoZw&feature=share

A book of condolences on the death of officials of Serbian Embassy in Libya

Following the terrible tragedy of the death of Sladjana Stanković and Jovica Stepic, officials of the Serbian Embassy in Libya, a Book of Condolences will be opened at the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul (Geyikli Sokak No. 1, Levent , Beşiktaş ), on Tuesday and Wednesday 23 and 24 February between13 to 15 hours.
 

One of the most known tourism fair, "EMITT", took place in Istanbul from 28th to 31st of January 2016. On the large exhibition space, reprsentatives of tourism organization of Serbia, Belgrade and Novi Pazar, as well as largest Serbian tour-operator agencies presented them selves. Serbian exhibition space attracted attention of many visitors, and lot of meetings with main Turkish travel agencies and media representatives were held. Likewise previous years, Serbian Consulate General helped in organization of this fair. Consul General, Mr. Zoran Martovic, visited Serbian stand and met the exhibitors.

Within the scope of regular activities of the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia, with aim to establish a cooperation between municipalities in the two countries, Mayor of city Loznica Mr. Vidoje Petrovic and his associates paid a visit to Municipality of Maltepe in Istanbul. Regardless the difference in population of the two Municipalities, Maltepe about half million and Loznica about 80 000 people, cooperation has been established and will lead to municipality twinning during the return visit in the first quarter of the year 2016.

Both sides exchanged experience in the local governance and initiated relations in economic sector. This visit represents beginning of a deep and fruitful cooperation which will, besides connecting business entities, contribute to better bilateral relations of the two countries, taking into consideration the meeting was held on the eve of the first official visit at the prime ministerial level, on the 28^th and 29^th of December this year.

The main message, conveyed during the visit, was that friendships are possible regardless of religion and cultural differences, for which we can thank to large community of expatriates in Istanbul.

As part of the regular activities, Consul General Mr Zoran Markovic paid a visit to Association of expatriates “Bosna-Sandzak” from Bayrampasa Municipality. One of the topics, besides activities of Association, was closer cooperation of Consulate General and the Association, which would help in overcoming existing problems in everyday work and provide better quality service to our nationals.

Agreed form of cooperation will contribute to efficient work on consular services and help expatriates in exercising their rights in the Republic of Serbia.
 

At the invitation of his All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Ecclesiastical Music Choir Branko from the city of Nisheld guest concert on the occasion of the Feastday of Ecumenical Patriarchate, St. Andrew the first-called Apostle.
The concert, following reception given by his All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, took place at the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Taksim, in front of high-ranking representatives of consular corps, representatives of all religious denominations in Turkey, businessmen, as well as Greek community in Turkey.
On both occasions, Patriarch Bartholomew reflected on the excellent relations that Patriarchate has with its sister Serbian Orthodox Church, using warmest words and emphasizing that the Feast had been enriched by performance of ecclesiastical choir from Nis, hometown of the emperor Constantine, whose visit was made possible by the kindness of his All-Holiness Patriarch of Serbia, mrIriney. His speech at the Holy Trinity Church was being translated to Serbian language as well.  
The concert was held in an excellent atmosphere and represents an immeasurable contribution to the presentation of the culture and tradition of the Serbian people in Istanbul. This was one of those days when we rightly felt proud.
 

