A group of 25 Serbian primary schoolchildren of Pakrac and Krnjak area in the Republic of Croatia started their third day of visit to Serbian institutions and Belgrade places of interest by visiting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where they were welcomed – on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, by Ambassador Aca Jovanovic, Acting Assistant Minister of Consular Affairs, who informed them of the unique opportunity to visit the Ministry’s Museum of Serbian Diplomacy and learn about prominent Serb diplomats to whom the Serbian people are indebted, because of their activity.
“Preserve the Cyrillic alphabet, your culture and tradition”, said Ambassador Jovanovic, advising them to study and expand their overall knowledge, for only those who are educated and knowledgeable can make a contribution to progress.
Following the introductory remarks by Assistant Minister Jovanovic, Ambassador Dr. Ljiljana Niksic presented the exquisite exhibits of the Museum of Diplomacy, offering a crash course in diplomacy for beginners.
The guests of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Belgrade are predominantly returnee children belonging to Serbian national minority who were forced to leave their homes in operations “Flash” and “Storm”.
Today, these children are active in the Serbian community, most of them attend supplementary classes in Serbian language and culture, religion, and take part in the activities of a Serbian association, “Prosvjeta” Serbian Cultural Society, and the Council of Serbian National Minority.
The visit was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Department of Cooperation with Diaspora and Serbs in the Region, within their regular activities. The children also visited the Presidency of the Republic of Serbia, City of Belgrade and the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia.
The tour of Belgrade landmarks and places of interest included the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, Avala Tower, Belgrade Fortress, Museum of Vuk and Dositej, Patriarchy Museum, Cathedral Church of Saint Sava, National Library and Nikola Tesla Museum. During the visit to the Belgrade Fortress, the Children’s Cultural Centre presented an educational programme “Belgrade through Centuries” where Serbian children from Croatia ‘met’ historical personalities: Prince Mihailo Obrenovic, Princess Milica and Ostoja Kondo, a warrior in the insurrection of Karadjordje. Programme implementation was supported by the Tourism Organization of Belgrade.