Relationships are Solid and Stable...

Well, that was a real competition. We were sitting in one of Belgrade’s small smoky restaurants, it was late afternoon, hours after the official meeting.

But let’s start from the beginning.

Firstly, midday meeting with the Serbian Minister… topics of mutual interest and troubles. The issues at the table, tough as they could be after the war… return of the refugees, missing persons, return of documents, cultural property… Sitting in Minister’s cabinet, two of his young lady assistants will take notes, both sides of the table tense and aware of the sensitivity of the issues… In short, the array of agenda is important, unavoidable, and at the same time sensitive. The good thing was, for a start, that I knew the Minister from before, there was some good personal chemistry between us which is, in such tense situations, more than helpful. Communication becomes easier, doors are opened to solutions instead of some personal “suspicion” closing the windows. Going through the points, in the end, we both emphasized the most important thing, which hardly needs to be mentioned – our relations are crucially important for our people, our countries, and this part of Europe. Minister agrees, repeating that all these remaining issues should be resolved pragmatically. Without political drumbeats and noises, we went through a past that was both difficult and terrible, the mutual agreement on the objective truth about that past may be decades away from us - but we need to work patiently and gradually so that people understand the purpose, we need to work so that the past should not be forgotten, but we must not remain its prisoners, gradually and hopefully only the real truth will liberate. We listed down the “desirable principles” that should guide both sides in the future concrete negotiations about each of the issues from the list. Two girls wrote them down in the official note. God knows whoever read it!

Later in the day, summing up the details of that meeting in one of Belgrade’s smoky small restaurants, we agreed that one of the roots of our problem is mistrust and competition. We distrust each other, we have different political perceptions about our positions and role in the history of our relations. In many cases, it was evident that we wanted to prove to each other which one was better off, be it social development, kilometers of railroads, or basketball. The waiter, with mustaches resembling ancient Serbian kings or Vuk Karadžić, brought the cold appetizer. Hladetina, pihtija, aspic, jelly, žulica, pače, pitije, drče, mrzletina… endless names for that simple, ordinary, and yet, if prepared with some “artistic gift,” the dish that could turn into an imaginative piece of a cube on the plate, with all these colorful ingredients inside, yellow carrots hugging the green peas, grayish pork pieces side by side to brownish slices of boiled pork skin… And, as the old waiter put the wooden plate with that aspic in the middle of the table, adding some onion slices, salt, red pepper, and vinegar, I thought… oh, my God, it may not be accidentally, they somehow heard about the competitive relations between the two nations, now they…whoever that may be, some Force Majeure…wants us to engage in the competition over the aspic… who makes the better one!! It cannot be true! Let’s skip it, let’s avoid the trap! We would start with aspic, God knows where it might lead us to! Where is the end of that political athletics? But there was a chattering lady in their delegation. Instantly, she took the scene: reciting the recipe, vividly describing how you prepare a pot of hot boiling water, put the veal legs and veal tongue inside, add a lot of salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, vegetables, and…well, after an hour and a half, you know, you take out the legs, you don’t need them anymore, they were there to strengthen the jelly, then you cut the tongue into thin slices, and when the rest of the liquid boils once more and when it starts to thicken, you arrange the tongue slices, garlic, pieces of vegetable and peppercorns in the mold, and pour over that stiffing liquid, three rows over each other - the Aspic Lady was already in the highest mode: bro, when it cools off, when you cut it in cubes, put on the plate, add some horseradish - surely, there is nothing better, nobody in the world prepares is better than us, the Serbs! Full stop in the air! Again, my God, Serbs are the best! But, as if to prove the long legacy of competitions in all fields, there were two guys from Slavonia on our side of the table. Yes, everything you said was nice, and the recipe is interesting - but sulc, that’s what we call aspic in our Slavonia, that’s something really out of this world. How can I tell you, it’s a tradition, an art, a divine thing! And in an instant, also, here’s the recipe. Only, you know, it’s nothing like the way you do it, in a hurry, not in an hour or so, this aspic of ours is prepared for at least a week, this is a serious and thorough matter... Dear God, if he continues characterizing the differences between our two peoples, who are hasty and flammable and who is calm and steady, that may not end too well, I thought. Luckily, the recipe was faster than politics. The proud Slavonian was already on his mission: you see, when you clean the pig’s feet, giblets, ears, tongue, and skin of everything, then when you brine it for two weeks, then when you wash everything well, then put it in cold water… yes, it must be cold so that sulc remains clear at the end… then you add carrots, parsley, celery, onions, garlic, bay leaves, salt and when you cook it on a low heat for at least four hours… you see, it’s a matter of thoroughness, there’s nothing to be quick about, and finally you separate the meat from all the bones, arrange it nicely in the mold with those colorful carrots and celery and parsley and peas, and add sliced boiled eggs… hey, my friend, when it cools down and hardens, then when you slice it, then spice it up with our hot pepper, let me tell you, it’s a divine thing, there’s nothing better! This is how sulc has been prepared in our country for two hundred years, he said triumphantly at the end. Now, my God, Croats are the best!

