The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic spoke at the closing ceremony of La Francophonie month in Serbia, emphasising that the Republic of Serbia sincerely shares all the values of this International Organisation whose motto is equality, complementarity and solidarity, and is very active in the realisation of its role in the affirmation of cultural differences.
Dacic pointed out that today's gathering, as well as the entire past month with its activities dedicated to Francophonie, confirm the long-term commitment and desire to achieve even closer and more productive relations with all Francophone nations.
“The Republic of Serbia is more than interested in developing its relations within La Francophonie with the countries and peoples that share common values, which is why we expect our work to be affirmed through full membership in this organisation, because Serbia deserves that status", said Dacic.
He said that, at the European and global level, Serbia is at the very top in the success of the fight against the pandemic, in terms of healthcare, economics and the elimination of the consequences brought on by the pandemic.
"We want to share this experience with all of our friends from La Francophonie, as our solidary response to the growing global interdependence of states and peoples, regardless of where they live on the planet," said Dacic and congratulated La Francophonie on the work done so far to promote its values in Serbia.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE SPEECH OF THE SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA IN ITS ENTIRETY:
“Your Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen, friends of La Francophonie,
It is my pleasure to celebrate with you the end of the month of La Francophonie in Serbia, as another opportunity to show our commitment to the mission of this important international organisation. You know that the Republic of Serbia sincerely shares all the values of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, whose motto is equality, complementarity and solidarity, and that we are very active in the realisation of its role in the affirmation of cultural differences.
Relying on our rich cultural and diplomatic tradition, in Serbia, we always look favourably on and support the intensive study and use of the French language in international relations, as an important element for the promotion of peace, democracy and human rights around the world.
Today's gathering, as well as the entire past month dedicated to Francophonie, confirm our long-term commitment and desire to achieve even closer and more productive relations with all Francophone nations. Personally, both as Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, I have always paid great attention to working within the International Organisation of La Francophonie, as well as with all of its members, and as you can see, I will continue this practice as Speaker of the National Assembly.
The Republic of Serbia is more than interested in developing its relations within La Francophonie with the countries and peoples that share common values, which is why we expect our work to be affirmed through full membership in this organisation, because Serbia deserves that status.
The events we have witnessed in recent years, and especially the COVID-19 virus pandemic, clearly tell us that we need to boost cooperation, connections and solidarity, because that is the only way to cope with the challenges of the modern age.
At the European and global level, Serbia is at the very top in the success of its fight against the pandemic, in terms of healthcare, economics and the elimination of the consequences brought on by the pandemic. We want to share this experience with all of our friends from La Francophonie, as our solidary response to the growing global interdependence of states and peoples, regardless of where they live on the planet.
As an organisation boasting no fewer than 88 members around the world, La Francophonie is obliged and has the capacity to become one of those global forums where solutions should be sought to the challenges that threaten international solidarity, dialogue, economic, cultural and any other exchange.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to congratulate you on your work done so far to promote the values of La Francophonie in Serbia, which is always open to them and wants to actively contribute to spreading them. Our gathering today is a small symbol of our joint mission and Serbia's commitment to the common goals, especially tonight's lighting of the National Assembly House in the colours of La Francophonie.
Thank you and I wish us all success in further cooperation! ”
