D&C Magazine #89 October 2023

TALKS

CULTURE

SANTO VERSACE

THE RETURN OF MILIĆ OF MAČVA

AUTHOR OF ‘BROTHERS’ BOOK

OCTOBER 2023

ISSUE 89

SERBIAN DAYS IN HUNGARY

PRICE 350 RSD

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EVENTS 04 OCTOBER 2023

THE AMBASSADOR’S WIVES DANCED HAPPILY AT GERMAN UNITY DAY SERBIA IN STEP WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD DR. JELENA BEGOVIĆ

Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation

INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM IS THE ONLY HOPE FOR ALL WHISTLEBLOWERS JELENA ZORIĆ Investigative journalist, BIRN and Vreme

INTERVIEW

RESTORING TRUST IN THE PERSONAL PHYSICIAN

AN EVERLASTING PARTNERSHIP THAT KEEPS IMPROVING

MIODRAG KOSTIĆ

DR. DANICA GRUJIČIĆ

H.E. FATAH MAHRAZ

Belgrade gets the Palace of Science

Minister of Health of Serbia

Ambassador of Algeria in Serbia

25 MILLION EUROS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE

• FOCUS ON •

HEALTHCARE AND PHARMACY

• MENTAL HEALTH •

FOCUS ON

SIX MINISTRIES SIGN A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

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www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

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CONTENT

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FEATURED INTERVIEW FOLLOW US TO STAY UPDATED

SERBIA IN STEP WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD DR. JELENA BEGOVIĆ Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation

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FOCUS ON

HEALTHCARE AND PHARMACY

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INTERVIEW

RESTORING TRUST IN THE PERSONAL PHYSICIAN DR. DANICA GRUJIČIĆ Minister of Health of Serbia

ROBERT ČOBAN Director robert.coban@color.rs

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DRAGAN NIKOLIĆ Editor in Chief dragan.nikolic@color.rs

CULTURAL INTERVIEW

CULTURE IS THE MEETING POINT FOR OUR DIVERSITY

Journalists Žikica Milošević, Nikola Gudelj, Duška Jovanić, Mijat Kontić Advertising DRAGAN VUČEVIĆ dragan.vucevic@color.rs JELENA JAHURA jelena.jahura@color.rs Photos Nebojša Babić, Marko Todorović, Goran Zlatković, Imre Szabo Shutterstock Translation Snežana Bjelotomić, Brana Vladisavljević Prepress Studio Lončar Contributors: Dragan Nikolić, Robert Čoban, Duška Jovanić, Hidajet Biščević, Nikola Gudelj, Žikica Milošević, Mijat Kontić, Livija Lazić-Kankaraš, Thomas Hackl Print BIROGRAF COMP D.O.O. Zemun, Atanasija Pulje 22

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AMBASSADOR INTERVIEW

AN EVERLASTING PARTNERSHIP THAT KEEPS IMPROVING H.E. FATAH MAHRAZ Ambassador of Algeria in Serbia

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JOVANKA VIŠEKRUNA JANKOVIĆ Pianist, founder of ArtLink and the Camerata Balcanica orchestra

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TRAVELOGUE

ALGERIA A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY OF GOOD PEOPLE DRAGAN NIKOLIĆ

BUSINESS INTERVIEW

A NEW GLOBAL ORDER IN THE MAKING DR. IVAN NIKOLIĆ Senior Research Associate, Economics Institute

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MEDIA INTERVIEW

INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM IS THE ONLY HOPE FOR ALL WHISTLEBLOWERS JELENA ZORIĆ Investigative journalist, BIRN and Vreme

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TALKS WITH SANTO VERSACE AUTHOR OF “BROTHERS”

A TOUCHING CONFESSION OF THE UPS AND DOWNS OF THE VERSACE FAMILY

by DUŠKA JOVANIĆ

CIP – Katalogizacija u publikaciji Biblioteka Matice Srpske, Novi Sad 33 Diplomacy & Commerce / glavni i odgovorni urednik: Dragan Nikolić, 2016, (mart)-.Novi Sad: Color Media Communications, 2016 - , -33cm Mesečno ISSN 2466-3808 = Diplomacy & Commerce COBISS.SR-ID 303269895 Copyright 2016-2023 © Color Media Communications

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FOREWORD

Where Are the Roots of Our Anti-Semitism? (2)

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n Sunday, October 8th, I posted the following on my social media pages:

„Just pay attention to the comments on websites and social media in Serbia. The vast majority support and justify what Hamas is doing. These are the same people who hate Muslims in all other situations unless they attack Israel or the USA. When Al Qaeda attacked New York in 2001, the majority of people in Serbia rejoiced. We sided with Russia against Georgia, China against Taiwan, Iran against the USA, Russia against Ukraine... And all this because of three months of NATO bombing in 1999!

I have been coming to Sarajevo since 1997. This is a city that was under siege for four years and where thousands of people were killed. No one has ever looked at me sideways when they heard my accent or saw a Serbian passport. What’s wrong with us?”

Hundreds of comments followed, some supported what I wrote, but many continued to present arguments about why people in Serbia should be anti-Western: „It’s not just about 1999! What about the UN sanctions?” (As if China and Russia did not agree with them?) “And the anti-Serbian Hague Tribunal?” „And the concession of Kosovo’s independence?”

While looking at Michelangelo’s sculpture of Moses in the San Pietro Church in Vincoli, Rome, I remembered an article that was almost 10 years old – I wrote it in January 2014, after going on a cruise to Israel in November of 2013. Here is an excerpt from it that could explain what is happening now: (...) „Most of our group, to my no small surprise, exuded undisguised anti-Semitism throughout the trip. People whispered: „Oh, they are only interested in money and gold!”, and posed questions like: „How do you interpret that in the World Trade Center attack in New York, not a single Jew was killed?” (!?). Or the statements made after the tour guide’s story about Moses’ deliverance of the Jews from Egyptian slavery: „Oh, well, that means our Orthodox Moses saved them and brought them out of slavery!” (!?)

In all this, one should keep in mind that we are not talking about uninformed people from remote villages of eastern Serbia or horny teenagers, but the so-called „upper middle class” who can afford a ten-day cruise - private individuals, owners of car dealerships, former directors of large socialist companies, people ages 40 to 60. At the same time, I believe that none of them have met any Jews in their life to have a reason to hate them. Not once was a Jew their boss at work or poison their water... The State of Israel, to remind you, did not recognize Kosovo’s independence, unlike all its Western allies and „protectors”.

How did it happen that people in Serbia became so anti-Semitic? I believe that the root of everything lies in Slobodan Milošević’s propaganda from the time of the NATO bombing which accused Madeleine Albright and the American Jews of being culprits. This is what singers Maja Nikolić and Miloš Bojanić „mean” when they claim in front of millions of viewers of a reality show that they hate Jews „because they bombed Serbia”.

The second reason is universal - we always hate those who are more successful and richer than us! Those people who make up 0.1% of the planet’s population but gave 40% of the Nobel Prize laureates for medicine. Those people who in the 1967 war, fighting against all four of their neighbours, conquered the Golan, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza and Sinai in just six days. There are just as many Israelis as Serbs and we have only one Nobel laureate and in 100 years of war we lost everything that could be lost.

The third reason is ignorance such as that shown by a person who claims that Moses was „a Christian who saved the Jews from Egyptian slavery” and at the same time, claims to be a believer, goes to church regularly and celebrates the Slava. It is difficult to expect such a person to understand global historical trends.”

I would dare to say that ten years after I wrote that article, after numerous conspiracy theories circulating during the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine (the Jewish origin of President Zelensky), anti-Semitism has become even more entrenched in our country.

Robert Čoban

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READ THIS ON WEB

by Dragan Nikolić

FEATURED INTERVIEW

Serbia in Step With the Rest of the World Scientific challenges and achievements in 2023 DR. JELENA BEGOVIĆ

Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation

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e talked with Dr Jelena Begović, Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, about whether science in Serbia was stagnating, how to make it more popular with young people and the projects that the Ministry has been working on.

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Modern civilization and humanity are progressing at an incredible speed, but one gets the impression that there have been no significant scientific discoveries and achievements for a long time. Is that true or is it that such news does not come to the fore from overwhelming trivia?

Modern science often deals with complex and subtle questions that require deep understanding and years of work. Also, public interest in science plays a key role in recognizing and communicating scientific achievements. In Serbia, the Centre for the Promotion of Science plays a significant

PROGRESS IS INEVITABLY HAPPENING AND HAS A PROFOUND IMPACT ON OUR EVERYDAY LIVES AND FUTURE

role in popularizing science and educating the public about the importance of scientific research.

Although major scientific breakthroughs may not be reported by the media as often, advances in science are taking place and have a profound impact on our daily lives and future. The discoveries in science that have brought scientists Nobel Prizes are, especially in medicine and chemistry, discoveries that have fundamentally changed our lives. www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

For example, this year’s prize was awarded for findings that enabled the development of an RNA vaccine against COVID-19.

What would you single out as the most significant scientific and technological achievement in the world in the last ten years?

After four years of research in which more than a thousand scientists participated, in 2012 physicists at CERN announced and in 2013 confirmed the discovery of the Higgs boson. This particle helps explain why all other particles in the universe have mass.

There is also Elon Musk’s Starlink, an ambitious project that aims to create a global network of satellites for Internet access. This project aims to provide people all over the world, including rural areas, with access to fast and reliable Internet.

Also, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope was launched in 2021 on a mission to study the earliest stars and peer further into the universe’s past than we ever could before. This is the largest and most powerful space telescope ever launched and it is located at a distance of 1.6 million kilometres from Earth.

Furthermore, this year, scientists finally read the genetic information (DNA sequence) of the Y chromosome, one of the two sex chromosomes present in humans, thus completing the reading of human genetic information after three decades. This feat was extremely difficult because of the complex structure within the Y chromosome, but also important, because it will provide crucial information related to our health, including the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a machine programme that simulates human behaviour or thinking and can be trained to solve specific problems. The development of artificial intelligence has accelerated tremendously and found successful applications as a tool in medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, robotics, the automotive industry and art. I’m confident that we will witness how ubiquitous this technology will become in our lives.

How much does Serbia keep pace with the rest of the world in terms of science and technological development? We are witnessing that in the era of globalization, everyone has access to everything, but if we scratch the surface, things are very different.

We see that some countries, including ours, often lack modern resources (e.g. innovative therapies in medicine).

The Serbian government has clearly demonstrated that it recognizes the importance of progress in science and technological development and actively works to ensure that we are included in global trends. The BIO4 Campus project is an exceptional step forward in this sense. This campus will bring together the academic and start-up community, as well as large companies to encourage innovative research in biomedicine, biotechnology, bioinformatics and biodiversity. The campus will be a hub for the development

of innovations and as such, will contribute to the progress of medicine, pharmacy, environmental protection and biodiversity, but also to Serbia’s sustainable development.

Also, the Biosense Institute, the only European centre of excellence outside the European Union, plays a key role in promoting innovation in the digitization of agriculture and nanotechnology, thus contributing to the modernization of agriculture in Serbia.

The government has been continuously working on increasing allocations for innovative therapies, which are often needed in the treatment of very complex diseases. From 2012 to date, the state has increased investments in rare diseases, including diagnostics and therapies, by 32 times. Thanks to the state’s efforts, some of the medication used for these therapies is also produced in Serbia today.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN CONTINUOUSLY WORKING ON INCREASING ALLOCATIONS FOR INNOVATIVE THERAPIES

Bearing all of that in mind, what is the significance of the project launched by your ministry „Serbia, the land of science, the land of innovation” and what is the realistic outreach of such a project?

The nationwide project „Serbia, the land of science, the land of innovation” aims to promote science and technological development, support innovation and facilitate the involvement of the private sector and academia in these activities. The Science and Innovation Day will be held throughout Serbia in cooperation with the Centre for the Promotion of Science, the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia, the Science Fund and the Innovation Activities Fund.

In the last few years, the state has provided various tax incentives and financial support programmes for innovative ideas and companies that want to improve their business through research and development activities. During Science and Innovation Day, people will have the opportunity to learn more about these programmes and how they can use the available resources to support their innovative projects, as well as see examples of good practices that have successfully been implemented.

What needs to be done to make science more popular among young people, i.e. children of school age? We can see that the interest in studying at science faculties has been diminishing, while the faculties whose diplomas can lead to well-paid jobs are becoming increasingly popular. Science faculties are not in that group.

The popularization of science among young people, especially children of school age, is a crucial step towards building a scientific culture in society. CPN and the Fund for Young Talents continuously communicate with young people and support them through various programmes and events, as well as provide scholarships.

The aspect that we are quite strong at and which needs to be further popularized among young people is STEM fields which include natural sciences, technology, engineering and mathemat-

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ics. It is very important to explain to young people what career paths they have available ahead of them.

I don’t think it’s true that there is no money in science because some of the most successful fast-growing start-up companies were created on ideas that come directly from the lab, i.e. from scientists.

I think we all need to do more schools, parents, teachers and the media - to create an environment in which science and innovation have a well-deserved, central place.

serves as a central place for scientists, researchers, students, and the general public where they can access current scientific works and news from the world of science in Serbia.

The eNauka website contributes to the democratization of knowledge, by making more and more research and publications accessible to the public without any obstacles, which, in turn, helps the wider population to become familiar with the latest scientific achievements and contributions of Serbian scientists. It also

the selection of scientific titles and the work of the parent scientific committees.

So far, there are about 19,500 active researchers in eNauka’s database, plus 206 scientific research organizations and 624,806 scientific results.

We are continuously improving the website, adding new functionalities and improving the existing ones, to further contribute to the development of science and innovation in our country.

icine, agriculture, transport and energy.

The key to avoiding the negative consequences of AI is the development and implementation of ethical guidelines and standards.

Serbia is one of the first countries in the world to have adopted the Artificial Intelligence Development Strategy and Ethical Guidelines for the Development, Application and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence, with the view of setting up frameworks for the sustainable and responsible development of this technology.

Can the construction of the BIO4 Campus in Belgrade boost the popularity of science and young people’s interest in it?

The BIO4 Campus is a platform where experts can cooperate in a dynamic and inspiring environment. We want to build a completely different ecosystem to enable young people to take on challenging projects, innovate and collaborate with industry.

The campus will be a hub for modern research in bio-fields, from bio- and chemical engineering, through artificial intelligence and nanotechnology to new medical therapies and agricultural solutions. Young people will have access to the latest technologies and modern infrastructure, while the very concept of gathering experts from different fields in one place will inspire them and enable them to develop their passions and talents.

We expect that BIO4 Campus will become the epicentre of innovation and a place where young scientists and researchers not only from Serbia but from all over the world will be able to realize their ambitions, create new technologies and contribute in the best possible way to the development of science in Serbia.

Your Ministry’s new scientific website eNauka is a novelty too.

How well did the scientific community accept this website and what does it bring us, i.e. what doors can it open for us?

Since the launch of the eNauka website, we have received extremely positive feedback from the scientific community. This was a significant step towards the modernization and digitization of our scientific community. eNauka

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THE KEY TO AVOIDING THE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF AI IS THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ETHICAL GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS boosts transparency, because the website provides better insight into current research results, which again increases the transparency of the work of our institutions. It also digitizes the operations of scientific and research institutions. The system enables all procedures related to scientific and research activities to be carried out electronically, without paper, in significantly shorter terms and more transparently, for the benefit of researchers and institutions. These are the online NIO (science and research organization) accreditation procedures,

The popularity and use of artificial intelligence have been growing drastically recently, which, at least for now, is deemed controversial on many grounds. What’s your take on that? How can we avoid the negative consequences of AI and how can we use this ‘spark’ in the right way?

Artificial intelligence can have a positive impact on different aspects of our lives. It is a tool that I believe, with a responsible approach and good regulation, can be extremely helpful, above all in solving global challenges in med-

The Strategy places special emphasis on transparency, ethical use and protection of data privacy.

We must educate the new generations and teach them how to use artificial intelligence responsibly.

Investing in the research and development of these technologies and supporting start-ups engaged in the development of artificial intelligence is a step towards finding a solution that will not endanger anyone.

We strive to create an environment where artificial intelligence will be used to advance scientific research, innovate and solve complex problems. I believe that if the state, academic community, industry and citizens join their efforts, we can successfully manage ‘the spark’, as you call it and use it in the right way for the benefit of society. www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

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READ THIS ON WEB

by Dragan Nikolić

AMBASSADOR’S INTERVIEW

SERBIA & ALGERIA

An Everlasting Partnership That Keeps Improving

H.E. FATAH MAHRAZ

Ambassador of Algeria in Serbia

E

ver since Serbia was a part of Yugoslavia, relations with Algeria have been a beneficial necessity for both countries. Despite the cultural differences, Serbia and Algeria still have a lot in common. Throughout history, this relationship has been nothing but friendly and everything points to the fact that this will continue to be the case.

We talked with H. E. Mr. Fatah Mahraz, the Ambassador of Algeria in Serbia, about the trade between Algeria and Serbia and promoting each other’s tourist potential.

This year, for the first time, your Embassy was invited to send a team from Serbia on a press trip to Algeria. Does this mean that Algeria is interested in promoting tourism with Serbia and highlighting Algeria as an appealing travel destination?

First of all, I would like to thank you and your respected magazine Diplomacy&Commerce for accepting the invitation sent by

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Algeria has become Serbia’s largest economic and commercial partner in Africa the Office National du Tourisme et des voyages (ONT) (The National Organization for Tourism and Travel) to visit Algeria as part of EducTours, which was organized on the sidelines of the 22nd International Tourism and Travel Exhibition (SITEV) in Algeria, in September 2023.

SITEV is one of the most important tourist events that take place in Algeria and every year, it gathers national and international

part of its bountiful tourist potential and to be informed about the many business opportunities that this sector offers, thanks to the new legal framework that regulates it.

In recent years, our country has recorded a significant influx of foreign tourists to the Great South.

Tassili Cultural Park, for example, is currently a very popular destination. In 1982, it was listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site,

THE TRADE BALANCE CURRENTLY SHOWS A LARGE SURPLUS ON THE SERBIAN SIDE tourism workers, organizations and institutions to present their offer and establish business connections. This Exhibition is also on the World Tourism Organization’s agenda.

Your stay in Algeria was actually a trip of familiarization, the opportunity to discover just one small

and in 1986, it was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. In terms of the number of cave engravings, this is the largest site in the world.

I would like to use this opportunity to remind you that your trip, which included three other tourism-related professionals from

Serbia, is not the first activity carried out within the framework of cooperation aimed at getting better acquainted with a travel destination such as Algeria.

In the past, our country took part in the Belgrade International Tourism Fair. Our last participation was in February 2023. In addition to visitors flocking to the Algerian booth, the Embassy also coordinated successful meetings of the Algerian delegation with Serbian high-ranking officials and tourism professionals, to consider ways to boost the exchange in this segment. Numerous visitors and travel agencies from Serbia showed great interest in Algeria as a new tourist destination.

Algeria is aware that tourism is an important driver of economic growth and therefore in recent years, the country has been working on a strategy to improve the diversification of its economy, promoting this sector and relying on its main assets, which are still intact and preserved natural sites, impressive and undiscovered www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

touristic, historical and cultural potential and modern tourist and hotel infrastructure. The strategy also takes into account environmental protection.

Apart from tourism development, are the two countries cooperating in other areas too? What is the trade between Algeria and Serbia like? The Serbian agricultural industry is interested in marketing its products in the Algerian market. Is your market open to Serbian companies and what are the products that could be marketed in the near future?

Allow me to briefly explain the quality of the historical relations between our two countries, which are characterized by friendship and solidarity between our two peoples and which began even before my country declared independence, at a time when the former Yugoslavia and its peoples provided valuable and diverse assistance to our national liberation struggle. In 1959, the former Yugoslavia was the first European country to recognize the Provisional Government of Algeria.

Since then, this friendship and solidarity have grown stronger, which enabled the launch of multidisciplinary cooperation, which was useful in the work that my country invested in reconstruction and development after restoring independence.

Many Serbian companies actively participated in this reconstruction. They still operate in my country, where they work on many projects within the economic, industrial and trade partnerships in various fields, such as hydraulics, water management, construction and electric power, to name only the most important ones.

Since then, Algeria has become Serbia’s largest Arab and African economic and commercial partner, with an enviable volume of trade that is constantly growing. The trade balance currently shows a large surplus on the Serbian side. This trade mainly consists of agricultural and food products. The great potential of the economies of our two countries has not been fully utilized as yet.

Our two countries are working to create prerequisites for increasing mutual trade, especially through updating bilateral agreements.

In order for this situation to improve, we had several high-level bilateral meetings this year. At the meeting of the two foreign ministers, Mr. Ivica Dačić and Mr. Ahmed Attaf respectively, in June in Belgrade, a road map for the revival and expansion of the exchange was established. Both short- and medium-term political meetings are planned at a very high level, as well as economic ones, to introduce a new dynamic into the development of economic, scientific and technical cooperation.

How much will a direct flight contribute to the development of economic exchange and increase in tourist visits?

Are Serbian travel agencies interested in organizing trips to Algeria? What are the best reasons to visit Algeria?

Clearly, a great advantage lies in the fact that a tourist destination is accessible by air. The symbiosis between air transport and tourism really exists. The advantages of air transport are also essential for the development of economic and trade exchange.

Therefore, the re-establishment of direct Algiers-Belgrade flights would certainly boost the num-

It would take me dozens of interviews to list the many tourist aspects of Algeria. So I will mention only some of them. First of all, Algeria is the largest country in the Mediterranean basin, Africa and the Arab world. It contains prehistoric archaeological sites, such as the cave paintings of Tassili, the largest open-air museum in the world.

THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DIRECT ALGIERS-BELGRADE FLIGHTS WOULD CERTAINLY BOOST THE NUMBER OF TOURIST VISITS ON BOTH SIDES AND FACILITATE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES As far as the agricultural sector is concerned, Serbia really has indisputable knowledge that Algeria, which has been implementing major agricultural development projects in recent years, is interested in. Serbia’s expertise, especially in research and development, could positively contribute to the Algerian agricultural sector with new processes and technologies, which would improve the quality of certain products, especially seeds.

ber of tourist visits on both sides and facilitate business opportunities between the two countries.

Thanks to direct flights, citizens of both countries will save both time and money.

Talks between the experts of the two countries should begin soon to implement this project, which would indirectly contribute to boosting Belgrade’s role as a regional air hub.

Algeria enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, but the geographical and climatic contrasts are so impressive that there are periods when tourists, especially fans of fishing or nautical sports, can go from the beach to the Chréa or Tikjda ski resorts on the same day, whose snowy peaks are about 40km from the coast.

Located at the crossroads of several civilizations (Roman, Byzantine, Muslim, Ottoman), Algeria is not only a valued tourist destination thanks to its wonderful landscapes but also for its rich cultural and historical heritage.

Numerous archaeological and cultural sites have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, such as Timgad, Djemila, Tipaza, Casbah and the M’Zab valley with its oases and ksours, desert castles of unusual ancient architecture. Algeria also has numerous and unique sites that are impossible to enumerate in this short interview.

How would you describe Serbia to Algerians? What is it you like the most here and what would you recommend to your compatriots?

I would tell them that Serbia is at the crossroads of several civilizations, primarily Eastern and Western, that Serbia has countless historical and religious monuments that testify to the richness of its centuries-old history and that it is endowed with exceptional natural beauty.

Last but not least, I would like to tell them, especially young tourists, that its big cities are known for their abundant and varied cultural and artistic content and that all Serbs, whether they live in cities or the countryside, are hospitable and open.

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INTERESTING FACTS NATIONAL DAYS

NOVEMBER 2023 ALGERIA

1

ANGOLA

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POLAND

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BELGIUM

15

MOROCCO

18

LEBANON

22

ALBANIA

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Start of the War of Independence

Independence Day

© Shutterstock

Top 10 Countries with the Most Gold Reserves

I

n these unstable times, the money can suddenly turn into a piece of paper. Even if the gold standard has been abandoned for over 5 decades, there are some indications looming that the gold will be important again, and it is rumoured that the gold standard is on its way back, at least in the alternative monetary system rising on the Global South. Leaving the predictions and speculations behind, there are Top 10 countries with the most gold reserves. Unsurprisingly, the No. 1 is – the USA with 8,133.47 metric tons, which cements it as a world’s leading country, and then there is a bit of surprise, but only if you don’t understand the down-toEarth Germans, coming second 3,355.14 metric tons. Italy is also not-very-trustful when it comes to paper money, thus they occupy the third place with 2,451.84 metric tons, followed by France in

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Independence Day

King’s Day

Independence Day

Independence Day

Dita e Pavarësisë – Independence Day

fourth place with 2,436.5 metric tons. And then come the BRICS countries, frantically buying gold for the last 20+ years: Russia in fifth place with 2,298.53 metric tons, People’s Republic of China in sixth place with 1,948.31 metric tons, Switzerland in seventh place with 1,040 metric tons, Japan in eighth place with 845.97 metric tons, India in ninth place with 768.8 metric tons, and the Netherlands in tenth place with 612.45 metric tons. One day the world collapses (God forbid!), the gold will shine still.

www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

ARRIVALS

H.E. LI MING New Ambassador of China to Serbia In recent diplomatic developments, H.E. Li Ming © FOTO © Ministry of Foreign Affairs

has been appointed the new Chinese Ambassador to Serbia. Born in September 1974, Li’s distinguished career includes serving as the first-ever Chinese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands. His diplomatic journey, which began in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has seen significant international assignments, including roles in Toronto and Australia, and influential positions within the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs. Li’s new role signifies an anticipated strengthening of the Sino-Serbian partnership, building on a solid foun-

eral relations in an ever-changing global landscape.

dation of strategic cooperation. With a rich professional

His appointment is a nod to his vast experience and

background matched by a stable family life, Li Ming steps

the growing significance of Sino-Serbian ties in inter-

into this critical position poised to foster enhanced bilat-

national diplomacy.

DEPARTURES

H.E. ILIR BOÇKA Outgoing Ambassador of Albania to Serbia H. E. Ilir Boçka, the outgoing Ambassador of Albania to Serbia, is set to conclude his eminent diplomatic role of seven years, as Ambassador of Albania to Serbia. With a career spanning over four decades, Boçka’s journey from a journalist with the Albanian News Agency (ATA) to diplomacy highlights his diverse expertise and commitment to public service.

Notable positions include his ambassadorship in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), Deputy Minister of Defence focusing on Albania’s NATO integration, and various roles within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Director General for Bilateral Relations.

Boçka also represented Albania in New Delhi and at NATO, significantly shaping Albania’s foreign relations and defence policies. A University of Tirana alumnus, Boçka is proficient in multiple languages, an asset in his global responsibilities. As he departs from his role in Serbia, Boçka’s legacy remains defined by his dedication to enhancing Albania’s global standing and fostering international cooperation.

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DIPLOMATIC EVENTS

19 SEPTEMBER 2023

Brazilian Independence Day Celebrated in Belgrade The Embassy of Brazil in Belgrade marked a special celebration honoring the Brazilian Independence Day, commemorating the South American nation’s rich history and enduring spirit. The event was hosted by H.E. José Mauro da Fonseca Costa Couto, the Ambassador of Brazil to Serbia. The celebration paid tribute to Brazil’s journey as an independent nation and underlined the mutual respect and shared history that bonds the two countries.

As relations continue to flourish, such commemorations serve as a testament to the solidarity and partnership between Brazil and Serbia.

19 SEPTEMBER 2023

20 SEPTEMBER 2023

The German Climate Week was inaugurated by H. E. Ms. Anke Konrad, the German Ambassador to Serbia, with an open-air exhibition at Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Fortress. Running until 15 October, the exhibition celebrates Germany’s 20-year commitment to environmental and climate protection in Serbia. The week, spanning from 16 to 24 September, started with a festival in Kragujevac and the installation of insect hotels. Highlights include the Belgrade Climate Talks, a Women in Energy Sector conference, and a youth workshop on environmental conservation. The eventful week concludes with Prosumer Day and an art exhibition at KC Grad, curated by Berlin’s Christian De Lutz, focusing on sustainable art forms inspired by nature. This week promises a blend of education and engagement, emphasizing the importance of environmental awareness and collaboration.

In a significant event marking the longstanding ties between the two nations, the Embassy of Egypt in Belgrade hosted a grand reception on Tuesday, 19th September, to unveil a commemorative postage stamp.

This stamp, a symbol of enduring friendship, was released to mark the 115th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Serbia. Held at 18h at the majestic Residence of Egypt in the Serbian capital, the event saw a confluence of diplomats, dignitaries, and guests from both countries. The highlight of the evening was the introduction of the stamp, reflecting the shared history and mutual respect that Egypt and Serbia have cultivated over more than a century. The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Bassel Salah, presided over the ceremony. The event was a testament to the deep cultural, historical, and political ties that Egypt and Serbia share. As both countries look forward to further strengthening their bond, this stamp will serve as a reminder of their rich shared history.

German Climate Week Begins in Belgrade

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Egypt and Serbia Celebrate 115 Years of Diplomatic Relations with Commemorative Stamp Unveiling

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DIPLOMATIC EVENTS

21 SEPTEMBER 2023

Confindustria Serbia Hosted “Welcome Back” Cocktail Party Following Summer Break Confindustria Serbia held its notable “Welcome Back” cocktail party at the Crystal Hotel Rooftop in Belgrade, marking a momentous gathering of members and friends post-summer. The event, beyond its celebratory nature, was a golden opportunity to welcome new members into the fold. H.E. Luca Gori, the Italian Ambassador to Serbia, graced the occasion, underscoring the importance of unity and collaboration among the members of the association. Echoing the sentiment of the evening was a moving quote by Henry Ford shared during the gathering: “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is a success.”

This message resonated deeply with those in attendance, emphasizing the value of unity and collaboration in building a strong and progressive association. In a demonstration of the strong ties between Confindustria Serbia and the Italian government, the Italian Embassy in Belgrade lent its institutional support to the event. Their backing is a testament to the enduring partnership and mutual goals shared between Serbia and Italy, further enhancing the gravity of the association’s endeavors. The success of the “Welcome Back” cocktail party is a reminder of Confindustria Serbia’s pivotal role in bridging connections, fostering collaboration, and ensuring a thriving community of business professionals and allies in the region.

29 SEPTEMBER 2023

Australian Wines Shine in Serbian Capital The Embassy of Australia to Serbia hosted a wine-tasting event, celebrating the diverse flavors of Australian wines. Held in Belgrade, the gathering aimed to promote cultural exchange and introduce Serbian enthusiasts to Australia’s acclaimed wine regions. The gathering, graced by the presence of the Australian Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Mr. Daniel Emery, aimed to promote cultural exchange and introduce Serbian enthusiasts to Australia’s acclaimed wine regions. Attendees engaged with Australian wine experts, exploring a range of flavors. The event also sparked business interest, with Serbian distributors keen on importing Australian wines. The evening underscored the potential for deeper cultural and economic ties between Australia and Serbia, all through the universal language of wine.

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DIPLOMATIC EVENTS

04 OCTOBER 2023

The Ambassador’s Wives Danced Happily in the Belgrade’s Youth Center Belgrade’s Youth Center hosts the German Unity Day celebration attended by Serbian officials, and ambassadors, marked by anthems and 1960s hits. The celebration of the German Unity Day, which was held on Monday, in Belgrade’s Youth Center, was attended by numerous dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia Ana Brnabić, Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović, Minister of Economy Slobodan Cvetković, Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation Jelena Begović, American Ambassador H. E. Christopher Hill, Swiss Ambassador H.E. Urs Schmid, British ambassador H.E. Edward Ferguson, Spanish ambassador H. E. Raúl Bartolomé Molina, Italian Ambassador H. E. Luka Gori, The Commissioner for Protection of Equality Brankica Janković, former minister of economy Rade Basta as well as numerous representatives of the political and public scene in Serbia and others members of the diplomatic corps. German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) is a national holiday commemorating the unification of Germany in 1990., when the idea

of a unified Germany, created in the middle of the 19th century, was once again fulfilled. After singing the German, Serbian, and EU national anthems and the speech of, the Ambassador of Germany to Serbia, H.E. Anka Konrad, the guests were entertained by a band that played hits from the 1960s. The group of guests present, led by Julie Hill, the wife of the American ambassador, had a particularly good time.

07 OCTOBER 2023

Belgrade Witnessed a Celebration of Korean Culture On 29 September 2023, Belgrade witnessed a celebration of Korean culture. H.E. Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Serbia, Mr. Jaewoong Lee, and Madam Jinsook Shin marked the Korean National Day with a grand reception at the Korean Ambassador’s Residence in Belgrade. The event, honoring the significance of Gaecheonjeol (National Foundation Day), was attended by Serbian dignitaries, international representatives, and notable guests. This reception commemorated Korea’s historical legacy and reinforced the importance of international partnerships and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

13 OCTOBER 2023

Serbia Celebrates Korean Cinematic Artistry Serbia’s capital recently played host to a cinematic spectacle as the Embassy of the Republic of Korea inaugurated the Fourth Korean Film Festival. Held on Wednesday, 11th October 2023, the grand event took place at Bel-

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grade’s renowned Kinoteka.

Guests were welcomed with a delightful cocktail reception, hosted by H. E. Mr. Jaewoong Lee, and Madam Jinsook Shin, set the mood for the evening, which featured the screening of the acclaimed Korean film, “The Face Reader”. This significant movie undoubtedly captivated its audience, offering them a glimpse into Korea’s

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DIPLOMATIC EVENTS

17 OCTOBER 2023

The “Grand Prix of Belgrade” Makes a Celebrated Return on the Streets of Belgrade

10 OCTOBER 2023

Indonesia Celebrates 78th Independence Anniversary The Republic of Indonesia marked its 78th year of independence along with the 78th Anniversary of the Indonesian National Armed Forces with a commemorative event in Belgrade on Thursday, 5 October 2023. The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Serbia, H.E. Mr. Mochammad Chandra Widya Yudha, accompanied by Mrs. Aty Rachmawati, led the event which was attended by high-profile Serbian officials, including Ivica Dačić, First Deputy Prime Minister responsible for foreign policy and security, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, members of the diplomatic corps graced the occasion, further accentuating the significance of the bilateral relationship between Serbia and Indonesia.

The celebration not only marks an important milestone in Indonesia’s national history but also emphasizes the growing diplomatic ties and mutual respect between the two nations. cinematic genius. This year’s festival will be held beyond the capital’s boundaries. Following its opening in Belgrade from 11th to 14th October, the festival will make its way to the Cultural Centre in Novi Sad from 16th to 18th October. The concluding segment will be in Niš, where film enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see Korean movies in the Cultural Centre from 6th to 9th November.

On October 13, 2023, a significant event unfolded in Serbia’s capital, Belgrade. The organizers of the “Belgrade Grand Prix 2023,” in cooperation with the Embassy of Italy in Serbia and the Italian Institute of Culture in Belgrade, hosted a distinguished gathering. This assembly was dedicated to honoring the return of the famed “Belgrade Grand Prix” to the city’s streets.

This get-together also served as a moment to reflect on historical milestones. The year 1939. was particularly noteworthy, marking the debut and sole occurrence of the “Grand Prix of Belgrade.” However, history recently echoed on September 3, with the race being conducted once more. This recent competition mirrored the original, following the same course around Kalemegdan as it did in 1939. The commemorative event took place at the Italian Institute of Culture in Belgrade, with notable figures such as Roberto Cincotta, the director of the Institute, and H. E. Luca Gori, the Italian Ambassador to Serbia. A pivotal feature of the gathering was a panel discussion titled “Belgrade Grand Prix: an internationally recognized event again in Belgrade.” The discussion, facilitated by car racing heritage expert Giorgio Andrian, included speakers such as Milan Nikolić, the chief of AMSS; Patrizio Del Tos, president of Confindustria Serbia; and Nebojša Djordjević, an expert on Serbia’s automotive racing history.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of prominent individuals from various sectors in Serbia, encompassing governmental, cultural, and diplomatic guests. Their united presence underscored the significant status of the “Belgrade Grand Prix” in Serbia’s cultural heritage and celebrated its much-anticipated revival.

The concluding segment will be in Niš, where film enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see Korean movies in the Cultural Centre from 6th to 9th November. To ensure a comprehensive viewing experience, all movies showcased during the festival will have subtitles in both Serbian and English, catering to a diverse audience.

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DIPLOMATIC EVENTS

18 OCTOBER 2023

19 OCTOBER 2023

A clay vessel between 5,300 and 5,500 years old that will be displayed at the exhibition points to the Ecuadorian origin of cacao.

From October 17, 2023, visitors to the Museum of Chocolate in Belgrade will have a unique opportunity to learn about the earliest stages of the history of chocolate and its cultural roots within the exhibition “Ecuador, the Origin of Cocoa.” The central place of the exhibition is dedicated to a clay vessel between 5,300 and 5,500 years old, which belongs to the Mayo-Chinchipe culture of Ecuador and predates all other known discoveries of cacao by about 2,000 years. The exhibition is organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador in Hungary with accreditation for Serbia and the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Ecuador in Serbia. A clay pot with two handles and a

On Wednesday, October 18, Belgrade’s heartbeat to Malaysia’s beats!

The Embassy of Malaysia transformed the Galerija Belgrade Mall into a dazzling spectacle of culture, color, and friendship. The event, “A Journey Through Malaysia Truly Asia,” hosted by the charismatic Chargé d’Affaires, H.E. Mr. Khairul Tazril Tarmizi, was an unforgettable soirée dedicated to celebrating the vibrant tapestry of Malaysian heritage. From the moment the doors opened at 6.00 pm, guests were taken away on an exotic journey and the evening sparkled with traditional performances that had everyone’s eyes glued to the stage, showcasing Malaysia’s dynamic arts. What wasn’t on the official itinerary was the buzz of excitement as attendees from all walks of life — dignitaries, locals, and cultural enthusiasts — mingled, forging bonds over a shared love for culture. Discussions flowed, not just about the beauty of Malaysia, but also about budding opportunities blooming between Malaysia and Serbia. As the night wrapped, it was clear that guests were taking home more than just memories — they were carrying a newfound appreciation for a country that celebrates its diversity with pride. “A Journey Through Malaysia Truly Asia” was more than an event; it was a bridge connecting hearts and minds across continents, proving that while we all may hail from different corners of the world, the love for rich culture and good food is universal!

The Exhibition “Ecuador, the Origin of Cocoa” in Belgrade’s Museum of Chocolate

Belgrade Gets a Taste of Malaysia – Spoiler Alert: It’s More Colorful Than Expected!

Spondylus shell, with a two-sided figure of a man, was discovered at the archaeological site of Santa Ana La Florida in Palanda, southern Ecuador, at an altitude of 1,040 meters. “Ecuador was the main base for the production of chocolates, pralines with aromas and unimaginable flavor combinations, and the fact that the origin of cocoa comes from a country located in the very center of the world enabled the distribution of this product to southern countries such as Peru, Central America, and Mexico. Cacao has a scientific name in Latin, “Theobroma cacao,” which means “food of the gods,” so I recommend everyone to try Ecuadorian cocoa in chocolate whenever they have the opportunity because it is a unique experience for your senses,” said Kristina Ines Spalajković Vegas, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Ecuador in Serbia.

20 OCTOBER 2023

Hungary for a Party?

Ambassador Magyar Delivers!

peaceful and prosperous future. The night concluded with a reinforced sense of community, leaving attendees with a reminder of the values and heritage that unite both countries.

The city’s historic Palace Beli Dvor was buzzing with celebration on Thursday evening as the Embassy of Hungary hosted a special reception to mark Hungarian National Day. Ambassador of Hungary, H.E. Mr. József Zoltán Magyar, and Mrs. Laura Magyar welcomed a diverse crowd of dignitaries, local officials, and cultural representatives to celebrate not only Hungary’s past but also its present-day connections with Serbia. The event kicked off at 6 PM, against a backdrop of traditional music and culinary delights that showcased Hungary’s vibrant culture.

Ambassador Magyar’s speech highlighted the enduring friendship between Hungary and Serbia, emphasizing shared goals and mutual respect. The reception, while brief, was a meaningful tribute to the ties between the two nations, underscoring a shared commitment to a

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AMBASSADOR’S POSTCARD

Serbia Never Forgotten What have you been doing since you left Belgrade?

In our September issue, we have a postcard from a recently retired ambassador, Mr. Demetrius Theophylactou from Cyprus, and now, we are so pleased to show you, our dear readers, a postcard that we received from the ambassador Yaffa Ben-Ari,

Yaffa Ben-Ari Retired Israeli Ambassador and former Ambassador of Israel to Serbia retired ambassador of Israel who left her post in Belgrade 16 years ago.

But since then, she has kept returning to Serbia and her friends here.

I left my post in Belgrade 16 years ago!! Since then, I have had the wonderful experience leading the Israeli participation in the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China, and at Yeosu International Expo 2012 in South Korea. The Israeli pavilions and activities in these Exhibitions enjoyed great success.

Another exciting milestone in my diplomatic career was the promotion to the position of Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem, heading the Economic Affairs Department.

After that, I was honored to serve my country as the Ambassador to Japan for another amazing 4 years.

Today, I am retired but still active as a board member of the Israel-Japan Chamber of Commerce and an advisor to Israeli companies in developing business with Japan.

Comment on the current situation in Israel Israel has been in a state of war since Oct. 7. The Hamas terrorist attack on the civilian population of southern Israel on that Saturday was the bloodiest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

Over 1,400 people were barbarically murdered, over 4,000 were injured, and 199 were kidnapped to Gaza.

The images are horrific: babies, children, women, and holocaust sur-

What (and who) do you miss the most from Serbia?

I never forget the time I spent in Serbia! I have visited Belgrade a few times since I left. I enjoy visiting the country I had such a great time living in while promoting our countries’ relationships.

I hope to be able to visit your great country soon.

I do miss my Serbian friends and the people I worked with. I miss attending Zdravko Colic Concerts! I miss the great food as well as the wonderful atmosphere.

I was excited to learn Belgrade will host the International Expo in 2027. This is a grand opportunity to showcase your talented people and culture to the world and attract attention to your country’s special spirit!

vivors who were murdered or kidnapped to Gaza.

Hamas = ISIS. Israel is strong and will fight to eliminate the Hamas terrorist base.

But no one worldwide can stay neu-

tral to the terrified Israeli children, mothers, fathers, and grandmothers, being held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza right now. We all must be united in the urgent efforts to bring them back home!

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SCOOP

by Thomas Hackl/Kontrast.at

Bolivia: Less Poverty and Booming Economy Through Nationalisation of Mineral Resources alise the mineral resources, strengthen the rights of the indigenous population and expand the welfare state. Despite opposition from the country’s political elites, Morales was elected the country’s first indigenous president in 2005 with an absolute majority. Under his presidency, which lasted until 2019, the country changed fundamentally.

Nationalisation of mineral resources

Tarabuco, Chuquisaca / Bolivia Group of Poor Indigenous Kids in Colorful Clothes Eat Soup for Lunch and Interact with Each Other / © Shutterstock

B

olivia, a country in the Andes, has developed strongly in recent years. Since the left-wing president Evo Morales took office, poverty in the country has been more than halved, life expectancy has risen by four years and the economy is booming. Bolivia has achieved this through the nationalisation of its mineral resources and an economic policy that takes care of the poorest in the country.

terials and introduced far-reaching social programmes to help the impoverished population. As a result, during his time in office, Morales was able to more than halve poverty in Bolivia and the economy grew faster than in almost all other Latin American countries.