Luckily, it turned out not to become a bilateral competition. The mood around the table improved with each new recipe exchanged. Perch in aspic, gazpacho aspic, onions in as- pic, cold sturgeon aspic well, with stories about schvarglas, oppresenka, satrica, and similar dishes, the mood goes up, and potential competitive nervousness was avoided. And, thinking about the meeting with Rasim, thinking about the state of our relations, probably inevitably, a metaphor came up - yes, our relations, despite everything, are rather solid and stable, only occasionally they tremble like that aspic thing! Later, on the way back home, in the car, I was thinking about that meeting with Rasim and, somehow, started to put all our differences, open issues, all our mutual ups and downs throughout history, including the latest period of war, starting to correlate it with that aspic metaphor. Relations are solid, but still, they occasionally tremble. Relations are dependent on stability, but they still occasionally shake in stagnation. Again, that with the words: cold is hladno, aspic is hladetina. Suddenly, I realize that the commotion and shouting that I hear is coming from the police car in front of us, which is clearing our way, which is breaking through the column of tired and angry drivers. The police driver turned on all the speakers in the world and roared at the top of his voice: “Hey you, in front, hey, can you hear me, come on, move to the right, move to the right when I tell you!’” I raised my head to observe better the policeman roaring from the bottom of his lungs: “Move to the right, move to the right!” And the drivers looked in fear how to sneak into the right lane, full of equally angry drivers who do not allow others to step in. But the policeman wouldn’t give in. He knows his duty; he has the power. He looks at the license plates in front of him, then screams: “Jagodina, Jagodina right, looking for a spot to hide because Filip was on edge, who knows what he could do. “Move to the right,” she roared once more. But there was a truck on the old man’s right side, no way to turn right, but, at that second, he saw a small service dent on the left side, made a sharp turn, and sneaked in. End of story, I thought. But the story is not over for Filip, the policeman. He stops the car, jumps out, approaches the old man, reaches for the gun, orders him to open the right window, and roars: “Is that your right turn? I ordered you to turn right, you turned left. What do you think who you are, who’s the boss here?” aspic metaphor. Who should do what? I knew we were ready to move forward, not forgetting the past but not boiling that past for years and decades. And for the other side…what time may it take to step out of the narratives that were boiling for centuries?

Our car was trying to get out of the city, it was Friday, the road was crowded, and queues on the bridge to the west were an unintentional metaphor again. There was this police escort in front of our car, whilst sitting in the back of our car, I was still thinking about the coldness in our relations, playing move to the right, move, I am ordering you. Hey, old guy, hey yes, yes, you with the hat, what are you doing, you stupid, move to the right, move to the right when I tell you!”, he roars and almost touches the bumpers of that helpless, poor grandpa. I wanted to help the old man in front somehow, I opened the window and shouted to the policeman, Filip, just leave it, we are in no hurry”. But Filip didn’t give in, he had the power, powerful ones never give in. “Move to the right, move to the right, can you hear me, you old man!!” Finally, the old man realized what was happening, he started to look to the left and