Ceremonial unveiling of a bust of Nikola Tesla, placed in the Central building of Izmir University of Economics (IUE), took place on November 24th 2015 in the presence of representatives of Izmir City administration,  rector of IUE, a large number of professors and students, as well as our citizens from Izmir. On behalf of Nikola Tesla Foundation from Belgrade, Mr Milan Knezevic attended the ceremony with wife Jasmina, joining representatives of our Consular Mission in Istanbul, Consul General Zoran Markovic and Consul Sandra Vujinovic, and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia Mr MetinAkdurak.
Addressing the present guests, Consul General Mr Markovic expressed how great his honour was to talk about work and deeds of the famous scientist, whose visionary views had provided the quality of life we have today. “It represents pride that Nikola Tesla was one of us”Markovic emphasized, “a man from Balkans, of Serbian origin, and above all - citizen of the world.” He pointed out that Tesla’s ideas and work had been timeless, and that he had also proved with his work that true people have their place in thoughts and hearts, books and science of all people and countries, earning his immortality and respect. Z. Markovic had specially thanked the rectorate of IUE, city officials, and first of all to Nikola Tesla Foundation of Philadelphia, which had “brought Nikola Tesla to Izmir”by providing their donation. Alongside Mr Markovic, rector of IUE Prof.Dr.OguzEsen, representative of Tesla Foundation Mr M. Knezevic and others have presented their speech at the Ceremony.
The Ceremony was preceded by talks between CG Mr Z. Markovic with rector of IUE Mr OguzEsen, with possibility of cooperation of University Center in Izmir and higher education institutions in Serbia, being one of the topics. The official visit of chief of consular mission Z. Markovic to Izmir, was opportunity for meetings in City Hall of Izmir, as well as with president of Chamber of Commerce Mr EkremDemirtas. These talks confirmed great interest for deepening of overall cooperation, and primarily, in the field of industry and economy. Mr Z. Markovic announced the start of International Sailing Regatta in Cesme, which was attended by 300 participants, including sailors from Serbia.
 

The 32nd Aydın Doğan International Cartoon Competition Awards were distributed during a ceremony on Nov. 17, in Istanbul.

One of the awarded artist is famous Serbian cartoonist Jugoslav Vlahovic. Representative of our Consulate General, has attended the ceremony and greeted our artist this reputable award.

•    Because the request for its membership is a serious breach of the international law, the Constitution of UNESCO, the legally binding UN Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) and the Charter of the UN whose Article 25 says that “The Members of the UN agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council in accordance with the present Charter.”
•    Because according to the UN Security Council resolution 1244, which reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (now Serbia), Kosovo and Metohija is an integral part of the Republic of Serbia, under the administration of the UN. Since Kosovo cannot be considered a State, it does not fulfil the basic requirement for membership set out by the UNESCO Constitution.
•    Because unilateral attempts such as this one seriously harm and disrupt the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, under the auspices of the European Union in which mutually acceptable solutions for many complex issues have been devised so far. The issue of the Serbian cultural heritage and the property of the Serbia Orthodox Church has not yet been discussed within the dialogue where it belongs.
•    Because this is unacceptable politicization of UNESCO which should not overtake the competences of the UN Security Council as the highest authority for the preservation of the international peace and security. UNESCO should not serve as an instrument for the affirmation of an illegal and unilaterally declared independence of a part of the territory of one UN member state. The primary goal of UNESCO is to promote universal values of humanity through education, science and culture not to make political decisions with regard to the statehood.
•    Because this would be a dangerous precedent, harmful for many states. This would open the door for other entities to follow the same path thus threatening territorial integrity and sovereignty of other member states.
•    Because this issue is polarizing the membership of UNESCO.
•    Because, besides not being a state, Pristina does not have moral credibility for membership. Anyone aspiring to UNESCO membership must prove not only in words but as well in deeds its commitment to the goals of the UNESCO Constitution, which certainly is incompatible with deliberate, systematic, vandal demolition of Serbian culture and historic monuments with the aim to remove the traces of centuries-long existence of Serbs in this area as well as the impunity of the perpetrators of such barbaric acts unworthy of the 21st Century. These acts are comparable only to the acts of destruction of cultural heritage by terrorist groups in the Middle East and elsewhere that the world is witnessing and UNESCO is strongly condemning.
•    Because four Serbian orthodox monasteries are inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in danger although the armed conflicts in Kosovo is over for many years now. In danger from whom?
•    Because the inclusion of this item in the provisional agenda of the 197th session of the UNESCO Executive board raises serious concerns about the compliance with procedure and the respect of the established UNESCO rules. Just to mention that even publishing of the document on the unacceptability of Kosovo`s application for UNESCO membership from the standpoint of the international law, prepared by Serbian Delegation to UNESCO, as an official document, as we requested, was refused. And the only intention was the voice of Serbia also to be heard.
•    Because we all would have to live with the negative consequences of such an irresponsible decision from the lesioning of the international law up to the fate of the Serbian cultural heritage in the province of Kosovo and Metohija which not only belongs to the Serbian people but also represents a part of the historical and civilizational heritage of modern Europe and the world.
 