Bolivia was long considered the poorhouse of Latin America. Although the country is rich in raw materials, most of the profits from their extraction went to large corporations from Europe and North America. This changed when the indigenous trade unionist Evo Morales was elected president in 2006. He nationalised the country’s raw ma-

Evo Morales grew up in extreme poverty in the highlands of Bolivia in the 1960s. Four of his brothers died at a young age. He attended school for only six years before helping to feed the family by selling sweets and working in a bakery. As a young adult, he became active in the local coca farmers’ union and took on more and more responsibilities.

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From poverty to the presidency

The country’s government was controlled by the white upper class, although the population was largely indigenous. The country’s political situation had been marked by wars and coups d’état since independence in 1821. The economy barely moved. Much of the population, especially indigenous peasants in the highlands, lived in abject poverty and had little say in the country’s politics.

In addition, the country’s mineral resources were controlled by international corporations. The poor population had hardly anything from the country’s wealth of resources.

Morales wanted to change that.

Together with other trade unionists and activists from the indigenous population, he created the Movimento al Socialismo (MAS) party. Their goal was to nation-

One of the first major steps taken by the Morales government was the nationalisation of Bolivia’s oil and gas resources. By law in 2006, the large international corporations that had controlled these mineral resources until then were required to sign new agreements with the state oil and gas company Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB). In some cases, YPFB took over the extraction of the raw materials completely, in some cases only shares in them. The Morales government took a similar approach when it nationalised the mining industry in 2007. The following year, the Bolivian government also nationalised the largest company in the telecommunications sector.

Through these nationalisations, the government now not only had more control over its own resources, but could also use the

Bolivia’s minimum wage was quadrupled during Morales’ term in office (2006 to 2019). More money in their pockets meant that Bolivians could now consume more. This further boosted the economy.

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profits from their extraction for social and infrastructure projects.

The fight against poverty When the Morales government took office, Bolivia was the poorest state in South America. Morales experienced the bitter poverty of the population himself. His goal and that of the MAS movement was to end this poverty. This was achieved mainly in three ways: strengthening the economy, raising wages and expanding the welfare state.

With the income from the extraction of raw materials, the government modernised the country’s infrastructure. Between 2000 and 2015, public investment doubled. Roads, hospitals, and schools were built. An important focus, however, was the develop-

Bolivia managed to keep inflation at the lowest level in Latin America through subsidies for food and energy

ment of rural areas. Through land reform, small farmers gained access to land that was previously in the hands of large landowners.

In addition, the government supported food prices to help small farmers and ensure the country’s food security. At the same time, oil and gas refineries were built not only to export raw materials, but to keep value added in the country.

in school instead of sending them to work. Free meals were also introduced to further increase attendance at school.

and regional parliaments or have held ministerial posts. Joshua, a taxi driver in La Paz, explained the political change as follows:

Poverty in Bolivia more than halved

“We used to be governed by the upper class, now our own people govern us. We now live with dignity.”

Poverty in Bolivia has been more than halved from 47.20% to 15.60% during Morales’ term in office.

Life expectancy has also risen from 64 to 68 years during this period. With an average economic growth of 4.7 percent, Bolivia’s economy has grown faster than in almost any other country in Latin America. At the same time, the government has been able to significantly reduce social inequality in the country.

Morales’ flight from Bolivia and exile

More rights for indigenous people In addition to the social and economic improvements for the broad population of Bolivia, the MAS government was also able to strengthen the political rights of indigenous groups. A new constitution was adopted, making Bolivia a plurinational state. In the course of this, a total of 36 indigenous languages were recognised as official languages. In addition, the indigenous flag Wiphala has since been used on an equal footing with the national flag.

Since the electoral success of MAS, more indigenous people have been elected to the national

Despite the MAS government’s successes, it has also been heavily criticised. Morales was accused of being too distant from the needs of the indigenous population. In addition, his government was repeatedly accused of a lack of environmental protection.

Bolivia’s rainforests are falling victim to slash-and-burn agriculture. The dependence of the Bolivian economy on fossil fuels and raw materials is also repeatedly criticised.

However, Evo Morales received the most criticism for not wanting to leave the presidency. After his first electoral victory, he was elected president in 2009 and again in 2014 with a large majority. In 2018, the Supreme Court overturned a constitutional article that prevented him from running again. When Morales ran for president again the following year, he drew heavy criticism at home and abroad. Irregularities occurred during the election and although Morales clearly won the election, the opposition rejected the result.

Riots broke out in many parts of

the country. The police and military leadership sided with the opposition. When the military chief asked Morales to resign, he complied and fled Bolivia.

The right-wing opposition then took power and tried to reverse many of the MAS government’s reforms. The welfare state was to be cut back, large corporations were to control the extraction of natural resources again and, above all, the rights and influence of the indigenous population were to be pushed back. The opposition was mainly based on evangelical Christians and the country’s economic elites.

New president continues reform policy Although it soon became clear that there was no electoral fraud in the 2019 election, the new government repeatedly delayed new elections. Elections were first held in October 2020. These were clearly won by the MAS candidate and former Minister of Economy in the Morales government, Luis Acre. Evo Morales then returned to Bolivia.

Luis Acre is considered the architect behind Morales’ economic policy and is continuing his reforms. For example, Bolivia managed to keep inflation at the lowest level in Latin America through subsidies for food and energy.

Bolivian miner works inside Cerro Rico mine in Potosi, Bolivia / © Shutterstock

With a stronger economy, higher wages could be paid. A particular focus was on the incomes of the poorest in the country. That is why Bolivia’s minimum wage was quadrupled during Morales’ term in office (2006 to 2019). More money in their pockets meant that Bolivians could now consume more. This further boosted the economy.

Numerous social programmes were created to reduce poverty even further. The universal basic pension Renta Dignidad is particularly central. Many thousands of older Bolivians received a pension for the first time. In addition, poverty-stricken families were supported if they kept their children

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BUSINESS NEWS

20 SEPTEMBER 2023

MediGroup Marks Ten Years of Excellence in Healthcare Yesterday, MediGroup, Serbia’s leading private healthcare network, commemorated a decade of delivering high-quality medical services with a gala celebration. Formed a decade ago through the merger of some of the country’s oldest and most esteemed private healthcare facilities, MediGroup now operates in more than 75 locations across Serbia. From its inception, MediGroup has been committed to elevating healthcare standards for Serbian citizens. The organization has continually focused on innovation and network expansion. Building a strong rapport with patients and offering top-notch medical care have been pivotal in reaching this remarkable ten-year milestone.

10 OCTOBER 2023

See How Much Fun We Had At The First Party Without Cigarettes In Belgrade

5 OCTOBER 2023

Crafter Celebrated Its Second Birthday CRAFTER, the renowned Do-It-Yourself brand that offers more than 50,000 products on 10,000 m2, today proudly marked its second year of business. Built on the unique concept of LET’S WORK TOGETHER, CRAFTER offers consumers a better shopping experience and its employees a safe place to work. The birthday celebration was magnified by a large number of media representatives, who had the opportunity to see first-hand that in one place you can find everything for a PROFI and HOBBY workshop, construction, renovation, enjoying and working in the garden, and furnishing, and decorating the home. With a fun and interactive program, guests got to know the essence of the brand – complete service for every home or business project, from start to finish.

With a big party in the hangars of the Port of Belgrade, the new smokeless device IQOS ILUMA was presented to the domestic public, which users in Serbia were eagerly waiting for. It is the most innovative product that does not burn but heats the tobacco and is intended exclusively for adult smokers who are not ready to give up the enjoyment of tobacco. At the event, only the use of smokeless alternatives was allowed, that is, the use of traditional cigarettes was not allowed. With the performances of Bajage i Instruktora, Fantom, and Deaf in mini, numerous dignitaries, representatives of the business world, and the media were the first to have the opportunity to see and try this innovative product, for which IQOS fans, until now, had to go to foreign countries. IQOS ILUMA represents the best product of the Philip Morris company so far because it uses the latest and most innovative tobacco heating technology but also meets all the demands and needs of adult smokers. It is the SMARTCORE INDUCTION SYSTEM – tobacco heating technology without a blade and the need for cleaning. The innovative heating technology in these devices heats the tobacco inside new types of tobacco cartridges that are produced in Italy at the Philip Morris Manufacturing & Technology plant in Bologna.

The new Autostart function automatically starts heating the cartridge when it is placed in the device holder. The new device has no blade and provides a cleaner way to heat tobacco. In addition, there is no combustion, no ash, no tobacco smoke, or unpleasant odor that could bother not only the users but also the environment.

10 OCTOBER 2023

Protocol on Cooperation Signed Between the Croatian Business Club and Rotary District 2483 Marija Radulović, president of the Croatian Business Club, and Aleksandar Radojičić, governor of Rotary District 2483 for Serbia and Montenegro in 2023/2024, signed the Protocol on Cooperation in Belgrade. This protocol includes support in business activities, the organization of joint events, and the exchange of experiences of members of both organizations.

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BUSINESS NEWS

10 OCTOBER 2023

Belodore Wins ‘Top Regional Retail Breakthrough’ at D&C’s Croatia 6th Anniversary

12 OCTOBER 2023

Ferrari Sf 90 Stradale Available at OMR Luxury Store

On Monday, 9 October 2023. Diplomacy&Commerce Croatia organized an event on the occasion of its sixth birthday in the famous Esplanade Hotel in Zagreb. On that occasion, regional awards were given to companies and institutions for outstanding contributions in their industries and fields of activity. At this festive event, Belodore received the award – The biggest breakthrough in the regional retail industry! Expressing gratitude to the media house Diplomacy&Commerce for recognizing and rewarding Belodore for the biggest breakthrough in the regional retail industry, Miloš Milutinović, general director of DP Lux Group, of which Belodore is a member, pointed out that in 3 years, from 2020, the incredible growth of Belodore perfumery was achieved in the region. This growth was achieved thanks to a team of colleagues from DP Lux Group, as well as regional partners such as Diplomacy&Commerce Croatia, Milutinović pointed out. Belodore perfumeries are located in 6 markets (Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, Montenegro, Bulgaria, North Macedonia) with over 30 million people. This October, Belodore celebrates its third birthday, currently 13 perfumeries operate in the region, and by the end of the year, with new openings, Belodore will become the largest chain of niche perfumeries in Europe.

The undisputed Ferrari SF90 Stradale model is now part of the OMR Luxury Store offer (WEST 65 Mall, Omladinskih Brigada 86, New Belgrade). This perfect plugin hybrid with 4 engines is rated

by good specialists of the Ferrari brand as the most powerful and fastest production model in the long history of Ferrari. If any car brand has never had a problem with the character, then we can certainly say that it is Ferrari. We are glad that OMR Luxury Store has enriched its offer and made the SF90 available to the Serbian market. It may sound unusual, but it is a car that, in addition to its unique adrenaline-fueled nature, can also be useful in everyday use due to its three electric motors in addition to the standard internal combustion engine.

For those who might feel unsafe behind the wheel, there are a number of safety systems that are definitely recommended to be included. Otherwise, it is intended only for the greatest experts behind the wheel – stated Vera Vuković, marketing manager of OMR.

11 OCTOBER 2023

Lidl Serbia Marks Five Years of Business Investment in Serbia exceeds 550 million euros. Exactly five years ago, the citizens of Serbia had the opportunity for the first time to step into newly opened Lidl stores and experience the best price-to-quality ratio of products from Lidl’s carefully selected assortment. Since entering the market, Lidl has invested over 550 million euros in Serbia, exported Serbian goods worth more than 30 million euros, and employed more than 3,300 people. „When we look back at the past, market-wise, not-so-easy five years, I can proudly say that we have opened all 67 stores in 38 cities with the same enthusiasm. According to the GfK research for the year 2023, Lidl ranks first in terms of overall consumer satisfaction, and this is what motivates us to continue offering products with the best price-to-quality ratio daily, as well as to continue listening to the needs of our consumers and the domestic economy,” stated Dragan Čigoja, the CEO of Lidl Serbia.

17 OCTOBER 2023

Beam Global Completes Due Diligence and Negotiations and Signs Agreement to Acquire Europe Based Amiga Acquisition Marks Beam Global’s Entry into European Market and Adds Significant Manufacturing, Engineering, and Sales and Marketing Resources. Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM, BEEMW) (“Beam Global” or the “Company”), a leading provider of innovative sustainable products and technologies for electric vehicle (EV) charging, energy storage, energy security and outdoor media, today announced the execution of a Stock Purchase Agreement to acquire Europe based Amiga DOO Kraljevo (“Amiga”), an established manufacturer of specialized structures and equipment including street lights, communications and energy infrastructure, whose manufacturing, engineering and sales teams serve municipalities, states and commercial customers in 16 nations. The transaction, valued at approximately €10 million, is expected to close in early Q4 2023 at which time Amiga will be re-branded Beam Europe.

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READ THIS ON WEB

by Dragan Nikolić

BUSINESS INTERVIEW

A New Global Order in the Making For a small, open economy in the Balkans, relying exclusively on its own might and entrepreneurship is not desirable

PHOTO Private archive

Russian Federation, the effect of the Western sanctions was overestimated from the beginning of the war, while the rebound effect on the EU economy was underestimated. The Russian economy was preparing for these circumstances in the middle of the last decade when it was punished for the annexation of Crimea.

DR IVAN NIKOLIĆ

Senior Research Associate, Economics Institute

T

he global economic scene is facing numerous challenges that will largely shape the new geopolitical order.

We talked with Dr. Ivan NIkolić, Senior Research Associate from the Economics Institute, about the impact of wars, health and

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economic crises in the global market, but also on Serbia.

Considering that the war in Ukraine caused huge changes in the global economic scene, how is the figurative deck of cards

going to be split in this context?

Who is at a loss and who is at a gain?

There are no winners. The biggest loser is Ukraine, but also Europe as a whole. As for the

AT THE END OF THIS DECADE, CHINA WILL PROBABLY BE THE WORLD’S LARGEST ECONOMY IN TERMS OF GDP AT CURRENT PRICES

The downturn in the EU is driven by deindustrialization. To a lesser extent, it stems from the decline in global demand. The productivity and efficiency gains from closer international cooperation are no longer possible due to geopolitical concerns. However, the fundamental source of the deconjuncture is the loss of technological advantage. The war further exacerbated previous production problems by augmenting energy costs. Fiscal policy is under increasing pressure. The available resources necessary for refinancing the debts of future generations are rapidly decreasing. Expenditure increased due to investments in the defence sector. High inflation is distortionary, while its extended duwww.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

ration implies high real interest rates, which would harm private and public investments and thus curb future growth. Demographic problems, the ageing population and the lack of qualified workforce in many sectors are becoming increasingly pronounced.

Technological progress and different dimensions of digitization are putting business models in all sectors under considerable pressure to modernize and adapt quickly, with a strong imperative for accelerated decarbonization.

How stable is the US economy today and how well is it resisting the crisis? How does the state of the US economy affect the rest of the world?

The situation is somewhat more stable ‘across the pond’, due to the lower tension over the approval of the interim state budget in late September. But that does not diminish the fact that the Fitch agency recently refused to give the USA its highest credit rating precisely because of the deteriorating medium-term fiscal outlook, excessive public debt, political instability and lacklustre economic activity. Fiscal concerns and risks are growing in an environment of economic slowdown, prolonged periods of elevated interest rates and narrowed fiscal space. This state of economic affairs produces ever greater distortions in relations with China, with negative externalities on the rest of the world.

How is the Serbian economy dealing with global turbulences?

Will imposing sanctions on Russia cost us dearly?

Serbia persistently insists on neutrality. Such an approach is very risky, but at this moment, high risk is coupled with higher gain.

Excellent economic cooperation, above all with China, has positive effects in numerous segments.

There are even greater expectations from the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (with China). It sounds incredible that industrial production in Serbia in August was 5.7% higher compared to the same month of the previous year.

Almost a third of the production increase comes from the process-

ing sector. This is the best result in Europe (for instance, in this period, production in the Eurozone decreased by 5% on average).

Total economic growth this year will be around 2.5% and will be driven by net exports and fixed investments. Due to preserved economic stability and positive medium-term prospects, the interest of foreign investors is not decreasing.

Many view the Chinese economy as the strongest in the world in the future. How far are we from that moment and how will it affect us?

Such an outcome seems inevitable despite the many challenges and risks. The Chinese economy has slowed, but not enough

us, far away, and which is of an evolutionary nature. It was devised to find an alternative to the financial architecture created after WW2, which is said to have neglected the voice and interests of developing economies. I believe that competition is useful and welcome in the global financial system as well. However, the BRICS itself is made up of countries that are asymmetrical in economic strength and influence, with different economies and political interests. Diversity is sometimes an advantage, but also a limitation, especially if you want to accomplish the final goal quickly. We cannot even formally be part of BRICS, because that is the official position of the EU to which membership we aspire.

That is why it is better to follow

THIS YEAR, GLOBALLY SPEAKING, INFLATION IS SLOWING DOWN

to halt its progress altogether.

The discontinuity with earlier development was consciously created and since the pandemic, the key levers of progress have been self-confidence and own strengths, not globalization and export expansion. Domestic demand became the main source of growth. At the end of this decade, China will probably be the world’s largest economy in terms of GDP at current prices. Various factors indicate that in many segments China is already a global leader.

The fact that causes the biggest anxiety and nervousness among European officials is that this process is also taking place in the sectors in groups that are in higher stages of generating added value and the latest technologies.

The BRICS countries are also demonstrating considerable strength and expanding their influence and importance in terms of global events. What is your view of this alliance and what can we expect from it in the near future? Is BRICS about creating a new world order?

That’s inevitable, but it is also a process that is happening past

the development of BRICS from aside and to extract benefits from the cooperation provided by, for example, the Belt and Road Initiative, which this year marks the tenth year of development.

Have we managed to curb inflation in Serbia and what are your predictions in the context of local and global events?

This year, globally speaking, inflation is slowing down. But the fight against inflation is still ongoing, although some of its causes are under control - supply chains have recovered, while shipping and transport costs are lower. The reason for declining inflation is not only the restrictive monetary policy measures but also the drop in food and energy prices that followed the accumulation of gas reserves in Europe and the slowdown of the Chinese economy after its opening. Core inflation (which excludes food, energy, alcohol and tobacco) is declining much more slowly. Its high level and persistence are the result of the growth of corporate profits and wages (which are incorporated into prices), especially when we take into account

that productivity is dropping and that high profits and wages are less and less sustainable.

Is the Serbian economy’s dependence on Germany a danger for us in the long term? Are claims that this is a new colonialism justified, not only in terms of Serbia but also in the case of other Balkan countries?

Since 2017, the Serbian economy’s strong dependence on Germany has somewhat subsided.

This fact partly explains the current divergent movement of our economies. Germany is still the No 1 external trade partner of Serbia and an important investor, but its position is not as dominant here as it is in regional countries.

Being highly dependent on Russian gas, Germany’s economy has been under pressure since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, i.e. since the rise in energy prices and a simultaneous drop in consumption due to pessimistic forecasts. The current PMI for Germany’s manufacturing industry (in terms of new orders) is at a 30-year low, as is employment in this sector.

How can we start relying on our own might and entrepreneurs?

We can see from the example that local areas with strong entrepreneurship show exceptional resilience to the global crisis.

For a small, open economy in the Balkans, relying exclusively on its own might and entrepreneurship is not desirable. The domestic entrepreneurial spirit is currently going through an initial awakening. Apart from the ITC sector, the MSME sector has shown resilience during recent external shocks, but is not credited with maintaining a relatively high rate of economic growth and this is especially true for the real sector. There is no ambitious growth without big businesses.

Unlike large economies where MSMEs are the backbone of the economy, it is the other way around here. The small companies continue to support the big ones and that won’t change for a long time. This reality defines state aid and incentives for this sector.

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PHILANTHROPY

Serbia is to Get the Palace of Science The Miodrag Kostić Endowment, in cooperation with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the University of Belgrade, donates to Serbia the first Center for Research and Popularization of Science initiation of a wave of innovations.

The established cooperation aims to provide teachers, students of all study levels, and postdoctoral students of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering with modern space, equipment, and the best conditions for work and scientific research.

The performance of the Endowment is based on the values of Miodrag Kostić, at the center of which are knowledge, work, and continuous development. His vision for the Palace of Science fosters a passion for discoveries, new knowledge, and pushing boundaries.

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he Palace of Science Miodrag Kostić Endowment will be the first Center for Research and Popularization of Science in Serbia and the largest in the region. Following the example of the best world centers of this kind, scientific contents and activities in the Palace of Science will cover more than 5,500 m2, and the support for science and the scientific and technological development of Serbia has been provided through a donation worth more than 25 million euros. A monumental architectural landmark in the center of Belgrade - a building dating back to 1924 at the intersection of Kralja

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Milana and Kneza Miloša Streets, will open its doors to all current and future scientists, researchers, students, and pupils, but also to people of all generations who believe in a world of boundless possibilities revealed by science. The Miodrag Kostić Endowment will significantly contribute to Serbia’s scientific and technological development through the activities in the Palace of Science.

The cooperation between the Miodrag Kostić Endowment and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the University of Belgrade was made official at the end of October in the presence

of the Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Dr. Jelena Begović, as well as representatives of the scientific research and academic community of our country. This cooperation is the beginning of a platform creation that will bring together people and organizations with the common goal of strengthening science as a driving force of development in every society. The importance of the partnership with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering will be reflected in the contribution to education, Serbia’s scientific and technological progress, and the

In the future building of the Palace of Science, there will be 19 research centers managed by teachers of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering. Research in various scientific fields will be conducted in over 1,500 m2 of exclusive laboratory space. In addition to the research centers, one part of the space will bring science closer to the wider public, stimulating curiosity in children and young people by learning about scientific discoveries and their applications in everyday life.

