AT THE DIASPORA ASSEMBLY IN BELGRADE, 200 PARTICIPANTS FROM MORE THAN 30 COUNTRIES

BELGRADE, MAY 30 /SRNA/ – The St. Vitus Day /Vidovdan/ Diaspora Assembly, titled "Unity and Strength - Serbia," officially opened today at the Army House /Dom Vojske/ in Belgrade, bringing together 200 participants from more than 30 countries. Among the attendees is Helena Krnetić, Assistant Minister for European Integration and International Cooperation of Republika Srpska.

The assembly was opened by Đorđe Milićević, Minister without Portfolio in the Government of Serbia responsible for relations with the diaspora. In his address, he emphasized that Serbs have always been as strong as they are united. He noted that the gathering of more than 200 participants from all parts of the world represents more than just a number—it sends a powerful message that Serbia lives beyond its borders. "In our nation's history, Vidovdan has never been just a date on the calendar. Vidovdan is a pledge and a reminder to be responsible. It is a day that always brings us back to the questions of who we are, what we are preserving, and what we are leaving behind for those who come after us," Milićević stated. Milićević thanked the representatives of the Serbian diaspora for preserving their national identity, alphabet, songs, customs, culture, faith, family, and ties to the homeland, emphasizing that Serbia wishes to speak with its diaspora, but also to plan and build the future together. "The policy of strengthening Serbia encompasses the preservation of national identity, peace, stability, and the connection of our people wherever they may live. In this policy, the diaspora is not a side topic, but one of the most vital parts of our national being and one of the greatest potentials for Serbia's future," Milićević said. The opening ceremony was also attended by Serbian Government ministers Snežana Paunović and Zoran Gajić, as well as the Vicar Bishop of Lipljan, Dositej, serving as the envoy of His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Porfirije.