Later on, already across the border, rushing the highway through the plains of Slavonia, we laughed to tears over that episode until it came to our minds that the episode is, metaphorically, pointing to the most important question in our relations, the one that was somehow floating in the air during that meeting with the Minister, the one that would resolve the duality between firmness, stability and trembling, in the aspic metaphor yes, question of change of direction, the question of choosing side. I remembered that funny episode years later subconsciously. Who would have ever thought that years and years after that policemen’s show of force “to the right” and the old man with a hat turning “to the left” would become a larger political metaphor of the state of play of the entire country, at the time when the war jam in Ukraine and the violent clash between the East and the West prompted country by country to choose a side on the highway of the European future!

Who would have ever thought that Filip’s eagerness to force drivers to turn to one side and threatening them if they would turn to the other would turn into a metaphor for the country that continues to fight over the Left or Right turn, East or West, standing still, trembling like that aspic.

07 JUNE 2023

Sweden’s National Day: Cooperation for Sustainability

On Tuesday, June 6, the first day of celebrations of Sweden’s National Day, the end of the presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), and the celebration of 500 years of its independence were held in Silos Belgrade. The celebration was opened by H.E. Annika Ben David, Ambassador of Sweden

03 JUNE 2023

Celebration of the Day of Italy in Belgrade – A Symbol of Cultural Unity and Mutual Friendship

On Friday, June 2nd, the Day of the Italian Republic, a significant date celebrating the formation of the Italian Republic, was marked in Belgrade. A notable reception was organized by the Italian Embassy in Belgrade, offering an exquisite blend of Italian culture, heritage, and unity. The Italian Ambassador to Serbia, H. E. Mr. Luca Gori hosted the event that demonstrated the profound relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to strengthen the ties of friendship. The occasion drew a distinguished gathering of attendees. Among them was Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, who joined in the celebration of Italy’s national day, underlining the deep-rooted alliance between Serbia and Italy. The event was marked by a vibrant display of Italian culture, with music, art, and gastronomy, presenting attendees with a rich and authentic Italian experience.

in Belgrade, with the participation of Plamena Holcheva, deputy head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Serbia. “Now it’s more important than ever to nurture what unites us. During our EU presidency, Sweden worked hard to promote EU values such as democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and environmental sustainability,” said the Swedish ambassador added: “We are Serbia’s largest bilateral partner in the field of environmental reform. As part of the jubilee celebration, Miroslav Gačević, Acting Assistant

Minister for European Integration in the Republic of Serbia, opened the photo exhibition “Applied Nostalgia” organized by the Ministry of European Integration. The first of the three days of celebrating the jubilee ended with the “Abba Tribute” band concert. On the second day, June 7, on the plateau in front of the Silos in Belgrade, several projects will be presented that were financed by Sweden and the Ministry of the Republic of Serbia in previous years, together with the EU in Serbia. On the third day, June 8, the troupe of the world-famous circus from Sweden, “Cirkus Cirkör,” will be an exclusive guest who will perform the performance “Knitting for Peace.” This program was supported by 28 Swedish companies in Serbia, the EU Delegation in Serbia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, and the Swedish Institute with the participation of the Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia.

Another Successful Benelux Networking Cocktail

On June 5th, another successful Benelux Networking Cocktail was jointly organized by the Belgian-Serbian Business Association and Dutch-Serbian Business Association, spiced up with the best Belgian chocolate provided by the company Puratos. H.E. Cathy Buggenhout, ambassador of Belgium to Serbia and Montenegro, and H.E. Joost Reintjes, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Serbia and Montenegro, welcomed the guests – around 60 representatives of member companies, emphasizing the importance of promoting, encouraging, and expanding business relations between Benelux countries and Serbia. The event, which has become a tradition and is always warmly received by the members, demonstrated once again that a bigger impact can be achieved through collaborative efforts, particularly when it comes to enhancing the business environment in Serbia and expanding economic links and opportunities between Serbia and the Benelux countries.