The Palace of Science will host many interactive and educational exhibits as part of permanent and guest exhibitions, providing all visitors with unique scientific experiences and exciting demonstrations.

The Miodrag Kostić Endowment will greatly influence the development of Serbian science and will place the young generations, who are our future, at the epicenter of world technological innovations. www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

© Marko Todorović

Miodrag Kostić - Visionary in Business, Philanthropist at Heart

The public recognizes Miodrag Kostić, the President and Founder of MK Group, as one of the most successful Serbian businessmen who has expanded his business beyond the borders of our country and enjoys an international reputation. Throughout his development path as a visionary and strategist, he has always emphasized the importance of knowledge, hard work, and perseverance. Supporting children and young people is the backbone of his philanthropic activities. He personally initiates and monitors a large number of projects, and among them are the regional CSR program „Family Support,” support for education, assistance to healthcare, and vulnerable groups of the population, with a special focus on local communities where the companies owned by him operate. He allocated over five million euros for socially responsible actions in the past five years alone.

The community has recognized his efforts to provide generations with better opportunities for life and a chance to prosper. Miodrag Kostić receives numerous awards for business success, but his favorite ones are those that reward humanity. He is the only person in Serbia who has been awarded the Badge of Honor by the international organization SOS Children’s Village as a sign of gratitude for his long-term support and contribution. He is the bearer of the Golden Badge of the Red Cross of Serbia, the prestigious title „Friend of the Family” awarded by the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia, and numerous awards for donating food to vulnerable populations.

The VIRTUS award for philanthropy and contribution at the national level for MK Group in 2020, followed after Miodrag Kostić was among the first to respond to calls from governments in the region and

indicated various forms of assistance during the coronavirus pandemic.

His passion for developing and improving society was the motive for establishing the Endowment, which bears his name. This is the second endowment he has started. Previously, in 2013, he handed over his family home in Novi Sad, as the „Kostić Family Endowment,” to the „Institute for Health Care, Children and Youth of Vojvodina” for the needs of more humane treatment in cooperation with the NURDOR association. With his socially responsible actions, Miodrag Kostić deserves the title of a modern patron endower who desires to leave a lasting value to the peoples of these areas, like the great endowments in Serbian history.

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by Mijat Kontić

MEDIA INTERVIEW

Investigative Journalism is the Only Hope for all Whistleblowers Support comes primarily, often, and exclusively, from the public

JELENA ZORIĆ

Investigative journalist, BIRN and Vreme

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hat is the current situation in the Serbian media like? Is there enough room and necessary support for independent, investigative journalists?

The situation in the Serbian media is very worrying as they are exposed to constant pressure. In highly politically polarized societies, the media easily become a propaganda machine. In Serbia, we have already experienced that the most influential media outlets work in the service of the government. Instead of providing information in the best interest of the Serbian public, they disseminate propaganda and even serve as a means of publicly demonizing all those unfit for the ruling party, without any critical

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review of the work of politicians in power or institutions that are constantly deteriorating. On the other hand, the so-called free media, often resisting the pressure of the authorities, are reporting in favour of the opposition parties and thus engage in another type of propaganda. In between them, there is a very small gap through which light shines – the gap that is investigative journalism. Support for investigative journalists comes primarily, often and exclusively, from the public. Working and research through information of public interest have become impossible, because the work that the state bodies do, which should provide journalists with access to such information, has become meaningless, while state institutions shamelessly

fail to respond to anything important. All of this is taking place without any consequences whatsoever.

Taking into account the circumstances and pressures under which many independent journalists work, how challenging and dangerous is it to engage in investigative journalism in Serbia?

At a time when crime in Serbia is almost institutionalized, investigative journalism remains the only hope for whistleblowers or those who, instead of judicial justice, can only get an opportunity to publicly publish the truth through investigative media. In addition to media demonization and layoffs, people who work

THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO CAN PROTECT JOURNALISTS IN SERBIA ARE THE JOURNALISTS THEMSELVES

in institutions or are opposition members, i.e. the victims of our times, are also exposed to threats of arrests, staged court proceedings and even assassinations.

For them, investigative and independent journalists remain the only symbol of democracy and an orderly society that we are all fighting for.

Media freedom in Serbia is one of the topics that is most often talked about in public discourse, but also on the political scene.

Is this topic specific to Serbia as such or is it a trend that can be observed globally as well?

There is certainly a global problem when it comes to media freedom. First of all, politicians, secret services, organized criminal groups and even large corporations, some of which also own the media, all of them, as interest groups, want to control the media, that is, dissemination of information. Most want the public www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

discourse to represent their view of things or their interest, while for real journalists the only valid interest is the public one. Journalists everywhere are exposed to pressures, to a greater or lesser extent, but in regulated countries, there are institutional mechanisms, such as an independent judiciary, which protect journalists, while in Serbia, instead of the institutions shedding light on your case, there is a threat of both media outlets and journalists disappearing overnight, never to be returned.

Can the public protect investigative journalists against the pressures they face? Is it a public interest and desire to participate in the fight for media freedom?

A good public reaction to a good research story is a wonderful satisfaction. In terms of pressure, the only people who can protect journalists in Serbia are the journalists themselves, with help also coming from other colleagues and journalist associations. The greatest protection against pressure for investigative journalists is for them to make peace with themselves and come to terms with the fact that they will continue to earn little even when they report the best stories, explore the most dangerous characters and receive the most awards, that, even when they are older, they won’t be able to buy a home or will live in a tiny studio apartment, that someday, due to unpaid bills, enforcement officers will come knocking on their door, that they will drive an old banger for car, that they should remain objective and persistent researchers even when they or their families are exposed to threats, when people spread lies about them on social media and try to discredit them in every possible way... And when, even after all of this, they muster enough strength to do a good story and when the public supports both the story and the journalist. This is an indication that there are many of us – journalists, viewers and readers - who care that we fight for media freedom.

What is the future of the Serbian media scene like? Is there a chance of things moving forward or not?

The future depends on us - journalists and the public. When things are this messed up there is always room for improvement and as long as there is one journalist left in Serbia, the word will spread.

You were recently one of the recipients of the EU Award for Investigative Journalism for your articles that covered cases of abuse in healthcare. What was it

like to investigate this topic and receive recognition for writing about it?

It was a very difficult case. We, at BIRN, have worked with people who seek the help of psychiatrists, that is, people who belong to a sensitive group. They were also our sources and it was a challenge not to jeopardize the privacy of patients whose dignity and lives were threatened by

WHEN THINGS ARE THIS MESSED UP THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

the psychiatrist who misdiagnosed them with severe psychiatric disorders. I love the fact that I have received the EU award, but I love it even more that the First Basic Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade reacted immediately when they read the story and initiated judiciary proceedings.

This psychiatrist was accused of many wrongdoings thanks to the wealth of evidence that we provided and is now standing trial. This is a rare example of a fantastic reaction by state institutions.

Which article of yours are you the most proud of and which story was the most challenging to write?

I am proud of all my sources who contributed to the stories seeing the light of day, as well as all my colleagues with whom I have been working on those stories. The Jovanjica case is one of the most challenging stories we did. To quote the indictment, this is about an organized criminal group that, with the help of the police and civil and military secret services, grew plants that are used in the production of a drug called skunk, not far from Belgrade, in the largest complex of drug laboratories in Europe.

The public’s reaction to the investigative journalist’s stories about Jovanjica is largely because the police inspectors who exposed the biggest drug corruption and judicial scandal in Serbia are still alive, considering that reliable sources confirmed that one of these police inspectors was a target for assassination.

What are your impressions of journalism generated by artificial intelligence (AI)? Is it a threat to the journalistic profession? Could it perhaps still serve as an auxiliary tool for a journalist, instead of completely replacing him?

When technology moves forward, it is pointless to resist it. That is why investigative journalists in Serbia already widely use various types of modern computer tools to enhance the quality of their work on investigative stories. Technology should serve man, not vice versa, and this is an approach that we should have toward AI.

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by Nikola Gudelj

TRAVEL PROMO

Unveiling Tunisia: An Unforgettable Journey Through an African Gem

From Carthage’s Echoes to Tunis’s Heartbeat

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tepping into Tunisia was like stepping into a rich tapestry woven with tales from ancient civilizations, whispers of coastal wonders, and the energy of urban life. As a traveler hungry for stories and connections, Tunisia did not

disappoint. Each city, each alley, and each shoreline revealed layers of tales waiting to be uncovered. Let me take you on a journey across this mesmerizing African country.

The Tunisian Texture Tunisia’s contrasts were immediately evident: golden beaches contrasted with time-worn architecture and the dynamic present living side by side with relics of the past. Immersed in its spirit, I was reminded daily of its African heart, complete with traditions and an embrace of the future. The sun’s consistent embrace, even till the end of October, added to its allure.

Monastir: Ancient Charm Close to the airport and boasting an abundance of hotels, Monastir is a haven for the selective traveler (also the place where you first land when arriving from Belgrade by plane). The city pulsed with life, from bustling streets to its untouched neighborhoods.

Meandering through the medina was like time travel, with alleyways leading me to historic gems like the Bourguiba Mosque. My stay at the One Resort Aquapark turned out to be a delightful revelation. As soon as I read „aquapark” I was sort of terrified. In my mind, I saw a bunch of kids yelling and screaming going down the slides. Just one hour after

I WAS REMINDED DAILY OF ITS AFRICAN HEART, COMPLETE WITH TRADITIONS AND AN EMBRACE OF THE FUTURE

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check-in I was the biggest child in the resort. What started with skepticism soon became my favorite aquatic playground!

Hammamet’s Hues Hammamet whispered tales of coastal luxury. With hotels like www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

Paradise Palace (my favorite) and The Mirage, it promised – and delivered – a slice of serene luxury on the edge of the Mediterranean. Every grain of its soft sand seemed to echo tales of timeless tranquility.

Nabeul: Stories in the Streets Each alleyway in Nabeul had its own story. From witnessing a vendor leading his sheep to discovering a repair shop for vintage TVs, every turn was a surprise.

The busy medina, with its crafts and unexpected finds, was a lesson in Tunisia’s living history.

And as I discovered, bargaining was not just about the price—it was a dance of mutual respect.

While there, I had the opportunity to experience the traditional methods of crafting the renowned Tunisian carpets, made from both wool and silk.

Sidi Bou Said: The Blue Paradise Sidi Bou Said, often dubbed the „African Santorini”, was a mixture of color. Nestled close to Tunis, every corner was a visual treat. But beyond its beauty was a moment that stood out – sipping coffee on top of the hill, where time seemed to stand still.

TUNIS WAS MORE THAN A CAPITAL; IT WAS A MELTING POT OF HISTORIES AND CULTURES

Carthage: Echoes of Empires Just a stone’s throw from Tunis and neighboring Sidi Bou Said is Carthage, the ancient city that once rivaled Rome. Its ruins tell tales of powerful empires, legendary wars, and a rich mosaic of cultures that once called it home. Standing amongst the relics of the Punic and Roman eras, I could almost hear the hustling streets and the clash of civilizations from millennia ago. This

historic city, once the center of the powerful Carthaginian Empire, was a personal highlight, connecting me to a past so influential that its echoes can still be felt today.

tween its African roots and European influences, exemplified by the majestic French cathedral.

It’s not just the political epicenter but the pulsating heart of Tunisia’s diverse cultural identity.

Tunis: The Heartbeat of Tunisia

Taste of Tunisia

Tunis was more than a capital; it was a melting pot of histories and cultures. Its streets showcased the intricate dance be-

The teas, the tantalizing Bambalouni, the fragrant dishes – Tunisia was as much a journey for the palate as it was for the soul.

Each piece tasted like a story unfolding.

Capturing Moments

Sousse: An Ageless Affair

While every Tunisian corner was photo-worthy, Carthage and Sidi Bou Said stole the spotlight.

These places, rich in history and unparalleled beauty, formed the backdrop for memories I’ll cherish forever.

Sousse was a revelation. Encased within UNESCO-protected walls, its medina was a treasure trove of history, aromas, and vibrant colors. I lost myself in its pathways, discovering stories at every corner. The unique „sand coffee” became my constant companion, its flavor hinting at roses and the city’s rich past.

As I pen down my experiences, I realize Tunisia isn’t just a destination; it’s an emotion. If you’re seeking an adventure woven with stories, culture, and beauty, let it be Tunisia. And if you’re looking for the perfect travel partner, let it be Big Blue. They made my journey unforgettable, and I bet they’ll do the same for you.

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YOUTH

Youth Camp Held in Palić

Young People from the Region Break Down Stereotypes and Build Mutual Trust

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he symbolic planting of a birch tree, as a sign of fostering understanding and trust among young people in the Western Balkans, marked the end of the Regional Youth Camp at the students complex „Ratko Mitrović” in Palić. The tree was planted together with the young people by the Assistant Minister for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, Nina Mitić, and the Deputy Permanent Representative of the UNDP in Serbia, Fabrizio Andreuzzi, UNDP Serbia Deputy Resident Representative.

From October 21 to 23, 23 young women and men from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Serbia participated in the camp, as well as two young refugees from Burundi and Afghanistan who live and work in Serbia.

“We have to build bridges and tear down walls left from the past, and to do that, we have to have strong, educated young people who will be part of future changes and who will understand each other and work together for a better future,” said Rejhan Kurtović, State Secretary in the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, who joined the participants at the beginning of the camp.

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to change their environment are positively accepted in their communities. The awareness they showed at this camp is just one more reason to provide them with support in the future and many more opportunities for them to acquire new knowledge and skills through further governmental and non-governmental sector projects,” emphasized the regional coordinator of the “Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust” project, Thomas Jackson.

During the weekend, young people participated in workshops on youth activism, social entrepreneurship, video, and photo production, as well as on media literacy and understanding information from social networks.

Also, they shared experiences in the field of activism and showed that they can work well together and as a team.

of UNDP in Serbia Fabrizio Andreuzzi. „The young generations who will shape the public and political discourse in the region in the years ahead are very aware of the responsibility that awaits them and want to strengthen their position in society so that their voice is heard and the activities they use

The regional youth camp in Palić was held as part of the „Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust” project, which is implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in cooperation with UNFPA, UNESCO, and UN Women, with financial support from the UN Secretary General’s Peace Building Fund. The project in Ser-

WE NEED TO BUILD BRIDGES AND TEAR DOWN WALLS LEFT OVER FROM THE PAST

bia is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue in the Government of the Republic of Serbia.

Assistant Minister for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue Nina Mitić emphasized that young women and men are key collaborators and, more importantly, social media users. This is precisely why they must acquire knowledge and skills to interpret information critically. „We work with young decision-makers, local governments, youth advisors, and national authorities to include young women and men in decision-making processes and the development of youth strategies and plans at the national and local level,” said the deputy permanent representative

www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

Healthcare and Pharmacy FOCUS ON

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by Dragan Nikolić

INTERVIEW

Restoring Trust in the Personal Physician We must learn to protect our planet and live according to the laws of health

is underway. This is where various viruses and different strains mix. It is difficult always to tell which strain it is. There is indeed an increased number of positives.

However, the number of seriously ill patients has increased significantly. We are monitoring the situation day by day. For now, our country is supplied with all necessary medicines and vaccines. I advise people to always listen to their chosen doctors’ recommendations and not seek advice on various websites that have nothing to do with medicine.

The World Health Organization seems to haven’t managed the crisis and the pandemic quite well. Their decisions were often counterproductive, late, illogical, or confusing. We’ve seen that their influence on governments worldwide was far from effective, and it hasn’t produced any results – many countries just ignored the World Health Organization and followed their own rules.

DR. DANICA GRUJIČIĆ Minister of Health of Serbia

M

inister of Health Danica Grujičić tackled numerous challenges and set out to change the health system according to the vision of a doctor with many years of operational experience. See what she says

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about it in an interview she gave us exclusively for our Healthcare And Pharmacy extra.

It is impossible to start this interview without asking about the coronavirus. We are witnessing that it is coming back again and,

it seems, in a big way - different, more resistant and undetectable. Is it more dangerous, and does the existing vaccine work against it?

At the moment, the so-called season of flu and respiratory diseases

EARLY DIAGNOSIS IS THE BASIS OF HEALTHCARE

I would avoid speaking in the name of the WHO, and I would pay no attention to them right now. The existence of the Coronavirus brought to the world something new, at least to the current generations. We’ve seen many people who have no education talk about the pandemic, while on the other hand, we had rushed reports by my colleagues from all over the world. Politics www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

and economy would also join this mix, which allowed doubt to develop, hence the coming up of conspiracy theories as well.

Of course, it’s easy to comment today on these things from a distance, but I want to believe that the pandemic made us smarter as a society. My words from the past have been confirmed at the very beginning of the pandemic, I said that this virus was an artificial one. This happens mostly when people want to “play god,” and a catastrophe ensues. We have to learn to keep our planet safe and to live according to the laws of health.

You need to restore trust in your doctor, and that’s what we’re working on. We bring the entire health system down to the primary care physician and the socalled family doctor. Regarding trust, I have been saying for the last 10 years that we must preserve and restore Torlak as the largest domestic immunological house. We have managed to preserve it. We are investing a lot, and a big move is being made there. I believe Torlak will once again become what it once was - an Institute recognized by the world. Just as the army and the police are important for the country’s security, vaccine sovereignty is also strategically important.

We must produce all vaccines for our fellow citizens, especially our youngest. In this way, we will not be envious of other countries, and we will achieve complete safety for parents when we talk about vaccination.

There is constant talk about the cancer epidemic in Serbia.

Where’s the truth? Is the bombing we went through in the past the main reason, or is our unhealthy lifestyle that characterizes society responsible?

Serbia has about 41,000 malignant diagnoses per year. Various factors affect it. There are so-called historical pollutions, as in every country, and the number of patients is affected by hereditary factors and our lifestyle habits. We must be aware that the way we live entails certain consequences. What is definitely proven is that 95% of people who suffer from lung cancer are

smokers. What we can say with certainty is that smoking causes cancer. As a society, we have to make certain decisions. Sometimes, we must give up our habits to avoid as many potential risks as possible. We must decide what is more important, some superficial pleasures or health. When we talk about NATO aggression and its impact on the environment, I always point out, together with many of the biggest names in our science, that a nuclear and chemical war was waged against the then-Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. There is something called hazard maps; they are objects that can lead to a disaster for the wider environment in the event of an accident. During the aggression, all objects were targeted, affecting the pollution of the environment and, thus, people’s health. In addition to depleted uranium, which somehow got the most attention from the public and which we can say with certainty affects the occurrence of diseases, as proven by the courts in Italy, chemical pollution, refineries, weapons factories, transformer stations were targeted.

All that went into the water, air,

healthcare recently, of course, with the completion of four clinical centers. It will be the most modern and largest regional Institute. Also, we are working on the analysis and entry into the reconstruction of all oncology departments throughout Serbia.

The space where our patients receive therapy must be much larger and more refined. When they were formed, there were not so many patients. Today, the situation is different, and special attention must be paid to oncology patients.

Does our country have a strategy for fighting cancer? Why are specialized institutes for researching this disease and clinics for treatment not being developed?

Do oncology patients from the provinces have to flock to Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Nis to receive quality treatment?

This process requires everyone to be involved, both the country and its citizens. We’ve done a lot of gathering the necessary equipment for diagnostics. Only in the last couple of years did we get 55 scanners and magnets.

JUST AS THE ARMY AND THE POLICE ARE IMPORTANT FOR THE COUNTRY’S SECURITY, VACCINE SOVEREIGNTY IS ALSO STRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT and earth. It must be investigated in detail. I am not a supporter of „tabloid” reporting on the consequences of the bombing, I believe that mathematics and science must work in the end.

What’s most important to point out, and I’m speaking to the public in hopes that they support this, is the construction of the new building for the Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia. This is absolutely necessary.

With this number of patients in Serbia, the capacity and conditions in the old building are unsustainable. We are working on it rapidly. The PDR document has been prepared, which has passed the Government and all ministries, and we are waiting for it to be adopted by the Belgrade City Assembly. I consider the new Institute the biggest project in our

We continue to obtain even more diagnostic equipment, magnets, scanners, mammograms, and ultrasound machines. The goal is to equip every health institution with diagnostic equipment.

With this, we can increase the number of preventive check-ups to stop or reveal the disease in its early stages so it can be treated more easily. In addition to procuring equipment, we are currently working on a project with 100 clinics that we will bring to all districts and fully equip them with diagnostic equipment.

What I am advocating is the family doctor, that is, restoring trust in your doctor. That is why we are working on the formation of these clinics, where they will be stationary and where they will be mobile. The goal is to provide equal health care for all our citizens from Subotica to Prizren.

Also, another problem we are facing is the departure of our doctors from small communities. We must think of a way to get them interested in young colleagues to return to small communities. The goal of our call is to help those who need help.

Thanks to the development of state-of-the-art equipment, medicine does not belong only to big cities, but it can also be in the countryside. Young doctors must understand that prevention and early diagnosis are the basis of health care, I say this today as someone who has spent 40 years in the operating room. We will continue to invest and work on organizing family medicine and early diagnostics.

Serbia seems to fall behind neighboring countries in the region when we talk about therapies for many very serious and dangerous diseases. Why are there not more innovative and modern therapies for various types of cancer, multiple sclerosis, and many rare diseases?

The Republic of Serbia has done a lot when it comes to rare diseases. Of course, it can always be better, but you can see consistent improvements, and we are working on every year being better than the last one.

I’ll remind you that in 2012, Serbia’s budget for rare diseases has been 130 000 000 dinars. Today, it amounts to 7 200 000 000 dinars.

In addition, additional funds were always provided, so in 2021, it amounted to 200 million dinars.

In 2022, during the coronavirus crisis, it was 600 million dinars.