On the occasion of the tragic event that took place in Ankara on October 10th 2015, Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul sent the letter of condolences to Mr. Vasip Sahin, the governor of Istanbul Province, offering sympathy for large number of killed and injured people in explosion on a rally in the center of Ankara. It is also stated that it is very hard to find the right words of comfort, but that the world must be united in the fight against terrorism. Mr. consul general offered deepest condolences on his personal behalf and behalf of the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia to people of Turkey and families who lost their loved ones.

In Bursa from 07th to 12th July held an international competitive festival of amateur folk art societies. The participants were representatives of 18 countries, including representatives of FYR. Serbia was represented by KUD "Ivo Lola Ribar" from Belgrade. Our Cultural Community on the final night won first place and a prize of 5,000 euros.

Participation, and even more wins of KUD "Ivo Lola Ribar" in the competition arose out of the participation in an international festival. In the current political moment, the way the Turkish public reacted to their performance, a contribution to the deepening of friendly relations between the two peoples and the creation of a broader climate for our positioning in Bursa.

On Thursday, 21/05/2015, in the premises of DEIK, held a joint meeting of the Board of the Turkish-Serbian Business Council. The meeting was attended by President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Serbia Marko Čadež associates, as well as the Consul General and Consul Z.Marković F.Šanović. The theme of the meeting was the further improvement of bilateral economic relations between the two countries, as well as the investments of Turkish businessmen in Republic of Serbia.

The 2nd Smart Municipalities Summit, in which participated representatives of 60-odd municipalities and cities in the Balkans and the region of the Sea of ​​Marmara, was held in Bursa, 14th and 15th May of 2015. The organizer of this event was the Union of Municipalities of the Marmara (MMU), with the support of the Association of Businessmen of Balkan Turks (BALKANSIAD). The meeting was opened by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Turkey and the mayor of Bursa. He expressed satisfaction of good response of the invited participants and stressing the importance of cooperation and exchange of experiences of local governments in the region. From the Republic of Serbia, the summit was attended by the mayor of Novi Pazar, Meho Mahmutovic, Assistant Mayor of Belgrade, Borko Miloavljević and representatives of Sremska Mitrovica.
Participation in the work of the Summit is taken up by deepening contacts with local businesses, especially with members of the Association of Businessmen of Balkan Turks (BALKANSIAD), whose member is a prominent businessman Zarif Alps. On the second day of the Summit, our delegations joined the CG of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul Z.Marković, when coupled with the Mayor N. Pazar visited the exhibition of the Summit and which were given during two separate interviews for "Marmara Life" - a periodical journal Marmara Union of Municipalities (MMU).

In Izmir, organized by the Chamber of Electrical Engineers of Izmir and "Tesla Science Foundation" from Philadelphia (USA), on May 14th  held a symposium on the topic "Nikola Tesla - the pioneer of electricity." At the symposium, spoke director of the Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade Dr. Ing. Branimir Jovanovic, President Tesla Science Foundation Nikola Loncar, president of the Chamber electrical engineer Hussein Yesil, as well as several other speakers who commented on the life and work of Nikola Tesla. The meeting also addressed the GK RS in Istanbul Z.Marković, who pointed out that Nikola Tesla was a citizen of the world, said that his work, without whom there would be no modern world, today connects peoples and that we as Balkan nations that are particularly proud . Listeners, predominantly students of electrical engineering in Izmir wanted to continue the work of his future work of Nikola Tesla and contribute to the further improvement of the quality of life for all of us.

The event was attended by over three hundred students of electrical engineering, university and secondary-school teachers, as well as a growing number of enthusiasts technique. President Tesla Science Foundation presented the initiative that the Foundation donated a statue of Nikola Tesla that would be placed in Izmir.

Ensemble Cultural Artistic Society Nikola Tesla stayed at a seven-day tour in the Turkish city of Manisa, where it presented a dignified culture and customs of the Republic of Serbia. Traveling through Istanbul visited the Consulate General of our country in this city. On this occasion, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul Zoran Markovic expressed gratitude KUD Nikola Tesla as a representative office of our country deign to their presence and desire to Consulate General and he personally give its contribution to more frequent presence of our culture in the Republic of Turkey.