08 JUNE 2023

Portugal’s National Day Celebrated in Belgrade

Dignitaries and Diplomats Celebrate the Legacy of Luís Vaz de Camões and the Unity of the Portuguese People. The Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities was marked last night with a formal reception at the Belgrade Hilton Hotel. The reception was attended by a large number of dignitaries from the public and cultural life of Serbia, as well as numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps. Ambassador of Portugal in Serbia, H.E. Maria Virgínia Mendes da Silva Pina, addressed the present guests and talked about the importance of this day for the Portuguese people. Portugal’s national

08 JUNE 2023

Novi Sad Joins Bordeaux and Geneva in Embracing Georgia’s Qvevri Wine Culture

The city of Novi Sad of the Republic of Serbia has become the third city after Bordeaux, France, and Geneva, Switzerland, where Georgian qvevris are located. On June 7, in the courtyard of the historical building of the Archive of the Autonomous Region of Vojvodina, a ceremony was held to install the Georgian Qvevri – a clay vessel used for fermentation, storage, and aging of traditional Georgian wine. The ceremony was opened by the Charge d’Affairs of Georgia to the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Ilia Koberidze, and Assistant Provincial Secretary for Culture of the Autonomous Region of Vojvodina, Miroslav Ilić. Qvevri has been transferred to the au- day is celebrated on June 10th every year. It is the most important public holiday in Portugal and the date with which the entire nation identifies. On that day in 1580, the greatest Portuguese poet of all time, Luís Vaz de Camões, died. That date was chosen because the exact date of birth of the famous poet is not known. tonomous region of Vojvodina on behalf of the Georgian Embassy in the Republic of Serbia. Visitors can learn about the 8,000-year-old tradition of Georgian wine-making in the public space located in the city center at any time of the day. Qvevri’s wine-making method has been included in the list of the intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO in 2013. The Georgian wine tasting was held as part of the event. Also, the exhibition “Living Culture of three writing systems of the Georgian Alphabet” was opened, which will last until June 23.

12 JUNE 2023

Korean Embassy’s Annual Reception for Economic Partners

This year’s Korean Embassy’s Annual Reception for Economic Partners, held on Thursday, 1 June, brought together over 100 guests to the Residence of the Ambassador, where they enjoyed refreshments and traditional Korean food and drinks. In his welcoming remarks, H.E. Ambassador Jaewoong Lee thanked everyone for their support and contribution to strengthening economic cooperation between Korea and Serbia. Much has been done in this field lately, including a tentative deal to sign a bilateral investment treaty aimed at the promotion of mutual investments, visits of high-level Korean delegations and business people, a business roundtable prepared by KOTRA, while working-level discussions on free trade agreement are underway. Ambassador Lee expressed hope that both Korea and Serbia will win their bids to host two world’s biggest trade shows

14 June 2023

The Sovereign Order of Malta Honors National Day with Notable Initiatives in Serbia

The National Day of the Sovereign Order of Malta was celebrated in the Republic of Serbia on Thursday, June 8th, within the picturesque garden of the Archbishop’s Palace, positioned next to the Embassy.

in the coming years, Belgrade, Serbia, to host World Expo 2027, and Busan, Korea, to host World Expo 2030. H.E. took the opportunity to say goodbye to Director General of KOTRA M. Kisang Hwang, whose term in Serbia ends this summer.

The day was an opportunity to pay tribute to the Order’s humanitarian endeavors in Serbia and unveil the most recent wish to be granted. The event also marked the announcement of a new project under the “Make a WISH to the Order of Malta” campaign. Spearheaded by Mino Raiola, the late manager of esteemed football champions, a multisport field is set to open in Bač on Friday, June 9th. The sports field, a donation to the local church, underscores the Order’s enduring commitment to humanitarian aid and the enhancement of local communities. During the ceremony, H.E. Ambassador Alberto di Luca highlighted the strong ties between the Serbian government and the Order of Malta, expressing his gratitude to Minister Tomislav Žigmanov and State Secretary Ranđelović for their attendance. The Ambassador extended his appreciation to Apostolic Nuncio Mons. Santo Gangemi and the Catholic Archbishop of Belgrade, Mons. Ladislav Nemet, who also attended the event.