In 2023, even 3 billion dinars went through rebalancing. This means that the state takes care of and thinks of those who need help the most. When we talked about the number of patients in 2012, 8 were treated. Today, up to this moment, that number is 680 patients. And that’s not the end.

By the end of the year, there will be more. When treating diseases, in 2012, there were 2 diseases.

Today it is over 30. Some will say that it is not enough. Of course, others may still need help, but you cannot do everything overnight. This is a huge shift, and I expect even more next year.

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NEWS

Six Ministries Sign a Memorandum of Understanding State invests additional effort into supporting the mental health of young people in Serbia

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n Belgrade, on October 16, 2023, six government ministries signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the second International Conference dedicated to mental health and psychosocial support of young people called „Don’t leave us for later” to improve the mental health support system for children and young people in Serbia. The memorandum, which defines in more detail the distribution of resources, roles and responsibilities of the departments in mental health protection of children, adolescents and young people, was signed by the Ministry of Health, the Serbian Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Tourism and

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Youth, the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue and the Ministry of Family Care and Demography.

Deyana Kostadinova, director of UNICEF in Serbia, underlined that every child deserves the right to good mental health and well-being, especially if we take into account the findings of the U-Report survey from August this year, which show that about 47 percent of survey participants confirmed that young people do not ask for help, because they consider it a sign of weakness and are afraid of being judged. Al-

most half of the young people, 46 percent of them, use social media and the Internet as a source of information on how to take care of mental health, while only 5 and 7 percent see teachers and health workers respectively as someone they can talk to about their problems. „Six key government ministries today showed unity by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. In this way, they bolstered their commitment to improving the emotional well-being of children, adolescents and young people in Serbia. The collective commitment they made is more than an agreement; it means an

investment in our common future, but it is also proof that an investment in the mental health of an individual is an investment in the resilience of our community. Together we can build a more peaceful and prosperous society in which the well-being of our youth becomes the cornerstone of our strength,” said Deyana Kostadinova.

Minister of Education, Professor Slavica Djukić Dejanović, MD, highlighted the importance of boosting the crisis response system and universal access to mental health care services for adolescents and young people across the country. www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

„It is important that everyone in the system and society see young people because unrecognized mental health problems affect their interaction in the community, as well as the relationships they build with others. Therefore, it is of inestimable importance to strengthen intersectoral cooperation and coordinated action of all relevant institutions in order to recognize early and respond in a timely manner to situations, because we all need to work together to raise awareness about the preservation of mental health in the community. The conference participants unanimously agreed that interdepartmental cooperation and adequate coordination of resources are of vital importance for the mental health of children and young people,” said Professor Slavica Djukić Dejanović, MD, Minister of Education. „The mental health and well-being of children and young people deserves a key place in public health, as well as the prevention of mental disorders. In our country, it is still the most dominant medical model of providing support to young people with mental health problems and the world is increasingly talking about the ‚step by step’ approach, where services are provided in different sectors and levels in line with the psychosocial support principles.

By signing the memorandum, it is possible to provide support to our youngest at all levels and in all systems where children and young people reside. With the use of a unique narrative and key pillar of support when working with young people, they should receive support where it is most feasible and available. Working with children and young people requires time, a motivated expert and conditions that would ensure that the provision of psychosocial interventions, which are promoted through UNICEF’s project Orygen and the Institute for Mental Health, whereby required and everyday support is provided to children and young people. Investing in children and young people is investing in the future of our society”, said Professor Milica Pejović Milovančević, MD, Director of the Institute for Mental Health.

Professor Fabio Scano, MD, director of the World Health Organization in Serbia and special envoy

of the regional director of the WHO for the Western Balkans, pointed out the importance of innovative approaches to support the mental health and well-being of children and young people. „The latest WHO data shows that life satisfaction and self-rated health among young people in the European region decreased between 2018 and 2022. I can proudly say that the WHO in Serbia is already supporting the Ministry of Health in improving the capacity of mental health experts in health centres and schools so that they can develop and implement appropriate and sustainable programmes focusing on the needs of young people,” said Professor Fabio Scano, MD, Director of the WHO in Serbia.

young people develop their potential and build resilience. I am glad that UNICEF is part of this movement to reduce the stigma towards seeking psychological help. It is important for me to know that I have the right to help, as well as to have the support of professionals whose main goal is my well-being. The svejeok.rs platform is particularly important. There you can find really useful information about the pressing problems in the lives of our young people and how to solve them. And parents can also get information and an idea of how to talk to their children and how to help them”, believes Gabi Petković from UNICEF’s youth committee.

As a result of the programme for mental health and psychosocial support for young people in Ser-

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Serbia, H.E. Kristin Melsom, pointed out the similarities between the problems of young people in Norway and Serbia when it comes to men-

bia, young people have been given access to reliable information and professional support through the interactive online platform called svejeok.rs, which has been visited by more than 90,000 people since 2021.

tal health. She said that Norway provides continuous support to the issues related to the mental health of young people in Serbia through cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Serbia and UNICEF.

„Given that mental health affects all aspects of life, as well as the further development of children and young people, I’m glad there are resources to help us safeguard wellbeing. Ultimately, mental health care helps us

In order to involve experts from different sectors in working with young people, UNICEF, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, defined a minimum set of services for mental health and psychosocial support for young peo-

ple in Serbia, the so-called MZPP programme.

The programme results Forming an expert group from all sectors that will deal with mental health protection and a revision of the legislative framework are proposed to bolster the provision of services at the local level.

UNICEF supported OPENS and a network of 15 non-governmental organizations and institutions from Novi Sad to provide continuous support to young people in Vojvodina and throughout Serbia via individual online and offline counselling, as well as group, chat and telephone sessions.

Thanks to these services, 5,948 young people received support.

Since 2021, via the svejeok.rs platform, which provides young people with relevant and safe information about mental health,

young people have had 350 individual and 4,690 phone sessions, as well as 2,538 chat sessions.

In partnership with the Institute for Mental Health, 450 young people from Zrenjanin, Kragujevac and Subotica used innovative psychosocial support counselling services in schools, health centres and social welfare institutions given by 160 trained professionals. Telehealth services have also been tested in the Serbian healthcare sector.

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CORPORATE INTERVIEW

More than a million visits a year confirm that we are the patients’ first choice in private healthcare A healthcare system dedicated to people is a patient’s first choice in private healthcare

MARIJANA VASILESCU CEO MediGroup

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n the past decade, the MediGroup system has become synonymous with top medical practice and quality of service, and by uniting prestigious healthcare institutions, this system today operates in more than 75 locations throughout Serbia.

Marijana Vasilescu, MediGroup CEO, shares the key milestones and challenges of integration, emphasizes the importance of innovation, and reveals future strategies for maintaining a leading position in private healthcare in Serbia.

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The MediGroup system has been a synonym for medical excellence and superior health services for ten years already. What are the key milestones and achievements that have marked this first decade?

The entire process of creating the MediGroup system is based on strategic partnerships and the integration of reputable private institutions with a long tradition.

During the last decade, we carried

out 11 acquisitions, and successful integrations have strengthened the system through the effects of synergy and turned it into a leader in the private healthcare market. There were numerous challenges, but our team was dedicated and ambitiously focused on achieving expansion, improving and increasing the availability of our services. With a 25% market share in private healthcare, we can proudly point

THE KEY TO SUCCESS IS SYNERGY AND JOINT ACTION, BECAUSE ONLY TOGETHER CAN WE ACHIEVE SIGNIFICANT AND LONG-TERM RESULTS

out that today we are the first choice for thousands of users, for whom we are present in more than 75 locations across Serbia.

Last year we recorded more than one million visits, which clearly indicates that we have also built trust, and this encourages us to continue growing and to be one of the key links in Serbia’s healthcare system.

You mentioned a significant expansion and a challenging integration. What was this journey like and what lessons have you learned as a system?

For us, the path of development was much more than business www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

expansion. It is a story of integration of values and expertise of prestigious private healthcare institutions into what we know today as MediGroup – a system that takes care of people in a unique and recognisable way.

The institutions used different information systems, had different established ways of working and developed employee habits.

And everything had to be harmonised and integrated into a single system, which is a really big challenge that requires commitment, expertise and patience of all our teams. We have learned hundreds of lessons from these processes and are ready to keep expanding our network. By teaming up with the Institute for Laboratory Diagnostics „Konzilium”, we have formed the largest network of laboratories in our country in which we combined our expertise and the most advanced technology, which is a truly great achievement considering the complexity, importance and size of both systems.

We have learned that the key to success is synergy and joint action, because only together can we achieve significant and longterm results.

Innovation and digitisation play a key role in the modernisation of the healthcare industry. How does the MediGroup system integrate new technologies into its operations in order to improve the patient experience and provide supreme-quality healthcare services?

MediGroup Hospital

We strive to keep up with technological developments, and the growth and expansion of our system further encourages us to improve our equipment, so that it remains the most advanced and, above all – available in all our institutions and laboratories. When it comes to diagnostics, the radiology departments at the General Hospital, the Slavija Diagnostic Centre and the Health Centre in Niš stand out. By using latest technology in diagnostics, with access to a large amount of data, our doctors can make a timely and more accurate diagnosis, which ensures earlier introduction of therapy and successful treatment.

Each of our health centres has modern equipment and allows our patients to do everything they need in one place. The Miloš Clinic is a pioneer in Serbia in the use of the advanced Femto laser for laser diopter removal, which ensures a clear vision and better quality of life.

We are particularly proud of the central laboratory in Belgrade, where we have the Roche integrated solutions which, among other things, ensures a shorter turnaround time and reduces manual handling of samples, while patients receive the most accurate and reliable results.

RAISING THE STANDARDS OF MEDICAL PRACTICE, DIGITISING THE SYSTEM AND STRENGTHENING THE PATIENTS’ TRUST REMAIN OUR PRIORITIES

At the same time, we are committed to maintaining a superior user experience and strive to improve our communication with patients.

We are working on a digital solution that will make it easier for users to access their medical history and manage appointments, and we have set up a unique Contact Centre phone number for all cities and locations that makes getting information and scheduling examinations throughout Serbia faster and easier.

Your system is recognised as a leader in the field of private healthcare in our country. How do you see the next decade of your operations in terms of plans and strategies to help you stay at the forefront of healthcare innovation and quality?

I am excited for what lies ahead in the coming years. Raising the standards of medical practice, digitising the system and strengthening the patients’ trust remain our priorities. We continue to be focused on strengthening the team that has the best experts in the field, and we will invest in the most advanced equipment, as before. We will remain focused on raising awareness of the importance of prevention because we are convinced that this is crucial for maintaining health, and we will try to be present where our fellow citizens need us most. We continue to expand our strategic partnerships and create a better health environment for all citizens. And above all, we remain available and ready for further cooperation with the public sector, which we believe will continue to bring real change in improving the availability of health services.

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TALKS

Where Diplomacy Meets Healthy Nutrition In today’s fast-paced world, where time is precious, taking care of health becomes essential nutrition and wellness, as a key tool for disease prevention and treatment.

What is Health Coaching in the field of nutrition and wellness?

Health coaching for nutrition and wellness is primarily a support and guide in achieving goals related to nutrition and physical and mental health. Health coaches are trained professionals who work with you to develop a personalised approach to your health. Their role is to help you set goals, develop strategies to achieve them, and maintain motivation. Whether it’s problems with weight, quality of nutrition, past illnesses or you simply want to change your habits.

Prevention is key

MAJA BABIĆ

expert in nutrition and health & wellness coaching

M

aja Babić, expert in nutrition and health & wellness coaching, and founder of the MajaMayo Centre, provides support and advice to help people improve their eating habits and emotional health. Her impressive academic background, with training at prestigious institutions such as the Mayo Clinic and Harvard, makes her a reliable source of information on healthy nutrition and its effects on the body.

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Where does diplomacy healthy nutrition?

meet

The MajaMayo Centre (MMC) is a must-visit for impassioned participants in global business relations, diplomacy and economy.

The MMC takes you on a journey focused on developing awareness

and skills that will enable you to better understand yourself, just like you understand global market trends. In today’s fast-paced world, where time is precious, taking care of health becomes essential. The Western world increasingly recognises the value of health coaching in the field of

YOUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING ARE IMPORTANT, AND WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS

Health is much more than the treatment of disease. Prevention is key to maintaining health. Health coaching, especially at the MajaMayo Centre, helps in identifying risk factors in diet and daily life, and then in developing strategies to reduce them. Regardless of the goal, whether it is to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes or other chronic conditions, a health coach provides support and guidance for healthy weight loss and proper nutrition adapted to age and lifestyle.

Individual approach Every person is unique, including our body. Health coaching provides a personalised approach, taking into account your goals, lifestyle, preferences and health condition. A healthy lifestyle has www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

MajaMayo Centre The MMC is not just a nutrition centre; it is a place where you develop awareness and skills to help you better understand yourself and your body, just like you understand global market trends.

As readers of Diplomacy and Commerce, you probably know the importance of understanding all aspects of the world we live in, including our own health.

We invite you to visit us and explore our services. Your visit to the MMC can be a step towards a healthier and happier life, while staying abreast of the latest developments in the world of diplomacy and trade.

At the MajaMayo Centre, we don’t just offer individual consultations. We also organise workshops, seminars and retreats for companies, aimed at developing healthy eating habits, reducing workplace stress and improving the emotional health of employees. These activities represent an investment in the wellbeing of employees, they encourage productivity and team harmony.

The MMC also serves as a meeting place for diplomacy and trade professionals, enabling the exchange of ideas and building bridges between the fields of business and healthcare. a powerful therapeutic and preventive role for various diseases.

A health coach helps you develop eating, physical activity and stress management habits that support your health.

What are the most common reasons people can’t lose weight?

The most common reasons for difficulty in losing weight include a lack of motivation and focus when changing habits. We often put off change until „next Monday” and resort to „cheat day” tactics after short-lived efforts. Setting unrealistic goals under the influence of the Internet, fast diets and marketing ploys is a common occurrence.

Instead, you should set goals that are easily achievable. When we achieve several smaller goals, the motivation to continue increases.

Diets often create a burden due to the constant feeling that we are „sticking to the diet”. I believe that it is better to make long-term life changes through adopting healthy habits and eliminating unhealthy ones, instead of temporary solutions.

This is exactly what makes MajaMayo’s approach to losing weight different from others that are present in our region. Weight loss is achieved through motivating and supporting the client, and this is the key approach used in the world today, quite the opposite of the conservative approach of imposing authority and bullying the client, which ultimately leads to

affects all aspects of our lives. All elements are interconnected. A human being is a biological whole, therefore all factors are interrelated. Food affects the quality of sleep, and sleep has an effect on mood and physical activity level, which further affects productivity. Social relationships also play an important role. Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic have a wide range of effects on individual health, including decreasing social interactions and increasing health risks.

Why was there a need for LM in the first place?

LM was founded in response to the reduction of life expectancy due to the neglect of key health factors and a fast-paced lifestyle, despite advances in medicine.

couraged experts from different fields to launch a completely new preventive direction, ie LM. How do you see the future of lifestyle medicine and its impact on global healthcare?

You can already see the results of its application. In the last ten years, the number of obese people in the West has declined, which directly affects the reduction in cases of cardiovascular disease. Also, with the growing understanding that stress has a significant impact on the occurrence of thyroid disease, any advances in stress management will have a direct positive impact on healthcare. The healthcare system spends billions of dollars annually on the treatment of these diseases, while the application of LM can significantly reduce these costs.

Before the development of modern What services do you currently offer?

IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED WORLD, WHERE TIME IS PRECIOUS, TAKING CARE OF HEALTH BECOMES ESSENTIAL the yo-yo effect and dissatisfaction. This programme helps our clients to develop a positive attitude towards themselves AND food. The goal is to be happy in the process of change AND to love it. My desire is to see a satisfied client, not a broken one.

What is LifeStyle Medicine or LM? LifeStyle Medicine (LM) is an innovative approach to disease prevention that has developed in the West in recent years. This approach focuses on six key aspects of health: nutrition, physical activity, mental health, sleep, withdrawal from risky substances, and their interconnectedness.

This global trend is supported by plenty of research, including studies conducted at Harvard, which confirm its effectiveness. The MajaMayo Centre is dedicated to supporting people in adopting healthy habits, especially through nutrition, in order to reduce their need for medication and improve their overall health. It is often possible to reduce the consumption of medication used on a daily basis.

What is the key element?

Nutrition has a wide impact on health and is a key element that

medicine and pharmacy, life expectancy was about 50 years, and thanks to diagnostics, pharmacy and modern medicine, we have extended life expectancy to 80 years. Unfortunately, the neglect of key factors and a fast-paced lifestyle have led to the reduction of life expectancy to 66 years. This is precisely the reason that en-

Break for Yourself programme As part of the „Break for Yourself” programme, our team provides high-quality coaching and support, with an emphasis on flexibility and adaptability in order to support clients worldwide, communicating in Serbian and English according to their preferences. Our mission is to help clients overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. ‚Your success is our priority, and we look forward to being a part of your journey toward personal and professional growth’.

Our centre currently provides a wide range of services, including nutrition, health and wellness coaching, psychotherapy, and physical activities tailored to individual client needs. We also deal with metabolic health and a range of therapies aimed at improving mental health, such as stress management and sleep management. In addition to individual programmes, we develop group activities through the organisation of various events, workshops, counselling, education and socialising, including group support. But I have to single out the Mindful Eating programme.

Mindful Eating and overcoming emotional eating Mindful Eating is a conscious approach to nutrition that helps people better understand their food needs, reducing the risk of overeating and emotional eating. Emotional eating is a form of overeating caused by emotional stress, and Maja Babić provides support and advice for recognising and overcoming this problem.

Her approach focuses on understanding the causes of emotional eating and developing healthy strategies for managing stress and emotions, unlike the old methods where we impose authority over the client which then leads to the yo-yo effect.

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EVENTS

The first symposium of the Pasteur Society in Novi Sad World Rabies Day observed in Novi Sad

Dušan Lalošević

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he Pasteur Society in Novi Sad organised the World Rabies Day event in memory of Dr. Adolf Hempt, the founder of the Pasteur Institute in Novi Sad, the only active one in Serbia, in the Reformed Church in Novi Sad, where Dr. Hempt was baptised in 1886.

Serbia is now free of rabies, but neighbouring countries Hungary and Romania have animal rabies, including cases of rabies in domestic animals, which are spreading from war-torn Ukraine.

Dr. Adolf Hempt, born in Novi Sad in 1874, founded the Pasteur In-

stitute in 1921, and his inactivated vaccine against rabies was produced in many countries of Central and Eastern Europe for years.

Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria and the former Yugoslavia produced Hempt’s vaccine until the introduction of cell culture vaccines in the 1980s.

The introduction and God’s blessing were given by the bishop of the Reformed Church of Novi Sad, Botoš Elemir, and archpriest-staurophore Branko Ćurčin. Welcoming speeches were given by Dr. Mikloš Fabri in front of the Reformed Church, Prof. Dr. Dragan Dankuc,

president of the Novi Sad branch of the Academy of Medical Sci-

ences, Dr. Zoran Vacić on behalf of the Serbian Medical Society, Petar Novica Nikolić, doyen of television, Prof. Dr. Milorad Žikić as president of the Pasteur Society and Prof.

Dr. Edin Delić, mayor of Lukavac, where Dr. Hempt worked in his youth. The doyens of medicine from Novi Sad and Sombor held lectures for the public on the history and modern medicine, especially dedicated to the humanism and work of Dr. Adolf Hempt. The lecturers were Prim. Dr. Vladimir Jokanović (100 years of the Pasteur Institute in Paris, 1887-1987), Dr. Slavica Žižić-Borjanović (Followers of Pasteur in Serbia), Prof. Dr. Dušanka Dobanovački (Sanatoriums in Novi Sad), Prim. Dr. Đerđi Šarić (Humane approach to oncology patients), Prof. Dr. Milorad Žikić (On life in general, on Pasteur and Hempt) and Prof. Dr. Dušan Lalošević, former director of the Pasteur Institute (Biography of the founder of the Pasteur Institute, Dr. Adolf Hempt).

Dr Zoran Vacić

About the author of the photos

PHOTOS © Dr. Anica Župunski

The author of the enclosed photos from the symposium is Anica Župunski, member of the section for humanity, art and culture of the Society of Doctors of Vojvodina – Serbian Medical Society, participant in numerous collective exhibitions of the section as part of the jubilee October Salon in Novi Sad, in the iconic Platoneum gallery, recipient of high awards for artistic photographs at many prestigious domestic and international exhibitions of artistic photography. She gifted photos that will preserve the memory of the First Symposium of the Pasteur Society in Novi Sad as part of the Society’s Archive. The Management of the Society and the organisers of the Symposium are grateful to her!

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CORPORATE NEWS

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Galenika Acquires Lifemedic and Further Expands its Portfolio

Galenika company is strategically committed to constant expansion of its product portfolio for the benefit of consumers

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ith the acquisition of Lifemedic company, Galenika successfully continues to expand its product portfolio.

Pharmaceutical company Galenika, one of the largest producers of pharmaceutical products in Serbia and the region, is expanding its business through the acquisition of Lifemedic d.o.o. from Belgrade.

With this transaction, Galenika becomes the owner of the 100% Serbian-Slovenian company Lifemedic and takes over the exclusive distribution of the product program of the renowned Italian pharmaceutical company Pharmalife Research, for the markets of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Montenegro.

The transaction will be completed after the approval process by the antimonopoly commissions, and is expected at the end of Q4 2023, after which the process of integration will begin.

Brand recognition, quality, reliability and trust in Galenika’s products are what makes the company successful for decades. „Since becoming a part of the Brazilian NC Group, Galenika has achieved significant business growth and international expansion. The acquisition of the Lifemedic company and

the start of cooperation with the Italian manufacturer Pharmalife Research represents another step in the internationalization of Galenika’s business and confirms our full commitment to investments and innovations in accordance with the modern needs of consumers.

