Minister Dacic opens an Honorary Consulate in Pale

Full statement by Minister Dacic reads as follows:

“Esteemed Ministers

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my great honour and pleasure to have the opportunity to address you today, on behalf of the Republic of Serbia, on the occasion of the formal opening of the Consulate of the Republic of Serbia in Pale, headed by Honorary Consul Mr. Dejan Ljevnaic, with the consular area that will include the territory of the municipality of Pale.

The institution of honorary consuls in Serbia has a rich tradition, dating back to the end of the 19^th century. Aware of the importance of the role played by honorary consuls and their undeniable contribution to the promotion of relations between the Republic of Serbia and other countries, we have been continuously working to expand the network of honorary consuls in the world. Therefore, I am proud to point out that today the Republic of Serbia has the largest number of honorary consuls in its history - as many as 100 on all continents.

I would also like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the Republic of Serbia attaches great attention to the enhancement of regional cooperation and the fostering of best possible neighbourly relations. The stability of the region and the development of comprehensive cooperation with our closest neighbours are a lasting priority of our foreign policy.

We see Bosnia and Herzegovina as a natural and close partner, with whom we want to work on greater mutual understanding, respect and building full trust and cooperation. That is why the stability and prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina is important to us. I wish to emphasize, on this occasion as well, that the Republic of Serbia respects the Dayton Accords and supports Bosnia and Herzegovina as one state with two entities, as well as all decisions made in accordance with the competences and by agreement among the three constituent peoples - Serbs, Bosniaks and Croats.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Bosnia and Herzegovina, and especially the Republic of Srpska, is home to a large number of Serbs. Their better future is one of the reasons why the Republic of Serbia is firmly committed to all-round cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as with its entities. We pay special attention to the planning and implementation of joint projects, through which we build a real perspective for a better future.

For the Republic of Serbia, relations with the Republic of Srpska are not only good-neighbourly, but also brotherly. We wish our people in the Republic of Srpska the same prosperity we wish our people in the Republic of Serbia. Also, we want to continue to nurture our special and unbreakable ties, and I am convinced that the opening of this Consulate, headed by the Honorary Consul, will contribute to this goal and give a new impetus to an even closer cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I take this opportunity to express my special gratitude to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina for recognizing our need and giving consent in a short period of time for the opening of the Consulate, headed by an honorary consul, and issuing an exequatur for Mr. Dejan Ljevnaic, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia in the municipality of Pale. I am convinced that the Honorary Consul, Mr. Ljevnaic, with his rich experience and knowledge, will perform his important and responsible duties while holding this post with great success.

Focusing diplomatic activities on the promotion of economic potential and attracting foreign investments is one of the most important tasks of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the diplomatic and consular network of the Republic of Serbia, including the network of consulates headed by honorary consular officers. In this context, we expect you, Mr. Ljevnaic, to continue with activities in promoting the potential of Serbian economy. I believe that, owing to your professional experience, you will achieve success precisely in strengthening the economic cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, bearing in mind that Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most important economic partners of our country.

In addition to the advancement of economic relations between the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, I am convinced that the opening of this Consulate will enable more efficient provision of consular services to citizens of the Republic of Serbia who are visiting the territory of the municipality of Pale on business or as tourists.

In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Mr. Ljevnaic every success in his future endeavours, which, I am sure, will yield significant results in achieving the common interests of our two countries.”