15 JUNE 2023

National Day of Slovenia Celebrated in Belgrade with a Special Reception Hosted by Ambassador Bergant

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar, was among the honored guests in attendance. A grand reception was held in Belgrade yesterday to celebrate the National Day of the Republic of Slovenia, an event that annually commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. The reception was hosted by H. E. Damjan Bergant, the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia in Belgrade. The celebration was attended by a distinguished gathering comprising diplomats, government officials, business people, media representatives, as well as well-known figures from Serbia’s cultural and public life. The National Day reception served as a testament to the strong bilateral relations between Slovenia and Serbia, demonstrating the shared values and common goals that bind these two nations together.

There is Hope Away From Home –A Celebration of World Refugee Day in Serbia

In an act of unity and recognition of resilience, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Serbia and the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia hosted an inspiring event in observance of World Refugee Day, celebrated annually on June 20th. The venue was the esteemed Yugoslav Film Archive in Uzun Mirkova 1, a place ripe with history. Under the theme of “Hope Away from Home” for World Refugee Day 2023, the organizations unveiled an exhibition displaying the talent, creativity, and resilience of refugee students from the Faculty of Applied Arts in Belgrade. The show, made possible by the hard work and dedication of both students and professors, highlighted the artistry of refugees, incorporating a range of mediums, from applied painting to costume design. Two promising young men from the refugee community were among the featured artists. Their unique stories, perspectives, and creative visions were beautifully encapsulated in their works, standing as powerful testaments to their journey and hope for a brighter future. The exhibition also showcased stunning photographs of refugees from the former Yugoslavia and Cuba, courtesy of the talented Karim, himself a refugee from Burundi. Karim, who is now attempting to rebuild his life in Serbia as a photographer, used his camera as a tool to capture the strength, resilience, and hope of refugees, giving a face to an often misunderstood and marginalized group. The event was more than a showcase of talent. It served as a platform to send a strong message of inclusion and to highlight the untapped potential refugees bring with them to their host countries. The refugees’ courage, resilience, and creativity presented a potent argument against the often-negative narratives surrounding displaced populations. World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20th, is a day dedicated to recognizing the strength and courage of individuals who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. This year’s theme, “Hope Away from Home,” reflects the optimism, bravery, and potential that reside within each individual seeking refuge. In Serbia, the UNHCR and the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration amplified this theme and underlined that hope isn’t defined by geographical boundaries or political systems. Rather, it is a testament to human resilience and an inherent part of our collective strive for a better future. While the journey of a refugee can be fraught with challenges, the event made it clear that their hope and determination remain unbroken. Indeed, there is hope away from home, and it is personified in individuals like the young artists and Karim, who continue to contribute to society and enrich the cultural fabric of their new homes.

Canada Day Celebrated in Serbia –A Testament to Strengthening Bilateral Relations

In anticipation of Canada Day, the Embassy of Canada in Serbia marked the occasion with an early celebration this year. The well-established tradition of hosting a reception to commemorate Canada Day continued at the Canadian Residence. The event, held on June 27th, was presided over by H. E. Giles Norman, the Ambassador of Canada to Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. It brought together numerous guests from various sectors, an assemblage of diplomats, dignitaries, and partners dedicated to fostering stronger ties between the two nations. In his address, Ambassador Norman expressed heartfelt gratitude to the good many local partners in attendance. These individuals, he remarked, come from a diverse array of sectors – public, political, and civil. They have played a crucial role in fortifying the relationship between Serbia and Canada, contributing to an enriching, cooperative, and produc- tive dialogue. Canada Day celebrated annually on July 1, is a significant occasion in the North American country’s calendar. Originally known as Dominion Day, this federal statutory holiday marks the anniversary of the Canadian Confederation, which took place on July 1, 1867. The event, which turns 156 this year, is a symbol of national unity and reflects the nation’s journey of progress and development over the years. The early celebration in Serbia stands as a testament to the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.