Pharmalife Research has over 400 products in its portfolio and exports to 60 countries around the world.

We are happy to have found a global partner who shares our values of commitment to product quality and health,’’ said Ricardo Vian Marques, CEO of Galenika.

Lifemedic is a company with years of experience in distribution of dietary supplements and cosmetic products manufactured by a prominent biopharmaceutical company - Pharmalife Research from Italy, of which it is the exclusive importer and distributor for markets in the region. The company has a stable double digit growth partnering with over 5,000 pharmacies and retail chains in the whole region. Pharmalife Research has been a reliable pharmaceutical partner in the field of pediatrics, dietary supplements, dermocosmetics and phytotherapy

both in Italy and on international markets. „Quality, reliability, innovation, scientific approach and the entrepreneurial spirit of „Made in Italy” have led Pharmalife Research to position itself both on the national and international markets. Quality in the first place, common values and international ambition are something we recognized in Galenika and that is why we consider Galenika to be a true partner and a long-term support for cooperation in achieving common global goals,’’ said the owner of Pharmalife Research, dott.

Anna Crupi. „After 14 years of Lifemedic successful business in Serbia and region and continuous growth and development of Pharmalife brand and products in general, I consider that this acquisition by Galenika will bring additional value and achieve further expansion of Pharmalife products in this region,” said Zoran Stanimirović, General Manager of Lifemedic.

In addition to the countries in the region, Galenika company operates

BRAND RECOGNITION, QUALITY, RELIABILITY AND TRUST IN GALENIKA’S PRODUCTS ARE WHAT MAKES THE COMPANY SUCCESSFUL FOR DECADES

in 16 international markets on three continents. In the first half of 2023, Galenika increased exports to the EU market by 40%. The company has 37 brands in the leading positions in their categories in terms of market share in Serbia in the first half of year 2023.

Earlier this year, the General Manager of Galenika, Ricardo Vian Marques spoke about the company jubilee and 78 years of company operations saying that the company is strongly focused on the future: „We integrate the most valuable from the past and the present, with full dedication to investments, innovation and sustainable growth. Quality is our first priority – both in products and everything we do. We are the holder of 15 domestic and international GMP and ISO certificates for the highest level of work and production standards. We are strategically committed to constantly expanding our product portfolio for the benefit of consumers. The recognition of the Galenika brand, in which consumers have confidence, is strongly transferred to new international markets.’’

Sustainable business and environmental protection are high on the agenda of Galenika, together with the community support through socially responsible projects and awareness raising initiatives.

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CORPORATE INTERVIEW

by AstraZeneca

Transforming the Future of Healthcare At AstraZeneca we are committed to transforming the future of healthcare, harnessing innovations in science to discover new medicines that will help people live better, healthier lives and address some of the most pressing public health challenges. A vision that translates into a global goal as ambitious as it is measurable: to deliver at least fifteen new medicines by the end of the decade

A

leksandar Tripković, Governmental Affairs and Market Access Manager, AstraZeneca, speaks about the future of healthcare, innovation and research and how the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Serbia supports deeper collaboration and external partnerships.

How do we make healthcare more sustainable and resilient given the challenges it faces all over the world?

I believe science is the key to help unlock answers. Pioneering science is accelerating our understanding of disease. Helping us better predict clinical success. And science can help make healthcare systems more sustainable and resilient. As the burden of disease grows and the population ages, the health needs of billions of people remain unmet. We struggle with equitable access to healthcare.

Healthcare systems across the world face difficulties as they try to balance providing services with limited resources and an increasing demand from an ageing and growing population. In Europe we have over 50 million people living with two or more chronic diseases, but less than 3% of total health-

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care expenditure is allocated to their prevention. Thus a paradigm shift is needed, seeking disease prevention and early intervention strategies that will protect future generations and reduce costs and inefficiencies.

You recognized science as being the key part of the solution for a better tomorrow – what is the approach AstraZeneca takes when it comes to innovation and research and development?

The pharmaceutical industry is historically known for investing a large portion of its revenue back into R&D, and AstraZeneca is slowly taking the lead in this area. Our approach to R&D and innovation aims to deliver the quickest and greatest impact possible on disease prevention and management.

We’re using our distinctive scientific capabilities to deliver a pipeline of life-changing medicines, working towards more effective treatment and prevention and, ultimately, a cure for some of the world’s most complex diseases. In 2022, we invested $9.8 billion in

ALEKSANDAR TRIPKOVIĆ

Governmental Affairs and Market Access Manager, AstraZeneca our science which is nearly 22% of our Total Revenue. Our pipeline today forms a robust portfolio of investigational therapies in varied stages of clinical development, including 172 projects, with 14 new molecular entities in our late-stage pipeline and one new molecular entity under review.

AstraZeneca is actively pursuing partnerships - could you share the philosophy behind this?

We know we can’t achieve all we want to do alone, no matter how innovative our science is. We therefore collaborate with others to bring the best talent on the toughest problems. Since 2012, we have championed a uniquely open approach to working with academia and non-governmental organisations, completely shifting the nature of private-public collaborations. We are working closely with partners inside and outside our industry, we’re co-creating innovative solutions that address patients’ needs.

I BELIEVE SCIENCE IS THE KEY TO HELP UNLOCK ANSWERS

Joining the BIO4 Campus project of the Government of Serbia seems then as a natural step for your company?

From the moment the Government of the Republic of Serbia presented the BIO4 Campus project to us, we recognized it as an umbrella project where we can work together with others and bring a myriad of benefits to the patients and the healthcare landscape in Serbia in general. We officially joined the project a month ago when an MoU was signed between the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation and AstraZeneca Serbia. The BIO4 Campus project is positioned to become a unique ecosystem in the south-east Europe for research and development of biomedicine, biotechnology, bioinformatics and biodiversity.

Within this project, AstraZeneca will support the genetic testing for BRCA mutations in early breast cancer patients, as well as the use of AI in screening for early lung cancer detection. Part of this project is also ensuring that there are more clinical trials in Serbia. We are committed as a company to help achieve this, now and in the near future. www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

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CMC EVENTS

Exploring the World of Food Food Experts Discuss Trends, Expectations, and Traditions of the Culinary Landscape sically, angry workers attacked Bastille because of the price of the bread. The Boston tea party is another example. This horrible war in Ukraine with Russia, their quarrel started in the mid-30s, also because of food. Most important decisions were made at lunches, dinners, in castles or at meetings.”

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n October 19, in Dorćol Platz, the Regional Conference “Food Talk” was held, organized by the culinary magazines of the Color Press Group.

The panels discussed about topics such as the food industry leaders’ forecasts for the year 2024, about food as inspiration, great expectations of the „fine dining” restaurant audiences, ambassadors of foreign countries presented their national dishes, and leading regional wine experts spoke about the new wine audiences and our favorite labels and vintages.

The most famous names from the world of gastronomy shared their knowledge and experience, as well as regional experts who dictate trends in food and wine production.

This event was supported by the Provincial Secretariat for Economy and Tourism of the Autonomous province of Vojvodina, while the commercial support was given by Carlsberg Serbia and Open Balkan Wine Division.

The conference opened with Ambassadors from Cyprus, Greece, Croatia, Italy and Slovakia discussing about their national dishes and Serbian specialties whose recipes they will take with them when they leave Belgrade.

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H. E. Fabricio Kosimi, the economic attaché of the Italian embassy in Serbia, said that Serbian bakeries are what caught his eye the most once he came here. He explained that he’s very fond of their products and added: “I love pite, gibanice, burek, all this stuff is very good.” He also complimented Belgrade’s pizzerias and agreed with the rest of the panelists that Serbian kajmak and meat are its strong points. „My first impression about Serbian food was that it felt almost like home. I think Cyprus and Serbia share some similarities in terms of culinary tradition, food in general, but in appetite as well. “ said H. E. Andreas Photiou, the Ambassador of Cyprus in Serbia. He went on to explain how similar Serbian and Cyprus culinary traditions are and how it makes him nostalgic, although he did jokingly mention that you need to be cautious if you’re ever eating in Serbia: “I need to be careful here, it is not so easy to maintain normal weight, because the food is excellent. The flavors are quite strong and influenced by the country’s tradition and history. I have to specify that Sarma made me feel quite nos-

talgic of some dishes we have at home.”

The Ambassador of Croatia in Serbia, H. E. HIdajet Biščević, talked about his experiences from the past in discovering hidden relations between food, politics and the political history of Europe: “There is this great quote that says: “You feed your guest and I will give you a good agreement”.

It might sound surprising to most people, if I would go to a shortlist of political events that changed history. Most of them were related to or caused by food. Best example of this is the French revolution, which started because of the shortage of wheat and the price of the famous French baguette. Ba-

On the other hand, Monika Suhajdova, deputy Ambassador of Slovakia, explained that she’s lived in the Balkan region for 10 years already and that Serbian food is not that different from other parts of the region. She also talked about the importance of meat in Balkan traditional cuisines and its history: “This country definitely won’t make you vegetarian. You can find quite many restaurants that serve Slovak food. The origin of our traditional cuisine goes back to the times where most of the population lived in villages. Most meals were made so they could survive hot summers and cold winters.”

Dejan Zagorac, coming from the Institute for the Study of Cultural Development, explained certain Serbian culinary traditions: “Nor is all Serbian food good, nor is it all about ćevapčići, meat and burek.

Big portions in Serbian restaurants are a thing because it’s still a habit here to go to restaurants to be seen. So I can say the tradition is not necessarily marked with big portions of meat, it’s just that Serbian cuisine is more complex and interesting.” He also added: “Belgrade is not the best representative for food, you should go south or north to experience real Serbian food.” www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

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A Toast to Tradition Novi Sad Oktoberfest 2023 Unites Cultures

for men and women adding to the inclusive spirit. The „Scream Booth” returned, awarding free drink vouchers to those who could passionately yell „Beer!” with enough passion to impress.

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his year, once again the heart of Novi Sad pulsed with the rich cultural beats of Bavaria during the much-anticipated annual Novi Sad Oktoberfest. From October 6 to 7, residents and visitors alike crowded a grand beer tent well positioned in front of the Shopping Center Promenade, transforming the area into a microcosm of traditional German festivities.

This year’s Oktoberfest transcended its previous iterations, offering an immersive experience that excited the senses. Over 100 types of beer from various breweries created a paradise for enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, while a delectable selection of culinary delights — including an impressive array of 20 different sausages, sumptuous leberase, and freshly baked pretzels — ensured a complete gastronomic adventure.

The air resonated with melodies spanning diverse genres, as an ensemble of renowned musicians graced the stage. The line-up featured the rock-infused tunes of Brkovi, Atheist Rap’s unique punk sound, and the lively performances of Blaža i Kljunovi. Nostalgia was in high supply with Orthodox Celts, The Doors Tribute, and

In anticipation of large crowds, the organizers facilitated the reservation of tables and individual seats, a thoughtful gesture that allowed guests to revel in the festivities with added comfort. Reflecting the event’s growing popularity, Srbijavoz provided special train services from Novi Sad to Belgrade, accommodating the substantial number of attendees travelling to Oktoberfest.

The booming success of Novi Sad Oktoberfest 2023, against the backdrop of global uncertainties, is a powerful homage to humanity’s collective desire for connection, joy, and cultural celebration.

It’s a reminder of the unifying power of tradition and festivity —

IT’S A REMINDER OF THE UNIFYING POWER OF TRADITION AND FESTIVITY ABBA Ring Band delivering classic hits. Not to be outdone, BandX captivated hard rock enthusiasts with a dedicated AC/DC performance.

The event’s inauguration has become a spectacle, with a tradition

of attendance by esteemed figures.

This year, representatives from the City of Novi Sad, the Secretariat for Economy and Tourism of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, the German Embassy in Belgrade, and the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce were present. The ceremony was further dignified by members of the German national community in Vojvodina, emphasizing the festival’s significance in nurturing cultural solidarity and mutual appreciation.

Interactivity was a focal point of this year’s festivities. Beyond the culinary and musical offerings, attendees engaged in spirited contests that have become synonymous with the Novi Sad Oktoberfest experience. The beer mug-holding competition drew widespread participation and cheers, with separate categories

a beacon of hope and friendship that transcends geographical and cultural divides.

As the beer tent deflates and the echoes of music fade, anticipation brews for next year’s edition. With each passing year, the Novi Sad Oktoberfest not only reinforces its status as a staple of cultural festivity but also as a symbol of unity, resilience, and the strong human spirit.

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CULTURAL INTERVIEW

by Dragan Nikolić

Culture is the Meeting Point for Our Diversity JOVANKA VIŠEKRUNA JANKOVIĆ pianist, founder of ArtLink and the Camerata Balcanica orchestra

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versatile artist, Jovanka Višekruna Janković is much more than a great pianist. Through her work in culture, and by founding ArtLink and the Camerata Balcanica orchestra, she has pushed the boundaries of Serbian culture and connected nations in a joint artistic endeavor.

As the founder and Artistic Director of the ArtLink association, you have done a lot to promote Serbian culture around the world. How is our culture accepted and perceived internationally?

ArtLink was founded as a manifestation of the need to create opportunities for the promotion of artists from Serbia. As a young artist, I was formed in the nineties, which were both the hardest and the most painful years in our recent history. I am lucky to have studied at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest, which at the time had many international students, and I made great efforts to organise my own concerts wherever possible.

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ArtLink was founded as an expression of the need to create opportunities for the promotion of artists from Serbia I managed to get invited, as the only artist from Eastern Europe, to the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Canada, which invited artists from all over the world and where I performed in a multicultural international environment for two seasons. Back then I was an ambassador of sorts for my country, at a time when it had a predominantly negative image. I was glad that, through my performances and my attitude, I always left a positive impression and presented a different image of our country and the region, which at the time was marked by wars.

That positive personal experience of positioning an artist from Serbia on the international stage was the main inspiration for establishing ArtLink as a platform, festival, network for the promotion and connection of young artists from Serbia and the region. And for their integration into European and global art programmes. The artistic act is mostly personal, and this personal

stamp that artists leave on their performances and works, through their attitude and the interaction they develop with their colleagues and the audience, also influences the creation of a positive image of the country they come from.

Do you think it’s difficult to be a pianist and nurture classical music in Serbia?

I think that being a pianist and being an artist and nurturing classical music is not easy, and that surviving in this profession is a big challenge, especially for a freelance artist or an independent institution.

In Serbia and in our region, it is certainly much more difficult than in some European countries that have a much longer tradition of nurturing and valuing classical music, and therefore have a developed audience as well as a market that definitely offers a lot more opportunities for professional engagement.

CAMERATA BALCANICA IS AN EXAMPLE OF SUCCESSFUL REGIONAL COOPERATION AND RECONCILIATION THROUGH CULTURE AND MUSIC

In our country, it is necessary to bring art music closer to a wider audience and teach them how to listen to music. I think it is difficult to love something that you know little about or don’t know enough.

Still, in recent years, we have witnessed a lot more initiatives and concerts in Serbia, which are trying to reach their audience with more or less success. Classical or art music needs to be valued much more and should be given the attention it deserves, and the audience needs to be educated from a young age.

With the Camerata Balcanica chamber orchestra, you have demonstrated that it is possible to successfully combine traditional and classical culture. How has that formula been accepted abroad?

Camerata Balcanica is an example of successful regional cooperation and reconciliation through culture and music.

‘United in music’ is one of our mottos, because Camerata Balcanica brings together the best young artists from the entire region. I believe this is the first example of such www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

practice, because its roots go back to 2004, when ArtLink founded the Nordic – Balkan Chamber Orchestra, where young artists from across the Balkans came together in a joint musical project for the first time. Since then, the constant focus of ArtLink has been on the region and regional cultural cooperation, as well as on the revival and strengthening of our old, forgotten connections. Camerata Balcanica is also our connection with Europe and the world, a way of presenting ourselves in a more beautiful and positive light and a way of being a part of Europe and the world together.

Stanić, Irena Josifoska and many others. Many European artists who are now among the leading artists of the younger generation were represented at the ArtLink festival, among them the French pianist Jean Paul Gasparian, Norwegian violinist Sonoko Miriam, Italian pianist Alberto Ferro and many others. Therefore, the ArtLink festival has focused on the so-called Rising Stars.

You founded the ArtLink festival.

How has it contributed to Serbia’s cultural and music scene?

The ArtLink festival is a meeting place for artists of different generations, cultures, expressions, and a place where they all create unique artistic productions together, generally premiering at the ArtLink festival. To my great satisfaction as the festival’s Artistic Director, my invitations and suggestions related to the selection of the programme, artists and performance venues, although always challenging, new and original, have regularly met with great reception by foreign artists – those with a worldwide reputation no less.

One of the best German cellists, Jan Vogler, accepted the challenge each time both in terms of programming and production and was happy to be part of completely new ensembles and non-standard programmes at the ArtLink festival, as

The ArtLink festival was founded as the ArtLink Young Talents’ Festival, and it was the first initiative of its kind, which offered an opportunity to young, emerging artists from Serbia but also from Europe.

That opportunity also included education and mentoring by world-renowned artists, who shared their knowledge and experience with young artists between 7 and 18 years of age, and who formed part of the ArtLink programme for young talents. I am especially proud of the fact that many of those young talents performed with an orchestra for the first time at the ArtLink festival, that many had the opportunity to perform with masters of their craft, from whom they learned a lot, and to get a chance to perform with European orchestras.

The ArtLink festival launched its programme for young talents and the ArtLink Young Virtuosi orchestra, which served as a model for the project that Stefan Milenković is now working on along with our selection of string players.

These virtuosi have performed with Stefan Milenković at the ArtLink festival, but also with names such as Ištvan Vardai, Jan Vogler, Fedor Rudin, Giorgio Mandolesi and many others. Also, the ArtLink festival was the first to showcase our best young artists – violinist Lana Zorjan, cellist Petar Pejčić, Vuk Ovaskainen, as well as Nemanja Stanković, Una

You have brought many world-renowned artists to Serbia. How has our audience received them and how have they received our audience and culture?

well as the famous John Malkovich and the Vienna Orchestra who accepted my proposal to perform at Felix Romuliana near Zaječar.

It is a great trust bestowed upon me by these artists, because they step away from their standard production conditions and accept the challenge.

What is important is that these challenges have always been successful in implementation as well as interesting for the artists. At the same time, Serbia has entered their annual presentations of interesting cultural destinations, and the audience in Serbia is constantly experiencing something new and worth

Your work on strengthening relations with other countries and nations has been recognised, and for this reason you are the recipient of the Knighthood in the Order of Arts and Letters of the French Republic as well as the award for your contribution to the development of Serbian-American relations. How important are these awards and recognitions, in addition to the professional ones, to you?

Culture is the meeting point for our diversity and our common values, our past and present. Through culture, our personal but also common attitudes, thoughts, dilemmas and emotions are much better expressed,

ARTLINK IS AN ARTISTIC ENTERPRISE THAT DOESN’T STOP, IT IS IN CONSTANT MOVEMENT, CONSTRUCTION AND ARTISTIC INTERVENTION remembering. On top of this, a special synergy has regularly formed among the artists, opening the door to new joint professional engagements.

What are ArtLink’s future plans?

What exciting things can we expect?

ArtLink is an artistic enterprise, which doesn’t stop, it is in constant movement, construction and artistic intervention. Starting with numerous activities within the European Festivals Association, where ArtLink is the contact point for the Western Balkans, the contact point for Belgrade in the Festival Cities Initiative, the initiator and leader of the Platform for Women Artists, as well as an active promoter of the United Nations goals related to the green agenda, peace and respect of diversity through the programmes – Artists for Nature, Music for Peace.

We are continually dedicated to children and education and always emphasise the importance of music and art in all segments of life, including our health.

ArtLink is preparing new productions that will be presented in our region and abroad, in collaboration with our partners.

through culture our conversations with others are always inspiring and bring out the best in us.

I always like to look on the bright side, and to rejoice, admire and respect the achievements of other cultures and nations, as well as to constantly highlight the best that we as a country have to present.

The Knighthood in the Order, awarded by the Ministry of Culture of the French Republic, is an award for the significant life’s work of each individual recipient, and I am proud to point out that the ArtLink festival has published a music CD to mark the centenary of the partnership between France and Serbia in WWI and in the year of the centenary of Claude Debussy’s passing, as well as for the 180th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, with the support of the Ministry of Culture. The award for the contribution to the development of cultural relations with the USA is of great importance and a confirmation that, through my work and commitment, I have contributed to a better understanding of our cultures and nations. The key to good relations is understanding and respect for others, and I am glad if, through my efforts, I managed to take a step towards greater understanding and cooperation, towards recognising the value of other nations’ cultures, and to build a new bridge that will unite artists in a joint artistic endeavour.

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by Hidajet Biščević

SERIAL: DIPLOMACY AT THE TABLE

ABOUT THE SERIAL This serial is based on the intriguing book “Diplomacy at the Table,” written by the Croatian diplomat Hidajet Biščević, who reviewed and edited the original manuscript and selected the most interesting records, especially for our magazine.

As of this issue, you will read many interesting stories from real diplomacy that were told at the tables brimming with interesting food and surrounded by even more interesting politicians and diplomats from around the world.

His Excellency, Mr. Biščević, is the ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Serbia. He lives with his family in Belgrade.

SIXT CHAPTER

Blood Spilled Over the Smat, Again Another round of bloody carnage in the Middle East.

Surely the cruelest one in many decades of circles of violence

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thought that, with all those visits, as a young journalist, to bombed Beirut, to sieged Tripoli, to Rafah in Gaza, to misery refugee camps, to Nabathiye, to Jericho, to all those tragic examples of Israeli-Palestinian circle of conflict…I thought I had seen it all. Watching the latest news, I recognize that I have not seen the end of it…this time, blood and violence flow through the streets of Tel Aviv, buildings crushed in Gaza’s ghetto, in yet another circle of attacks and retaliation, this time with the end probably predictable, but with the wider human and political map of the region unpredictable. Like many times before, I stand speechless, not understanding how brutal sadistic massacres and throat slaughtering could advance the notion of freedom and statehood, just as I remain voiceless knowing that this latest round of conflict will surely reshape the entire region in a way not seen since the times of Ottomans and Lawrence of Arabia.