Istanbul Governor and Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul Z.Marković had 28.04.2015. the eventful meeting, during which they exchanged views on the future direction of cooperation between the city of Istanbul and the Republic of Serbia. It was pointed out that there are all the preconditions to intensify cooperation. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation of Istanbul and the governor with the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia.

Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul gave an interview to the Turkish mass circulation English-language Today's Zaman in which it commented on some of the main elements of the bilateral relations between the two countries. He stressed the need to deepen economic cooperation and cooperation in the fight against terrorism, for which they created all essential prerequisites.

On the occasion of March 8 - International Women's Day, the Association of Bosnia - Sandzak from Pendik organized a commemorative celebration which was attended by the Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul Zoran Markovic, who expressed his gratitude to all mothers, sisters and daughters as one of the pillars of society and the firmest support of each family, the ladies wanted to present them "with us every day is March 8."

In order to promote the potential of Serbian economy, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul Zoran Markovic visited the Bursa on 4th and 5th of March, 2015, where he met with the mayor, the governor, representatives of Industry and Commerce, as well as with the management of the industrial zone and associations of our immigration.

During Moto Bike Expo 2015 fair in Istanbul Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul Zoran Markovic paid a visit to Salkan company, run by a prominent member of the emigrant communities Mr. Salih Akgul.

During the stay of junior women's water polo team of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul and it’s participation at the International tournament "Istanbul Cup 2015 - International U17 Women's Water Polo Tournament," a reception was organized for our team in the premises of the Consulate General, on January 30, 2015.

Consul General Mr. Zoran Markovic expressed his gratitude for being a host to the young sportsmen and thanked them for founding time to visit Consulate in spite of their sport obligations. Mr. Markovic wished them much success in the tournament in Istanbul, as well as a number of other achievements in sport. In particular, it is pointed out that our young sportsmen are best ambassadors in the world and that their success is a country's success as well.

At the session held on October 30, 2014, the Government of the Republic of Serbia has adopted the Decision on visa free regime for the holders of foreign travel documents who have valid Schengen visa, UK visa, visa of other EU member state or USA visa. This Decision also applies to the holders of foreign travel documents who have valid residence permits in the countries of Schengen Area, EU member states or USA.

Above listed holders of foreign travel documents can enter, transit or stay in the Republic of Serbia for maximum period of 90 days, within the period of 6 months, while the length of stay should not be longer than the period of validity of the said visa or residence permit.

This Decision will not apply to the holders of emergency travel documents (Laissez – Passer) or travel documents issued on the basis of international conventions.

The Decision shall enter into force on November 8, 2014.
 

Organized by the "Cluster House" from Nis, and with the help of Thracian development agencie from Tekirdag, on October 30 and 31 at Tekirdag, was the conference "Days of Clusters" - Conference "Balkan - Black Sea". The opening ceremony was attended by 286 participants from 20 countries, among them Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul Mr. Zoran Markovic.

Our representatives held a well accepted presentation on the role and position of clusters in Serbia. On the sidelines of the conference, Consul General Mr. Zoran Marković met with participants from Serbia and provided them with the basic information regarding the market and business conditions in Turkey. Mr. Markovic offered them all necessary assistance in their further endeavor on establishing and doing business in Turkey.
 

Consul General Mr. Zoran Marković made a working visit to the city of Adapazari in Sakarya region, on 28 October. On that occasion, Mr. Zoran Markovic had meetings with the Governor Mr. Huseyin Avni Cos and Mayor Mr. Zeki Tocoglu, as well as with the leadership of "Tuvasas" company.

In discussions they emphasized possibilities of deepening cooperation between the Turkish region of Sakarya, which is, among other things, well known as the center of the metal industry in Turkey, with the Republic of Serbia, especially in the economic and cultural spheres. Interlocutors, in this regard, especially the mayor Zeki Tocoglu, pointed out that the interest of Sakarya firmly connected to the city of Kraljevo, in view of the compatibility of the local economy.
 

Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul Mr. Zoran Markovic visited the newly appointed governor of Istanbul, Mr. Vasip Sahin. In a long and friendly conversation they exchanged views on further opportunities for cooperation and particularly courses for joint actions with the aim of intensifying economic cooperation. Both sides agreed of the need to intensify cooperation as well as to establish frequent contact between the representative of two sides.

