On the occasion of 180th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and Serbia the Delegation of the Embassy of the Republic of France to Serbia headed by H.E. Frédéric Mondoloni.
On March 19, 180 years ago the official visit of the first French Consule to Kragujevac the then capital of the new modern Serbian State marked the beginning of the diplomatic relations of the two countries that last till today.
All began in Kragujevac on March 19, 1839 when the first French consul handed the letters of accreditation to Prince Milos Obrenovic with official establishment of diplomatic relations of France and Serbia , said H.E. Ambassador Mondolini. We are united by the past and rich history, said the Ambassador expressing his pleasure of visiting Kragujevac today, reminding of the last year’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of the WWI end. Our wish is to continue our cooperation in the future in the sphere of politics, economy and culture, followed by the officially announced visit of the President of France to Serbia in July, that will reflect the respect and friendship towards Serbian people, pointed Mondolini. Talking about investments he mentioned how important they are for France adding that he is very active in that sphere. He mentioned the example of successful cooperation of Serbian airport and French company Vinci and the waste processing company in Vinca. H.E. Ambassador Mondolini said that France intends to invest in Serbia outside of Belgrade, too.
Anniversary of the diplomatic relations establishment is marked by the conference held at the Old Assembly building held by the representatives of the Embassy and the City of Kragujevac, the representatives of the Chamber of Commerce of Kragujevac, the University, cultural institutions, professors, students and pupils. On behalf of the City of Kragujevac the present were addressed by Miroslav Petrasinovic the President of the Assembly of the City of Kragujevac.
City of Kragujevac was at one point the capital of the modern Serbian state where diplomatic relations were established with other European modern states. Last year Kragujevac marked the establishment of the diplomatic relations with the Great Britain and this year with the Republic of France and we are honoured by the fact that H.E. Frédéric Mondoloni visited Kragujevac again, said Petrasinovic. Our diplomatic relations are marked with friendship and the dynamic mosaic of it is created over 180 years. France as European and world force had dominant role in the creation of these relations that throughout the history were both allied and friendly. We intend to support and cherish such relations and develop them in the sphere of economy, culture and other spehere concluded the president of the City Assembly.
PhD Stanislav Sretenovic gave critical review of the events of the France – Serbia relations presented at today’s conferance with all significant dates, adding that two centuries of France – Serbia relations point to the necessity of putting them into realistic frame, to be critically reviewed, that precise analysis should add to better understanding of two people by overcoming the stereotypes and provide for Serbia to regain the rightful position as European country which is neither better nor worse than other countries
The reception for H.E. Frédéric Mondoloni, the Ambassador of Republic of France to Serbia and members of his Delegation was held at the City Hall; on that occasion the prospects of the establishment economy relations were also discussed.