Not without some personal disappointment and depression,

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switching of the broadcasting news, I remembered an episode from many years ago. Someone mysterious, someone who probably followed my traces over the Middle East wars and conflicts, someone with a hunch about what guides me and directs me, someone interested and amused by my efforts to try to find a way between extremes, to navigate between opposites and to understand each side... well, someone alike, sent me a recipe book!

Not just any recipe book, but Palestinian and Jewish recipes for peace! Indeed, „Palestinian and Jewish Recipes for Peace - the perfect gift, food for the table and food for peace.” Scrolling through pages, it was obvious that the book is not only about the dishes and recipes… in the full range, from appetizers to cakes, passing through the generations of two communities… but rather a book full of stories of mothers and fathers and grandparents of Palestinian and Jewish origin, who gathered in a joint peace group in some small Californian town, far from the Middle Eastern hot pota-

to, to share recipes, to cook together, in a way using culinary setting for dialogue of acquaintance and reconciliation. In a way, the opening sentence tells everything: „Feeling that the enemy is the one whose story we haven’t heard, we want to testify that by sharing food and our personal stories, we can strengthen our relationships, and that is exactly what is missing in the peace process.”

The enemy is the one whose story we haven’t heard! What a lecture, what a message even for combating fighters of today! Since, in general, both communities are still not ready to listen to the other side of the story, in contrast to that group of Palestinians and Jews in a small Californian town, sharing their stories and recipes to better understand each other and to avoid living the vicious circle of intolerance and hate.

Thinking about all this, I wandered years back when I discovered the true dangers of prolonged rifts and irreconcilability for the first time and when, also for the first time, I witnessed the

attempts to build the bridges, to listen to the other side of the story.

It was in the early eighties - we started from Damascus, then to Amman, then to Beirut, then Jerusalem... a group of journalists, about fifteen of us, along the paths of the Middle Eastern splits, partially under the umbrella of the United Nations, partly connected by the rope of „Journalists for Peace,” participating in powerless and unimportant simulations of mediation, forums, visits to universities, talks to ministers, trying to spread understanding between the parties who did not want to understand each other. There were quite a few wellknown journalists, big sharks from the big media outlets among us, so that the whole endeavor did have some weight…well, for the rest of us, less experienced, as myself at the time, it offered the opportunity to see and sense a simple thing: relations in politics are equal to relations between people - it is difficult to be a good person if you are not good to other people. The rest is just a matter of performance - from harmony www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

when it works, to peaceful separation when it doesn’t, waiting for a better moment. Just like Palestinians and Israelis, still today, decades later.

The American Colony hotel was unavoidable iconic place for those types of meetings - one of those places in the war and espionage zones where only Humphrey Bogart would be missing, murmuring at the bar. The rest of the visitors, apart from us journalist, were idle rich man’s sons, traders, conspirators, arms dealers, in the corner someone was singing sad ballads about failed love...

learn to remember without hatred. Later, he will write the book „How to cure a fanatic” as evidence of how persistent the virus is and how difficult it is to cure it.

In short, full circle, from warrior to peacemaker.

Yossi Sarid had a similar, almost identical story. Like everyone else, he had served in the army and served in the wars - but by now, as we were assembled at that terrace of the American Colony hotel, he was already a member of parliament and already known as the most ardent advocate of a peaceful solution, a champion of

ful solution, peaceful separation and neighborly reconciliation.

Three men, one circle. What changed them, I wondered. I didn’t know then. Today I know.

They realized that the enemy was the one whose story they hadn’t heard. The gift book helped.

Instructive lessons from three men in the white wicker chairs on the terrace of the American Colony hotel. Utopia? Maybe. But it clearly left the mark. Lessons learned stayed with me for years until today: learn not to hate. Even as the broadcasting news testify that blood is still overriding words.

added someone else. Yes, also mammade, or msalwaea, flow of names went on.

But the point was that it is a dish of both Palestinian and Jewish culinary traditions, connected with prayer and hope and the fulfillment of wishes, so Palestinian and Jewish women prepare it for family, neighbors and friends when someone’s wish comes true.

In fact, very ordinary but unusual dish. Lentils, pasta and - persistence. Smat is based on lentils, usually red or yellow, which gives

Well, there they brought us to sit to drink and to talk.

Discuss the Middle East crisis and ways out.

Oz was already the greatest Israeli writer and leading intellectual, Sarid was already an open advocate of peace with the Palestinian side, Rabbo was Arafat’s spokesperson, he would become an adviser and minister later.

All three in their late thirties.

Topic: how to overcome divisions and confrontations, separation and hate.

But what I remember most was the fact that all three have gone full circle - from soldiers and participants in wars and mutual hostility to advocates of reconciliation and peace.

At that time, Amos Oz left behind the times when he served in the army and dusted the border with Syria, raced through Sinai in a tank in the Six-Day War, served on the Golan. Now, he was among the first to advocate a peaceful solution to the conflict, now he shaped the political philosophy of peace and understanding. Once he said it directly: one needs to

© Shutterstock

White wicker chairs arranged in a circle as if for some psychiatric group therapy. I remember well the participants from both Israeli and Palestinian side, as on that afternoon at the American Colony hotel, I first saw Amos Oz and Yossi Sarid and Yasser Abed Rabbo.

the theory of separation in order to enable reconciliation – which would later become known as a “two states solution” - convinced that any renewal of wars cannot bring peace to anyone, regardless who would “win”.

Yasser Rabbo, the third one and the youngest of them just completed his high school studies, skinny and bony, with a short beard a la Trotsky, a similar story... at first, youth days in the refugee camp, ardent, a fanatic, and red as the Russian revolution, sharpened for battle... and now, there he was, among us, innocent and powerless journalist-reconcilers, another advocate of peace-

Later, in the early evening, we headed down to Agrippa Street in search of dinner and a glass of conversation. I don’t remember the place anymore, but I remember the sight of table full of small bowls of tabbouleh, falafel, shawurma, thin and hot stuffed pies, glasses of cold water with mint leaves, carrots sliced lengthwise soaked in lemon juice, kefta, hummus… endless kaleidoscope.

At one moment, they served something like a greenish-white mush. I have never seen something alike before, neither in Syrian, Lebanese or Turkish cuisine.

Smat, it is smat, clarified someone. Yes, it could also be ihshtaye,

the spread a special color. The strange part of the preparation is that lentils are cooked with pasta, with constant stirring, for hours, persistently, until everything is completely boiled down into a thick porridge, mixed with salt, cumin, cardamom, sumac, and a bit of lemon juice. Smat, persistence to achieve trust and reconciliation.

Remembering that gift book, “Palestinians and Jewish Recipes for Peace,” I still believe in persistence to learn how not to hate. Despite watching the latest broadcasting news, not without depression and disappointment, I see that, again, blood is spilled over the smat.

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TRAVELOGUE

by Dragan Nikolić

A Beautiful Country of Good People

Algiers Panorama

According to data from the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), Algeria, while not considered a tourist superpower, still ranks fourth in Africa regarding the number of foreign visitors. The main contributing factors are the arrivals of Algerians from Europe, primarily France, and visiting tourists from neighbouring Tunisia.

t the invitation of the Embassy of Algeria, the editorial staff of Diplomacy&Commerce Magazine had the opportunity to visit Algeria and attend the SITEV Tourism and Travel Fair held there, as well as to learn about the tourism potential of this North African country.

Despite its extraordinary potential, Africa’s largest country by area SITEV is not known in Europe as a tourist destination.

A large part of the Sahara desert is located in Algeria, and it is the tourists’ first association when this country is mentioned, but apart from desert tourism, one should not overlook the beautiful Mediterranean coastline with a number of interesting cities and resorts.

Our group, which included journalists from a dozen European and African countries, had the opportunity to get to know the cap-

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ital of Algeria but also to venture deep into the desert to the unofficial capital of the Sahara, the city of Ghardaïa, and the large tourist centre of Timimoun in the far southwest of the country.

One of Algeria’s greatest sights, the Tassilli National Park in the southeast, along the border with Tunisia, remained an unfulfilled wish and a great reason to revisit this country.

THE FAMOUS ZINEDINE ZIDANE HAS ALSO JOINED IN THE PROMOTION OF TOURISM

And while it is not overrun with foreigners, this beautiful country is buzzing with local tourists, who most certainly love to travel and get to know its beauties.

When discussing the state of tourism in Algeria, one can’t avoid the lack of tourism infrastructure. This doesn’t apply so much to roads and airlines, which are plentiful in domestic transport, due to long distances and isolated oases and cities in the desert, but www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

ALL PHOTOS © Dragan Nikolić

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Tourism in Algeria is still in its infancy, and the government is doing everything to open up the country to foreigners and allow them to visit in greater numbers and get to know its beauties

rather to the lack of professional staff working in tourism. That is why a tourism fair like the SITEV takes place in the capital. It is a unique opportunity for tourism professionals to meet in one place and exchange their experiences and knowledge.

However, there is still a lot to do to increase the number of foreign tourists. The Ministry of Tourism has recognised this and is working diligently on that project, and bringing over foreign journalists for so-called Eductours has become a tradition already yielding results. The famous Zinedine Zidane has also joined in promoting tourism as part of advertising campaigns. There is also a growing interest in Algeria within Serbia. In a conversation with the ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Fatah Mahraz, we learn that citizens’ associations in Serbia nurture friendship with Algeria and organise group visits to this country for Casbah their members. There is a growing interest among our tour operators as well, which has influenced the decision of the Algerian national airline to include a direct route between Algeria and Belgrade in its plans.

This route is already in the works, and the ambassador confirms that negotiations will soon begin with local aviation authorities regarding establishing regular traffic.

safe, as any good-intentioned visitor will quickly find out.

Algerians are very friendly and kind, very happy to socialise with foreigners and host them in a traditional and very hospitable way, always with a cup of invigorating tea and plenty of food. Right from our first step in the capital, we could see that this country is open to foreigners, proud of its traditions, and eager to share and show them to its guests.

are structurally protected from collapse. Many houses are abandoned, and squatters can often be found in them, hindering the Casbah’s further reconstruction.

Despite this situation, the city of Algiers and the state are working intensively on the Casbah’s revitalisation and investing significant funds in the reconstruction of both buildings and public spaces. The old city’s atmosphere hasn’t been disturbed, and visitors will get an opportunity to have an authentic experience while wandering through the extremely narrow streets and meeting the locals who are going about their daily business. Numerous national cuisine restaurants are located in the Casbah, so tourists can relax in a traditional Algerian townhouse setting to try local specialties based on couscous, chicken, or lamb.

Descending from the Casbah to the Place des Martyrs, you enter the modern part of the city squeezed into a narrow strip along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. City palaces resembling those in Paris or Marseille frame rectangular squares full of tall palm trees with lush canopies creating a shade. Faucets, fountains, and flowerbeds provide a pleasant en-

View at Casbah from Place des Martyrs

ALGERIANS ARE VERY FRIENDLY AND KIND PEOPLE, VERY HAPPY TO SOCIALISE WITH FOREIGNERS AND HOST THEM IN A TRADITIONAL AND VERY HOSPITABLE WAY, ALWAYS WITH A CUP OF INVIGORATING TEA AND PLENTY OF FOOD

Martyrs Monument

Unfortunately, bureaucratic procedures remain an obstacle to the mass arrival of tourists for a while longer. Citizens of Serbia need a visa to go to Algeria, which can be easily obtained at the consular department of the Algerian embassy in Belgrade. Still, Algeria’s bureaucracy can further complicate and slow down the movement of tourists.

Tourist groups can’t move freely around Algeria because parts of the country are considered unsafe due to potential incursions by terrorist groups across the southern borders. Fortunately, these risk zones are restricted to 200 kilometers from the border and don’t include any tourist attractions. It is encouraging that the rest of the country is perfectly

remains of the fortress and city walls, enclosing white and ochre clusters of small, dilapidated houses built mostly of earth and mud and extending down the hillside towards the sea. Although

National Teathre Algiers

A walk through the capital must start from the famous Casbah, the old city on top of the hill above the port. At the top, there are the

under the protection of UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage, the Casbah is in a rather bad state due to the materials it was built from, the year of construction, the effect of sea salt in the air, winds, and earthquakes. Almost a fifth of all buildings were completely demolished, and in those places, there are now either empty lots or ruins, while one-fifth of the remaining 1800 buildings are in a bad state.

Only one-tenth of the buildings

vironment for the street vendors offering various sweets, water, and refreshments as they trade all day long with the hurried workers who crowd the buses and the modern subway or move hastily along the wide boulevards such as the one named after Ernesto Che Guevara.

The Latin American revolutionary is very popular in Algeria, and we even found out at the ho-

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tel where we were staying that he had also stayed there once.

Left-wing ideology and anti-colonialism are still strongly represented in this country, which only achieved freedom from French colonial rule in 1962. The historic Hotel El Djazair (Arabic name for

sis in the M’zab River valley. The whole valley is a dried-up riverbed (wadi) that rarely fills with water during the rainy season. In the centre of the oasis is Ghardaïa, its bustle, and dynamism far surpassing a city of less than one hundred thousand souls. The city

Modern Algiers Dracaena at the Botanical Garden

„urban planning.” That respected resident will always be invited to give his opinion, judgment, and recommendation when something new is being built in the village. He ensures that no house exceeds a height of seven meters because all residents, no matter how rich they are, have the right to sunlight. Basic groceries and various household items are free, and their exchange occurs at the village market on the main square.

Walking through the old streets, we come across numerous wells shared by the entire commune.

All public works are cared for by the residents equally, according to their abilities. The children help as much as they can, and you can often see them squealing and screaming as they play while chasing a donkey burdened with some load. Women don’t have to

Rais Palace

Algeria) is a well-known colonial building. It used to be called Hotel Saint George, and today, a taxi driver is more likely to bring you to the right place if you tell him the hotel’s old name.

In the centre of the city, you will find the Rais Palace, also known as Bastion 23. This complex of buildings, some of which date back to the early 16th century, now houses the Arts and Culture Centre, and visitors can see what the palaces looked like throughout history.

is a mini-metropolis, consisting of several villages and small towns dotted around the centre and scat-

HE MAKES SURE THAT NO HOUSE EXCEEDS A HEIGHT OF SEVEN METRES, BECAUSE ALL RESIDENTS, NO MATTER HOW RICH, HAVE THE RIGHT TO SUNLIGHT Ghardaia central market

A favourite meeting place is on the hill south of the city, where there is a monument dedicated to the Algerian War, which was fought for independence from France between 1954 and 1962.

This monument symbolizes the city, dominating it so it is visible everywhere. It appears to have three palm leaves joined together, with the statues of Algerian soldiers resting at the base and an eternal flame in the middle. The promenade around the monument offers a spectacular view of the city and the harbour below it.

Kid with the donkey

In one such village, El Atteuf, under the protection of UNESCO, we came across a real traditional commune.

The desert capital After an hour’s flight from the country’s capital, you reach the capital of the Sahara – the informal one, of course. Ghardaïa deserves that nickname as it is the region’s most important commercial and cultural centre.

Its streets are crowded with people visiting the local market and shops. It is situated in a large oa-

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tered throughout the oasis. The residents of these villages head to the city for everything they need.

Hotel El Djazair

Strolling through the old centre of the village, along winding streets between houses built of sand and mud, we got to know an unusual society and learned a lot about the life of the local population. In a village like this one, there is no state administration. Rather, it is governed by an informal council of wise men and respected villagers. The residents elect particularly honourable and capable individuals from among themselves, assigning them responsibilities and areas of activity. Thus, there is a person in charge of

work, but they can if they wish.

The whole village organises weddings and celebrations, and everyone is in charge of something so that the newlyweds and their families have no expenses. They are guests of honour at their celebration, which brings together all the villagers and can last for days. www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

capital, where we all went home.

All of us were without the bottles filled with sand that we collected on the dunes, but on the other hand, full of impressions and nice words about our hosts. Immense kindness and friendliness, the desire to help or to talk with you, make you feel extremely welcome and safe. Lunch accompanied by traditional Arabic love songs and dancing accompanied by screams gave a special touch to the stay in Algeria.

Ksar

Tea at the oasis Dunes at the Oasis

Most Ghardaïa residents are Berbers, who bury their dead in unmarked graves so that everyone who comes to the cemetery would pray for all the dead, not just their own. It seems that this extraordinary example of togetherness also continues in the afterlife.

Lunch in the Oasis On our way further south, we take a break in an oasis where we have a traditional lunch under a tent with carpets spread out. We sit on the floor at low tables, and the hosts first serve us dates, then bring out soup, couscous with meat and vegetables, and fruit.

Those who wish can ride a camel after lunch, while the others drink

WE SIT ON THE FLOOR AT LOW TABLES, AND THE HOSTS FIRST SERVE US DATES AND THEN BRING OUT SOUP, COUSCOUS WITH MEAT AND VEGETABLES, AND FRUIT brated just as we were visiting. In cities, this is usually in mosques, but people gather on the dunes in the desert, where life depends on nature and its temper. When several columns of worshipers join together in the central valley between dunes, singing and dancing, they take the prayer position towards Mecca, and the worship begins.

Mosque at El Atteuf

strong and sweet tea to refresh themselves before continuing the long drive even deeper into the desert.

Timimoun The arrival in Timimoun, another city in an oasis, was accompanied by a sandstorm, because of which we replaced lunch under tents with one in the private house of our friendly hosts. The city is famous for its large desert fortress (ksar) located a few kilometres away. Like all ksars with a de-

While more serious development of tourism in Algeria requires time, it is undeniable that the government is doing a lot to improve and promote it. Traditionally hesitant due to their difficult historical struggle for freedom and the abolition of the colonial system, Algerians still feel the need to leave nothing to chance, which is one of the obstacles to tourism development. Independent travellers and tourists sometimes have to research on their own and

The next day, the national airline Air Algérie took us back to the fensive purpose, it was built on a hill above a cave, and the passages between the walls that create shade are filled with orange-red Sahara sand.

Camels are very important

wander around to get immersed in the residents’ way of life.

In the hope that Belgrade and Algeria will soon be connected by a direct route (the flight would take a little over two hours), we invite you to visit this beautiful country of good people.

Prayer

An evening trip to the nearby dunes also brought us a big surprise. Thousands of people gather there before sunset so that, once the sun goes down, they start a procession, which we learned is religious. Believers traditionally gather for evening prayers on the occasion of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, which was cele-

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COLUMN

The List: People who change Belgrade

VOL.

8

© Goran Popovski

Belgrade a city with a soul, where every street and every person tells their own story. Throughout this city’s history, people have left their mark and influenced its appearance, architecture, gastronomic offer, and the habits of the people of Belgrade. But here’s the thing about being influential: it’s not for everyone. It takes a certain kind of person to stand out in a crowd and be heard. Let’s take a look at some of the men and women who have made their mark on Belgrade in a feature column by Duška Jovanić, which is out each month.

Champagne lady

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IVANA MRDJA Lifestyle icon

Midori&Maison is a unique concept of a quiet luxury house, the brainchild of Ivana Mrdja, who connected our city with interior design brands of superior style and refined sensibility. In this sense, Midori&Maison is a truly special gem in the officially best-packed part of Belgrade. „This is a city where everything you truly believe in can happen to you,” says Ivana.

Above all, it is a friendly place, but it can easily become a stage of fetishistic elegance. Anyone who had the opportunity to meet Ivana Mrdja in her lifestyle empire knows what I’m talking about. This is a young woman, with sophisticated aesthetics and refined taste, which is visible at every step, but not overpowering. On the contrary, it leaves you with enough room to find your dream interior yourself, especially since brands with a long tradition are rep-

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tles are not neglected either, for those guests for whom a bottle is the right measure in the school of enjoyment, the school that the ravishing Marilyn Monroe graduated from. And, yes, it can be drunk without caviar, because homemade cracklings are the best substitute for overpriced roe. Dragana was born in Sarajevo and grew up in Belgrade. As an economics graduate, majoring in marketing, she spent part of her career in various industries, before stepping into the world of wine in 2016. And she hasn’t stopped since! As a professional sommelier, she would like to leave her mark on the Belgrade wine scene. I admit that my heart beats faster when, while I’m in Dragana’s bar. I feel bubbles not butterflies in my stomach. It’s not about expensive taste, it’s about art. “I only drink champagne on two occasions: when I am in love and when I am not”. (Coco Chanel) Bubbles, no troubles!

© private archive

For champagne to become what it is today, several men had to die by natural death for the only drink which doesn’t spoil a woman’s beauty. Fortunately, these men were married to smart women. The power of the starry bubbles was taken over by their widows, starting with Madame Clicquot, through the heiress of the Laurent Perrier brand to Madame Louise Pommery. The rest is history, not even spoiled by the gourmet decadence of Sir Noel Coward, who was caught drinking champagne for breakfast, convinced that everyone was doing it. And what is our place in this story? We are sitting in „The Bubble” („Mehurić”) in Palilula green market, which was opened a year ago

by Dragana Nović because she always has Belgrade her heart and now also in every bubble that ritually rises to the top of the flute glass.

This is an atypical bar, where the best sparkling wines are served in glasses. The bot-

resented here - starting with Andrew Martin, whose client was also the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton. Apart from furniture, this concept includes a large range of accessories, lamps and decorative fabrics (DeGournay, Julian Chichester, Flamant, Vaughan, The Rug Company, Assouline and many others). It is the epitome of the idea that luxury is directly related to comfort, not luxury at any price.