Istanbul was host city of the Basketball World Championship for Women, from 26. Septembre to 5. October 2014, that we were all closely monitored. Apart from very successful games provided at the beginning of the competition, our girls, unfortunately, lost quarterfinal match from the host team - Turkey with only a half-point score difference and, in that way, lost the opportunity to play for the medal. Regardless of all, our girls offered us another possibility to feel proud. Bravo!

Expats association "Bosnia - Sandzak" from Istanbul municipality of Pendik, on October 2, 2014, organised a celebration of Bayram. On that occasion special cultural program was performed in which our expatriates of all ages took participation. General Consul of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Zoran Marković, who also attended the Bayram celebration, addressed the gathering. Along with congratulations for the holiday, Mr. Zoran Marković informed that Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia, together with the Association, is working on organizing language learning and additional classes for the youngest as well as other ages children. This program should be implemented from the beginning of the next school year.

On the sidelines of "Gloria Cup", held in Istanbul from 23 to 26 September, the documentary movies about famous coaches and legends of Yugoslav and Serbian basketball Željko Obradović and Dušan Ivković were presented. This manifestation attracted great interest and noticeable media coverage of Turkish, Greek, Russian and Serbian media, having in mind that it was organized in blast media attention, which Serbian basketball team has attracted after achieving a silver medal at the world championship in Spain, as well as to the fact, that most of Serbian national team members participated in the mentioned tournament. Željko Obradović and Dušan Ivković coaches two Turkey's leading basketball club Fenerbahce and Efes. Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul Mr. Zoran Marković attended this event as well as Red Star games that along with basketball teams from Turkey, Russian Federation and Greek took part in tournament.

On 20th of August 2014 it was held the meeting between Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul, Mr. Zoran Markovic and representatives of immigrant community in Pendik - "Platform Friends of Sandžak". In front of the association to the meeting was attended the president of association Mr. Serkan Senay, director Mr. Husnu Gul as well as the members of association Mr. Nihad Kacar and Mr. Sadik Bilge. The meeting was used to exchange the information regarding the projects in the field of economic cooperation, as well as the current privatization process in Republic of Serbia. Beside the current topics in the field of economy, during the meeting they discussed regarding the possibility of strengthening the cultural cooperation and the opening the Serbian language class for which the association representatives expressed great interest. Mr. Markovic pointed out that the knowledge of the mother tongue, not only that it serve in preservation of tradition, but also strengthening the relations between the immigrant community and the country of origin. During the talks, representatives of association pointed the problem of long and slow administrative procedures, particularly procedures regarding the citizenship regulating process. 

From 10th of August 2014, the summer camp was held in Istanbul, organized by the Goethe Institute in Belgrade and the Goethe Institute in Ankara. To the summer camp, which aimed to gather youths from the Southeast Europe, also join the twelve children from six Serbian municipalities. Beside the improvement of the German language, the aim of summer camp was also expending the cooperation among the youths from the region. On the 13th of August 2014, the group from Republic of Serbia has made a successful presentation. To the event was also attended the Consul General of Republic of Serbia in Istanbul, Mr. Zoran Markovic who pointed that this event is very useful for both, individual participants and also for our country's image into the host country. 

Rumeli Turks Festival in Istanbul

The four-day Rumeli Turks festival was open in Istanbul on 8th of August 2014. This event was the opportunity for strengthening the cooperation between local self-governments and associations which gather the Turkish citizens with Balkan origins. Also, it was a chance to present the economic potentials and exchange the experiences between the participants.

In the presence of a large number of print and electronic media representatives, festival was open by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Mehmet Müezzinoğlu and mayor of Istanbul, Mr. Kadir Topbaş.

Besides the Istanbul municipalities as Bayrampasa and Pendik, in which live the most of the immigrant population from the Balkans, the festival was attended also the representatives from Macedonian and Bosnia and Herzegovina municipalities. Also, among them there were present the representatives of Serbian Novi Pazar municipality which found a convenient opportunity to present their own economics and touristic potentials. Opening ceremony was attended Consul General of Republic of Serbia in Istanbul, Mr. Zoran Markovic who in spoke with the participants of festival expressed a necessary for the intensification of cooperation among self-governments and associations in order to strengthen the relations between Republic of Serbia and immigration population in Republic of Turkey. 

