Exhibition 'Serbia in Francophonie'

The reception was opened by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Snezana Paunovic.

"This exhibition is not only a reminder of our cultural and linguistic ties, but also a sign of our firm devotion to the principles that unite us all. However, I must say that we are concerned that we have so far not yet achieved the status we deserve in this organisation," said Paunovic. She believes that the common goal should be to unite visions and experiences about Francophonie, in order to jointly define a strategic direction for the future.

In her address, the Head of the standing delegation of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia to the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie MA Jadranka Jovanovic pointed out that the exhibition highlights some of the personalities who had left a lasting mark on certain eras of the relations between the member countries of this large international organisation and Serbia.

"This year we marked the 90th anniversary of the assassination of King Alexander I Karadjordjevic in Marseille, which is also included in the exhibition. The exhibition continues with an invitation to EXPO 2027, the world's largest exhibition of which Belgrade is the official host," said MA Jadranka Jovanovic.

She stressed that it must not be forgotten that Serbia lost 30% of its population during the Great War, 55%of which were male, and expressed great gratitude to Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco - symbols of the salvation and recovery of the Serbian army during the Great War.

"Before us is the knightly face of Serbia in all its magnificence: tradition, history, beauty, sufferings, spirituality, injustices, struggles and progress...over a period of seven centuries. We can rightfully be elated, both joyful and painful, and certainly above all, proud of our beloved Serbia," said Jovanovic.

Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Ljiljana Niksic also spoke at the opening of the exhibition.