On the occasion Gojkovic stressed that the lost pieces are invaluable both materially speaking as well as because they are part of our cultural identity, adding that the lost cultural treasure should be a warning to us all reminder, because the way a society treats its cultural heritage is the true face of that society.

Gojkovic said that enormous historic and artistic significance had been built into the very foundation of the National Assembly House, adding that the art collection presented in the exhibition has been built since 1936, a time from which the Assembly housed the work of Sava Sumanovic, Petar Dobrovic, Kosta Hakman, Zora Petrovic, Vasa Pomorisac, and after WWII the collection included the work of artists from all over the former Yugoslavia.

Gojkovic stressed that in the events of 5 October 2000 when the building was set on fire the National Assembly suffered immense damages because a significant part of the cultural heritage disappeared and is yet to be found.

Gojkovic said that the exhibition is testimony to the exceptional work gone from the Assembly and that the idea was to save the lost artwork from oblivion which she believes is her duty not only as the Speaker of Parliament, but her civil and social duty as well.

“That is why I would like to take the opportunity to reassure you that we will continue to look for the things that disappeared from the Assembly House and will not stop until we have returned this invaluable treasure to Serbia. Once again, I appeal to any citizens who may have some knowledge of the artwork presented here to contact us”, said Gojkovic adding that some of the lost furniture had been returned thanks to conscientious citizens.

Gojkovic said that the paintings missing from the collection for 18 years now are an important part of our cultural heritage and that it is our job to find them, return them and keep them safe for future generations.

Dusica Bojic, Director of the Historical Museum of Serbia, also spoke at the opening of the exhibition.