The promotion of the Turkish edition of the novel Via Romana by Vuk Draskovic was organized in the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul on the 17th June. The promotion was organized together with the record company Kapi Yayinlari and it was attended by journalists from the Turkish Cultural editorial print media, as well as two TV stations. On this occasion Minister V. Draskovic expressed the hope that the Via Romana gain readership like in Serbia, adding that our common history linked our language, culture, nature and traditions. He said that "this is the reason why, Turkish TV series and movies are perspective not only in Serbia but also in the entire Balkan region, which for several centuries was part of the great Ottoman Empire. We combine our hostility, our ignorance and misconceptions. We know each other and interconnected more than we are willing to admit. "
Previously, organized at the initiative of the owner of the above mentioned publishing house, Minister V. Draskovic and Z.Marković are invited to a lunch with businessmen in the region of Tekirdag, to the University of Namik Kemal, where was organized a meeting of Minister V. Draskovic with the Turkish president A.Gul.

Traditional annual meeting followed by working breakfast was organized in Istanbul on June 1, 2014 by the Association of Dernek in Turkey. Respective representatives of associations of Dernek from areas of Istanbul, Bursa and Izmir were on the meeting. The meeting was also attended by Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Rasim Ljajic, the Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul Mr. Zoran Marković, as well as the mayors of Novi Pazar, Tutin and Sjenice. Among the representatives from the Turkish side were Minister of Health of Turkey Mr. Mehmet Muezinoglu and Mayor of Bayrampasa Mr. Atila Aydiner. DPM Mr. Rasim Ljajić, addressing the meeting, thanked for the assistance that the emigrant community addressed the victims of floods in the Republic of Serbia. He reiterated the call to invest more in the Republic of Serbia and putting all efforts into the deepening of good relations between the two countries. The meeting was used to review the past activities of associations, the problems they face and the opportunities for further deepening cooperation with mother land and Consulate General

Delegation of Belgrade City Library carried out a study visit to Istanbul from 25 until 30 May, 2014. During the visit they had a number of important meetings with the Turkish libraries based in Istanbul. In discussions with their Turkish colleagues, Serbian delegation agreed to further cooperation and exchange of researchers that will as believed contribute to further deepening bilateral cooperation in this field as well as to better understanding of the common history through the study of library material.

Consul General Zoran Markovic did a courtesy visit to the President of the Istanbul municipality of Pendik Mr. Kenan Sahin. On that occasion, in the long and friendly conversation, they exchanged views on the possibilities of further deepening the relationship between the city and municipalities in Belgrade with the municipality Pendik, which with 650,000 residents is a significant economic potential of Istanbul. They discussed directions for joint actions with the aim of intensifying economic cooperation. Both sides agreed of the need to intensify cooperation as well as to establish frequent contact between the representatives of the municipality and the Consulate General in time to come.

Zoran Markovic, Consul General paid his first visit to Edirne during which he had several important meetings, including the Edirne governor Mr. Hasan Duruer and Mayor of Edirne Mr. Recep Gurkan. In a long and friendly conversation with both of collocutors he exchanged views of further opportunities for cooperation between the cities in the Republic of Serbia and the city of Edirne. Mr. Zoran Markovic, with deepest regret, informed the esteemed leadership of Edirne about consequences of the catastrophic floods, which took place in the Republic of Serbia, in which people lost lives and enormous material damage was done. He called all the people of good will in Turkey, institutions, organizations, to, in accordance with their possibilities, help the population in the Republic of Serbia. During a visit to Edirne, Zoran Markovic also met Mr. Hilmi Ibar, professor at Trakia University in Edirene, with whom he had a conversation regarding the possibilities of university cooperation between our two countries.

Consul General Mr. Zoran Markovic met representatives of Dernek “Bosna – Sancak” of the Istanbul municipality Pendik. Together they exchanged views on the possibilities of further deepening the relationship between Dernek and the Consulate General, as well as discussed possible ways for joint action with the aim of intensifying cooperation with Serbia. Bearing in mind that Republic of Serbia has faced the biggest nature catastrophe in its history, Mr. Zoran Markovic called all the members of Dernek as well as people of good will in Turkey to, in accordance with their possibilities, help the population in the Republic of Serbia.