30 June 2023

U.S. Embassy in Belgrade Celebrates Independence Day with Distinguished Guests

In an early commemoration of the Fourth of July Independence Day, a federal holiday in the United States, the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade held a festive reception on June 29th, bringing American traditions to Serbia. U.S. Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Ambassador Christopher R. Hill, hosted the event at the embassy residence in Dedinje, a prestigious Belgrade neighborhood. The residence’s yard was transformed into a vibrant celebration of American culture, adorned with the traditional colors of the American flag and symbolic motifs reflective of American heritage. In honor of the U.S. national holiday, notable Serbian leaders attended the occasion, including President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Ana Brnabić. Their presence underscored the strengthening diplomatic relations and deepening ties between the two nations. The event also attracted a broad spectrum of Serbian society, including numerous representatives from the diplomatic corps, as well as prominent figures from the public, cultural, and political scenes of Serbia. While Independence Day is typically observed on the Fourth of July in the United States, the early celebration in Belgrade signified the enduring alliance and mutual respect between the two countries.

Special Performance of Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra at Korea Week

Korean Embassy in Serbia hosted a unique cultural event at Madlenianum, a special performance of the Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra. This concert followed a number of other Korea Week events this year, including Korean food tasting and presentation of the Korean traditional costume Hanbok, aiming at the promotion of Korean culture in Serbia. In his welcoming remarks, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Jaewoong Lee, noted that having recognized the growing interest of the people in Serbia in the Embassy’s various cultural events, the world-renowned Korean traditional music orchestra, Gyeonggi Sinawi, was invited to give a special performance within the Korea Week. The concert was attended by 400 esteemed guests, including government representatives, diplomatic corps, and other public figures. The viewers said they felt inspired by the variety and dynamics of Korean traditional music in which traditional Korean instruments and electronic sounds are perfectly harmonized. They expressed their gratitude to the embassy and the orchestra for giving them the opportunity to experience new aspects of Korean culture, adding that they hoped that through various events in the future, they would be able to learn more about Korean culture. Ambassador Lee announced that starting with the performance of the Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra, various cultural events will be held throughout the year, such as a K-pop competition, a Korean film festival, and a promotion of Korean food. He also expressed hope that the people in Serbia would show interest and that they would respond in large numbers.

07 JULY 2023

Honoring Legends –The Paolo/Siniša Exhibition

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture Maja Gojković emphasized the importance of commemorating football greats Siniša Mihajlović and Paolo Rossi at the opening of the exhibition “In memory of: Paolo/Siniša,” according to a statement from the Ministry of Culture. Gojković emphasized Mihajlović’s indelible contribution to world football, his uniqueness, combativeness, and the emotions he brought to the game. She recalled his key role in the success of the Crvena Zvezda football club and the popularity and respect that he enjoys in Serbia, Yugoslavia, and Italy. Gojković expressed her pride that Mihajlović became an honorary citizen of Novi Sad during her mandate as mayor and emphasized his love for the country, humanity, and selflessness. She concluded that

Mihajlovic deserves great respect for his contribution to sport and society. She added that Mihajlovic and Rossi were exceptional ambassadors of their countries, idols for young people and people with strong personalities. The exhibition, organized by WORD CAMP INTERNATIONAL and the Paolo Rossi Foundation, includes segments dedicated to Mihajlovic, Rossi, international sports, and everyday life. It deals with their personal characteristics in the public culture of Serbia and Italy.

Regional Chief Correspondent for Balkan from the ANSA, Italian News Agency, Mr. Francesco Quintano, spoke for our magazine about the freedom of the press in Serbia, Europe and other countries.

You are a representative of an Italian news agency in Belgrade. How would you rate the state of media in our country?

The state of media and the freedom of the press are among the key indicators of a country’s extent of openness and democratic maturity. Serbia emerged in Europe as a young democracy following the fall of the Iron Curtain and the subsequent tragedy of the armed conflicts in former Yugoslavia. However,