Zoran Markovic, Consul General paid his first visit to Izmir during which he had several important meetings, including the Izmir governor Mr. Mustafa TORPAK, Izmir Mayor Aziz Kocaoglu and a President of Izmir Chamber of Commerce Mr. Ekrem Demirtas. During a visit to Izmir, Zoran Markovic met Serbian students who are studying at one of Izmir University, and had a conversation with the Rector of Izmir University of Economics PhD Oguz Esen. During his stay in Izmir, Consul General Markovic has been followed by the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia in Izmir and respected member of the local communities Mr. Metin Akdurak .

On Sunday, 04/20/2014 Ecumenical Patriarchate held a liturgy on the occasion of one of the greatest Christian holidays - Easter. Easter liturgy kept His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Easter liturgy and a reception on the occasion held in the Patriarchate, was attended by the Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul Zoran Markovic.

Consul General Mr. Zoran Markovic met representatives of Dernek “Bosna – Sancak” of the Istanbul municipality Bayrampasa. Together they exchanged views on the possibilities of further deepening the relationship between Dernek and the Consulate General, as well as discussed possible ways for joint action with the aim of intensifying cooperation with Serbia. After that Mr. Zoran Markovic did a courtesy visit to the reelected President of the Istanbul municipality Bayrampasa, Mr. Attila Ajdineru. During they talks, both sides agreed on the need to intensive contact and cooperation.

Group of 60 students of the Faculty of Political Sciences in Belgrade, led by Professor Mr. Predrag Simic, visited Istanbul on March 26th-31st, 2014. During they visit, students met Mr. Avni Mutlu, Governor of the Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul, Professor of international affairs at Sabanci University in Istanbul Mr. Bulent Aras, as well as representatives of BSEC. On that occasion, during reception at the General Consulate of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul, Mr. Zoran Markovic, Consul General, delivered the lecture on foreign policy priorities of the Republic of Serbia and among other things stressed Serbia – Turkey bilateral relations: political and economic cooperation, potentials and future prospects. 

Consul General Zoran Markovic visited the International School of Istanbul and within the week of presenting parents' occupation to schoolchildren, presented the profession of a diplomat. In his lecture, Mr. Markovic put a special emphasis on promoting friendship among people and nations, and added that each of them represented their own country and being ambassador within the International School of Istanbul, therefore should be a good and diligent student.

On the invitation of His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Irinej will stay in Istanbul from 5th to 9th of March 2014. The reason of this visit is the meeting of all primates of the Canonical Local Orthodox Churches in order to discuss current topics in the Church and the society. Patriarch Irinej is accompanied by His Eminence Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro and the Littoral and His Grace Bishop Irinej of Backa, as well as protopresbyter Gajo Gajic.

On the occasion of the success of Serbian athletes in athletics Balkan countries - Balkan Championship in Istanbul , Consul General Zoran Markovic visited our athletes. He congratulated them on the outstanding sports results and winning medals and pointed to the excellent results they have achieved a great success for Serbia. Success of Serbian sports is especially important if you know what kind of financial difficulties facing our athletes, said Zoran Markovic . He pointed out that the country achieved success brings not only medals but also sports prestige and represents a significant opportunity for the expansion of a positive image of Serbia.
Serbian athletes have won three gold medals , two silver and one bronze , while the athlete Ivana Španović set a new national record in the hall and the world's best result this year in the long jump .

February 14, 2014
Famoust Serbian pop composer and singer Željko Joksimović had a concert at „Zorlu“ center in Istanbul. Joksimović presented his new project „Balkan Bazar“. Special guests were singers Jelena Tomašević and Emina Jahović Sandal.

February 12, 2014
On the occasion of the National Day of Serbia, a reception was given at “Marmara” Hotel in Taksim, Istanbul, hosted by the Consul General of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Zoran Markovic and his spouse Mrs. Tatjana Markovic.
Over 200 invitees attended the reception, among them, state officials, diplomats, eminent journalists and representatives of Turkish scientific, cultural and artistic life.

International Tourism Fair has been opened In Istanbul on 30 January. Fair presented a rich tourist offer of Turkey, as well as countries that are more frequent destinations of Turkish tourists, including the Republic of Serbia. The joint stand of the Tourist Organization of Serbia and Belgrade Tourist Organization visited the Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul Zoran Markovic. On that occasion it was mutually agreed that Turkey, with more than 30,000 guests in the Republic of Serbia in the 2013th years, is one of the most important markets for our tourism industry.

On 23 January of this year, there was a meeting of senior representatives of the BSEC in which they presented the priorities of the regional organization during the presidency of Bulgaria. Serbia is represented by Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul, Zoran Markovic.

Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul Zoran Markovic visited the mayor of Istanbul, Mr. Dr Kadir TOPBAS on Monday, 20 January of 2014. In a long and friendly conversation they exchanged views of further opportunities for cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and Belgrade as its capital and the city of Istanbul. Dr Kadir TOBAS on this occasion expressed his willingness to share his ten-year experiences with the new leadership of the City of Belgrade and sent them an open invitation to visit Istanbul.

Consul General Zoran Markovic did a courtesy visit to the President of the Istanbul municipality Bayrampasa , Mr. Attila Ajdineru . On that occasion , in the long and friendly conversation , exchanged views on the possibilities of further deepening the relationship between the city and municipality in Serbia with the municipality Bayrampasa , which with 270,000 residents and more than 500,000 workers is a significant economic potential of Istanbul.
Both sides agreed that cooperation is moving upwards , what is responsible for a large emigrant communities in the area of Republic of Serbia .
Are discussed and directions for joint action with the aim of intensifying economic cooperation . Noted the need to renew activities aimed at achieving the return visit of businessmen and potential investors from the municipality town of Nis , with whom cooperation started back in 2010th year. In this regard, they agreed on concrete steps to municipal authorities and the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul.
Both sides agreed the need intensive cooperation and frequent contact representatives of the municipality and the Consulate General in time to come.

Delegation of the Archives of Serbia, led by director Dr. Miroslav Perisic, paid official visit to the Ottoman Аarchives in Istanbul (24 - 27 December 2013).. During the visit, Serbian delegation met Dr. Uğur Ǘnal, director general of the State Archives in Ankara and Dr. Mustafa Budak, deputy director-general of the Ottoman Archives in Istanbul. Our delegation had also talks with Mr. Zoran Marković, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul. Mr. Markovic underlined importance of the cooperation between two archives, as well as the significance of quality presentation of Serbian culture in Turkey.

General Consul Mr Zoran Marković met on December 19 the Governor of the province of Istanbul, Mr. Avni Mutlu. During the cordial talks, they have expressed their readyiness for enhacement of the cooperation, especially in the field of economical and trade cooperation. Besides that, they agreed on great potential for improvement of the cultural and sport cooperation.

Consul General Mr. Zoran Marković on November 25th met with Serbian students in Istanbul. Minister without Portfolio in the Government of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Sulejman Ugljanin, as well as Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the Republic of Turkey Mr. Danilo Vučetić and Mr. Aleksandar Međedović, co-president of Serbian-Turskish Business Council, were also at the meeting.

Mr Marković underlined importance of they links with the Consulate General not just in sense of administrative-consular affairs but in general and added that they are always welcomed in the CG. He also stressed the significance of high education for their future.

General Consul Mr Zoran Marković and Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the Republic of Turkey Mr. Danilo Vučetić visited His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I on November 26 at the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

In the warm atmospere conversation, they agreed of the importance of good and friendly relations between two churches and, among other things, discussed ways of preservation of the Serbian Orthodox Church monasteries and churches, graves and cultural heritage, that are symbols of the centuries-old presence of the Serbian people in the territory of Serbian Southern Province of Kosovo and Metohija.
 

Consul General, Z.Markovic, and the Ambassador D.Vucetic, held a meeting with representatives of Serbian companies which participated on the trade event “Trade bridge – Turkey – World”.

Having in mind that Serbian companies are doing business in food processing sector, businessman were informed about Turkish market, Free trade agreement between two countries in the area of agriculture and food processing industry as well as with some of the rules on the market. Businessman informed about results of their visit to Turkey, and told their impressions about the event. Further activities were agreed in the near future, with the aim of gathering information about the Turkish market.