Ivana says that she brought to Belgrade what suits Belgrade the best: „A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, in a most delightful way”. Many years ago, Belgrade was able to recognize the Midori ambience, which was named after Ivana’s favourite character, the girl from the novel „Norwegian Wood”, by the famous Japanese writer, Haruki Murakami.

Midori& Maison. For art and class!

© private archive

1

NOTE: The list is made in alphabetical order

DRAGANA NOVIĆ

www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

NEVENA VESELINOVIĆ Veganlook girl

superhero at the nearby market, where fresh fruits and vegetables await every weekend, not only for a healthy life but also for a good mood. What priceless opulence is hidden on Belgrade’s green market stalls. Constantly learning about phytotherapy and long-term nutrition based on #wholefoods principles led Nevena to start something that combines everything she loves, but also something that she wants to convey to others. For anyone prone to excuses, she created her Veganbow, which connects the memories of our ancestors and our healthier future. Fun fact - Belgrade’s murals encouraged her to replace gourmet onions with vegan onions.

P.S. This hardened fighter for a healthy life has nothing against kebabs, if they are made of sweet potato and oatmeal.

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STJEPAN HAUSER Cellist

© promo

“Belgrade!!! It is a vibrant city, full of life, wellknown for its nightlife and amazing food. People are warm, and every time I come to Belgrade I find a great atmosphere. So, I can’t wait to be back and enjoy everything that Belgrade has to offer. All the great things important for life are in Belgrade”, Stjepan Hauser’s booming voice message reflects his showmanship, the way he plays his cello and behaves on stage. The fact that he looks like a hunk sometimes makes people say that if he stays in the room long enough, he’ll start flirting with the picture on the wall.

Stjepan indeed burns in his fantasies, experiencing every moment of life as a film frame.

His Belgrade performances are always eagerly awaited because of the barbecue accompanied by folk music. This is not a stunt - he can be the most gentle romantic soul, but also a wild rocker. And that’s how he dresses also – he is either wearing a starched white shirt with an oxford

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© private archive

Who’s that girl? This question could confuse only amateurs on the organic food scene in Belgrade. Because Nevena Veselinović was the first to introduce us to the secrets of healthy food, which has nothing to do with a fad. This vegan and blogger, with experience gained as an inorganic chemistry student, cites the „enlightenment” that happens in the temple of real foods as the beginning of every good recipe. And that is a green market, the most ideal and colourful place for an intimate encounter with juicy life. „Eating organic food is not just about shelling out a lot of money for delivery in recycled natron bags or bemoaning how easy it is for those with enough money to afford it. Organic food is what our grandmothers grew every day”, says Nevena and Belgraders believe her. That’s why each of us found our

knot on his tie or barefoot on a beach, in love with the woman he is playing to. Of course, we are talking about the cello, which mimicks the perfect proportions of a woman’s body. Instead of a soccer ball or bulging muscles, he set out to conquer the world with a superb bow, fine manners and an outstanding musical education.

He was born in Pula in an artistic family. His mother taught percussion, while his father was a talented painter. He graduated from a prestigious music academy in Manchester and then met Luka Šulić in London. These two handsome guys later became a global attraction called 2CELLOS. They collaborated with many global stars, including Elton John. Stjepan soon continued as a solo player, because he is really not only known as a fantastic cellist. He dances with his whole body, even when he completely surrenders to classical music. So, Mister Hauser, Belgrade can’t wait to see you again.

VLADIMIR ARSENIJEVIĆ Writer

Vlajsa, as the whole of Belgrade knows him and considers him as their personal writer, is, in addition to other activities, someone who writes every day, even on vacation, while he is still sleepy. Intelligence and irony have always prevented him from being satisfied. Since his first book („Below the Deck”), for which he was the youngest recipient of the NIN Award ever, he has a need to correct manuscripts and print new versions. That is why, twenty years later, he made a completely new novel out of „Andjela”. After that, he wrote „Toward the Border”, and with the novel „Ghosts”, which is an exciting literary kaleidoscope of our reality spanning three decades, he rounded off the tetralogy that began with “Below the Deck”.

Even though we don’t live in the apocalyptic 1990s anymore, Belgrade is still not the happiest place for him, although foreigners have a great time in it. Despite such a reality, Vlajsa

has an excellent understanding of emotions.

This ensured his literature a solid position on many nightstands, particularly those of women. Unlike other domestic writers, mostly macho conservatives, he is one of the few who can write about love. He has always been an adventurer in body and spirit. It’s strange that apart from the Mexican make-over experience and regardless of his adventurous nature, he always looked the same. He only wore a jacket as a punk and cargo Bermuda shorts as a serious publisher. Today, as the founder and president of the Krokodil Association, which organizes the best regional literary festival, he is still not ready to wear a suit. But he is ready to transform Belgrade, which could be phenomenal, creative, inclusive, relieved of atavism, open and capable of creating new trends, and not lagging behind existing ones.Dear Vlajsa, let’s go for it!

© Imre Szabo

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READ THIS ON WEB

by Duška Jovanić

TALKS

A Touching Confession of the Ups and Downs of the Versace Family This book was born out of the love I felt for my brother, my parents, and of course, for Francesca

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he promotion of the book „Brothers” by Santo Versace took place on 6 October at the BIG FASHION shopping mall. The event, open to the public, was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in Serbia, H.E. Luca Gori, Sladjana Milojević, director of the Fashion Apparel Cluster of Serbia, as well as Robert Čoban, director of Color Media Communications.

The event was opened by the Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in Serbia, H.E. Luca Gori: „I’d like to thank all of you who came and to say that I am extremely happy and honoured that we have the opportunity to host Santo Versace and his wife Francesca in Belgrade today. Crnjanski travelled to Tuscany in 1971 and wrote in his diary that he had

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come there to connect all visible and invisible threads. I believe that Santo Versace, just like Crnjanski, came here in order to connect those threads and to present his book, which talks about precisely that. This is not only a book about an Italian family, about the love between brothers, but also a story about the history of Italy and a testimony of the love between Santo and Francesca. I wish you a pleasant evening, enjoy!”

Robert Čoban, director of Color Media Communications, also addressed the audience: „I think it’s wonderful that, in cooperation with the embassies,

Duška Jovanić and Santo Versace

GIANNI AND I WERE TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN

we bring important people to this country. The book „Brothers” by Santo Versace is an interesting account of a family and a country www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

He mentioned that, in addition to writing, he is engaged in the field of cinematography along with his wife. He also runs the „Santo Versace” foundation, which addresses precisely the most vulnerable categories that need help. He explains: „Dealing with the past is nice, but we want to focus on the present moment and help as much as possible. Being engaged with cinematography is a continuation of our fashion business. I have just spoken with the Italian ambassador about the connection between Serbian and Italian cinematography. I am glad that I’ve been able to see that there is this synergy in the fashion world, fashion industry, cinematography, and this cooperation and all other kinds of cooperation.”

that came out of WWII impoverished and destroyed. We know Italy as the country that is a symbol of fashion, elegance, that opens stores with the best brands all over the world. This hasn’t always been the case. It was precisely the house and the family of Versace that started spreading Italy’s image around the world. Enjoy today’s promotion and I hope to see you at another similar and interesting event like this one.”

Sladjana Milojević, director of the Fashion Apparel Cluster of Serbia,

He also commented on the pain he faced while growing up, starting with losing his younger sister. The tragedy he had to overcome in the later years of his life was losing his brother, Gianni

Italian Ambassador, H.E. Luca Gori

Santo Versace - the author of the book „Brothers”

also greeted those present: „It is a great honour for me to be here with you and to be able to greet such a great name. Most local brands in Serbia are extremely connected with Italian fashion as a symbol of art, history, passion, creativity and innovation that has inspired the whole world for centuries, not just the Serbian fashion industry.”

The interview with Santo Versace, the author of the book „Brothers“ was conducted by Duška Jovanić.

Santo Versace explained that his book was born primarily out of love: „This book was born out of the love I felt for my brother, for my parents, and of course, for Francesca. Gianni was the younger brother, born two years after me, and this is a book that talks about how we were growing up and how we were meeting each other. The book was also born out of love for charity and good deeds. This is where my foundation comes from, where I have really invested a lot of effort and work in order to show that love.

Both through fashion and through my engagement and commitment

to work. Everything that was this love and respect for my family, and for Italy, I have presented in my book.”

He expressed great satisfaction that there is a connection between the people of Italy and Serbia, not only those who once lived in Italy but also a large part of the population. He added: „We are cousins, we are one big family.”

He pointed out that he hopes everyone who has the opportunity to read his book will be able to get better acquainted with the history, not only of his family, but also of Italy and the story of its development after WWII. He emphasised that the book is very important for young people and that it addresses them in particular, because „at a young age, when there is passion and when you invest a lot of love, you can really achieve anything.”

Santo Versace also referred to the relationship between him and his brother, Gianni Versace: „Gianni and I were two sides of the same coin. We looked like different parents. Gianni was a true copy of our mother, and I was a

copy of our father. We were different, but we always spent time together. That way, we constantly complemented each other, as was the case later on in our work. Even as a very young man in the army – at the time, I was at the border near the former Yugoslavia – I realised how big the dreams of my brother Gianni were. I did everything to try to help him achieve his dreams. Gianni did a lot for women’s emancipation in his approach to fashion, but he did just as much for men’s emancipation.”

THAT’S THE MAGIC WORD. LOVE. IF THERE WAS MORE OF IT, THERE WOULD BE NO WARS AND CONFLICTS

Versace. He says it took him 25 years to get over it fully. He emphasised that it had been a great trauma for him, one he took very hard and barely managed to overcome. He explains that today he feels better, more relieved and younger compared with that time: „He is always with me and is always following me. I managed to overcome this thanks to the love Francesca gave me. That’s the magic word. Love. If there were more of it, there would be no wars and conflicts.”

The evening ended with the sale of copies of the book „Brothers” and Santo’s signing of dedications for all those who attended the promotion.

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OBITUARY

One of the Black Saturday Victims Mor Cohen (1999-2023)

The grandson of Dušan Mihalek, the longtime music editor of Radio Novi Sad, was killed at the age of 24 by Hamas terrorists.

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his month, one death shook the people of Serbia much more than other similar bad news that we are unfortunately exposed to on a daily basis. When Dušan Mihalek, the longtime music editor of Radio Novi Sad, announced on Saturday, October 7, the day of the attack by Hamas terrorists on Israeli territory and the massacre of the Supernova music festival goers, that his grandson Mor (age 24) disappeared after the massacre, the whole country prayed for him to return happily to his family. Dušan then posted a photo of himself with Mora on his Facebook profile with the comment: „Don’t ask me anything, don’t call, we’re panicking. Our oldest grandson, Mor, has disappeared, on the border with Gaza. We know NOTHING about his whereabouts. Please pray for him!”

However, a few days later, Dušan broke the sad news: „Our Mor is no longer with us. The army and social services came to tell us that his body had been found.

There is no more hope.”

The whole of Serbia mourned the murdered young man, although a good part of our country’s population, at least judging by the comments on websites and social networks (see the Foreword on page 5), expressed understanding while some even cheered for what Hamas did on October 7.

Did Mor’s death contribute to our citizens identifying more with the horror experienced by the families of those killed and abducted during the Israeli Black Saturday? Some argue that Westerners are more sensitive to videos of the murder and kidnapping of Israelis because they are white, „more like us”, members of the Judeo-Christian civilization. While, on the other hand, the sufferings of millions of members of other races and religions in Afghanistan, Yemen, Iraq, Gaza or South Sudan touch them much less.

Dušan Mihalek was a long-time editor of Radio Novi Sad’s music programme and today he is the most renowned Serbian tourist guide in the Holy Land. Mihalek

was the first graduate in musicology in the history of Vojvodina. He ended up in Israel by destiny and the desire for is family to escape the war. Namely, in 1991, when the conscription for the Vukovar battlefield began, wanting to protect his son who had impaired vision, Dušan moved with his family to Budapest so that they could go to Israel together with the help of the Jewish community and based on the evidence that his father-in-law, who survived Auschwitz, was born Jewish.

Although he knew nothing about Israel, not even the Hebrew language, Dušan became the director of the Israel Music Centre in about a year. He decided to leave that job in his later years because, as he said, working in culture was severely underpaid everywhere and he was the father of four children and the grandfather of four grandchildren at the time (today there are ten of them). That’s why,

in his sixth decade of life, he enrolled in a prestigious four-year Israeli tourism college and had to pass 70 exams and visit 77 tourist destinations to even get a license to work in the Holy Land, which cost him $30,000.

Dušan regularly followed and commented on events in his native Serbia, while his Facebook profile is brimming with photos of him and his eldest grandson.

I hope that Mor’s death will convert and force at least one of those people I write about in my foreword to change their attitude.

Robert Čoban

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www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

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READ THIS ON WEB

by Livija Lazić-Kankaraš

EXHIBITION

SERBIAN DAYS IN HUNGARY

The Return of Milić of Mačva The opening of the exhibition „The Return of Milić of Mačva” in the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia on 5 October aroused great interest and respect

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he month of Serbian culture in Hungary started on 1 October this year, 2023, with the aim of returning Serbian culture in Hungary to its rightful place, as His Eminence Bishop Lukijan of Buda said in his presentation that day.

Advisor Aleksandar Lončarević, charge d’affaires.

Honouring the world-famous surrealist painter of mystical

phantasmagoria, Milić Stanković (known as Milić of Mačva), were also numerous visitors such as His Excellency Archbishop Banach, the Apostolic Nuncio in Hungary, H. E. Biljana Gutić-Bjelica, Ambassador of Bosnia and Hercegovina in Hungary, Vera Pejić-Su-

On this occasion, other programmes of „Serbian Days in Hungary” will continue until 28 October.

The opening of the exhibition „The Return of Milić of Mačva” in the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia on 5 October aroused great interest and respect. The exhibition was opened by Ms. Maja Gojković, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Serbia, in the presence of Ms. Dr. Ester Vytajos, Deputy of Mr. János Csák, Minister of Culture and Innovation of Hungary.

Under the auspices of the Diocese of Buda, with the blessing of Bishop Lukijan, the curator of the exhibition was Archpriest Varnava Knežević, who excellently organised a display of paintings by Milić Stanković in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Budapest with Svetlana Stanković, Consul, First Counsellor, the Association „Art Without Borders”, art collector and lawyer Dušanka Subotić- Homen, expert associate and President of the Artists’ Association „Krug”, academic artist Professor Milan Đurić, attaché Aleksandar Farkaš, and Ministerial

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HONOURING THE WORLD-FAMOUS SURREALIST PAINTER OF MYSTICAL PHANTASMAGORIA, MILIĆ STANKOVIĆ (KNOWN AS MILIĆ OF MAČVA), WERE ALSO NUMEROUS VISITORS

tor, President of the Self-Government of the Serbs in Hungary, Ljubomir Aleksov, Serbian member of the Hungarian Parliament, Military Attaché Lt. Col. Predrag Zeljković...

Also bestowing a great honour with their presence were the ambassadors of the Russian Federation, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Philippines, Laos, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Chile... Among the distinguished guests were those from the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of the Danube Commission, the Ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary – Head of the Directorate for the Western Balkans, Pero Lastić, Director of the Serbian Institute in Budapest, as well as numerous representatives of the cultural and social life of Budapest.

Roland Villeneuve, the famous French essayist and art critic, wrote in 1981, among other things, about Milić and his works: „Original in many respects and solid, he can be compared to a hymn about nature, primarily for the transparency of the air, through which one can still breathe, after all, and for the brilliance and beauty of the colour! In particular, the charm of giftedness emanates from Milić’s works, with constantly renewed themes, vindicating Herodotus who claimed that the Dardanians were indifferent to everything, but not to poetry!”

Only a few of Milić’s numerous paintings are showcased at the www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs

exhibition, such as: „The Gardens of Athos” from 1989, „Waiting for Christ” from 1970, „The Diptych of Szentendre” from 1988, „The Transfiguration of Tihomir”, from 1976, „Njegoš from light to darkness” from 1971, „The Insurgent

daughters Simonida and Teodora Stanković, who were present in the audience. „Milić of Mačva consciously left his mark under the skies of Hungary. It is, in fact, mutual perme-

Simonida sang two songs: one Serbian, „Haunted Villa” from Homolje, and in Hungarian „Istenem, Istenem” from Transylvania, which translates as „God, God”.

While Simonida performed the Hungarian song, the deputy from the Ministry of Culture and Innovation of Hungary, Dr. Ester Vytajos, could not hide her delight and pleasant surprise.

In her speech about her father and his works, Simonida supported the title of the exhibition „The Return of Milić of Mačva”,

MILIĆ OF MAČVA CONSCIOUSLY LEFT HIS MARK UNDER THE SKIES OF HUNGARY Banners of Patriarch Čarnojević” from 1988 and others.

Deacon Stefan Milisavić impeccably and very comprehensively led the opening of the exhibition, presenting important information about the author and announcing the speakers in Serbian and Hungarian, which he speaks like a native language.

Professor Milan Đurić, as an expert art critic, first addressed the audience with a video from 1988, in which the most respected Serbian writer in Hungary, Stojan D. Vujičić, had given a humorous toast to his great friend, Milić, in honour of the opening of the exhibition of paintings in Szentendre.

That video clip, where one can see and hear the voice of the genius painter, especially moved his

ation” – said, among other things, Professor Milan Đurić, adding that the video from 1988 was a kind of journey through time, which is why the title of this exhibition is „The Return of Milić of Mačva”.

One of the four daughters, Simonida Stanković, also addressed the audience. While known to the public as Milić’s daughter, with her multifaceted talents she earned, and deservedly so, the reputation as a visual artist and a guardian of the world’s national, ethnic wealth in music and on the stage. She performs old folk songs from various regions in many languages. From such a fragile, feminine body, a strong but at the same time sweet voice, which Milić would have been very proud of, echoed through the hall.

although she noted that „The Return to Milić of Mačva” would also be an adequate name.

The Deputy Minister of Culture and Innovation of Hungary, Dr. Ester Vytajos, made a warm speech with gratitude for attending the ceremony on the occasion of the „Days of Serbian Culture in Hungary”. She also pointed out that she is very proud that Szentendre and Pomáz are the centres of Serbian heritage in Hungary.

The Minister of Culture of Serbia, Maja Gojković, noted that Milić of Mačva was one of the members of the most original artists’ movement „Medijale”, which left a deep mark on the global and domestic cultural scene. He was a multi-talented artist who man-

aged to reconcile the traditional and the contemporary. With a few sentences, she commented on the very friendly relations between Serbia and Hungary.

After the speakers’ presentations, those present in the hall of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Budapest had the opportunity to get to know each other and talk, while Simonida’s singing could be heard from the speakers in the background.

Very spontaneously, Archdeacon Inokentije Lukin invited Simonida to dance a waltz. She accepted with joy, and those present in the hall watched with delight as they elegantly and very skilfully swayed and glided across the floor.

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CULTURAL NEWS

CMC EVENT

The Book Talk conference turned Novi Sad into a literary destination 66TH INTERNATIONAL BELGRADE BOOK FAIR 21-29 OCTOBER 2023 BELGRADE, SERBIA

This year the International Belgrade book fair will be held from October 21st to 29th in Belgrade.

More than 400 direct and almost as many indirect exhibitors from the country and abroad will participate, the organizers an-

T

he ninth regional literary conference „Book Talk”, which gathers the most famous writers, literary critics and publishers, was successfully realized in three cultural institutions of the city: the Gift Collection of Rajko Mamuzić, the Gallery of Matica Srpska and the Memorial Collection of Pavel Beljanski. The second day of the conference was opened by Tijana Palkovljević-Bugarski, director of Matica Srpska Gallery, Milana Kvas, director of the Pavel Beljanski Memorial Collection, and Vladimir Pištalo, director of the National Library of Serbia. „I hope that our space and our pictures will contribute to making this conference more beautiful, because we are sure that it will be successful,” Tijana Palkovljević-Bugarski said at the beginning of the conference. „With the Color Media Communications company, we are united by our love for art and literature, and this is proven by numerous collaborations with this organization. I would like to remind you that the Pavle Beljanski Memorial Collection

nounced. Participating exhibitors also houses a valuable new collection of books, which the descendants of Pavle Beljanski donated to our gallery after his death,” said Milana Kvas.

lin and jazz,” said Vladimir Pistalo and added that you should not despise things that speak to people in an interesting way, because people are not made to be bored.

The „Book Talk” conference is an excellent opportunity for entertainment and culture to meet, because the role of literature is not only to teach, but also to entertain.

After the introductory speeches, a total of nine panels were held on the topic of literature, two „one-on-one” conversations with writers and a traditional meeting with a writer was organized for the students of the „Isidora Sekulić” Gymnasium.

„That’s what it’s all about, that a person doesn’t have to be boring to be smart. I always think about how the idea of ​​what is popular culture and what is high culture is constantly changing. The best example for that is Charlie Chap-

The „Book Talk” conference was supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia and the City of Novi Sad.

come from all over the world starting from Turkiye, Greece, France, Egypt, Russia, Belarus, China and Iran, all the way to neighbor countries like Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Since 2005 the International Belgrade

MOVIE FESTIVAL FREE ZONE

3-9 NOVEMBER BELGRADE, NOVI SAD, NIŠ The

Free

Festival

Zone opens

space for debate, promotion, questioning and understanding of human rights and related issues, social phenomena and problems in the world and the region. Since 2013, the festival has been organized simultaneously in three cities (Belgrade - Novi Sad - Niš). The festival is part of a wider initiative that lasts throughout the year and

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CULTURAL NEWS

Book

Fair

Brenda, Alex, and Kevin, somewhere between the province and the heart of the great Italian capital, Rome. When Brenda finds out she is pregnant, the three teenagers face the challenges of growing up for the first time.

Their independence and freedom, as well as their suffering as social outsiders, are put to the test.

The film is the winner of the FIPRESCI award and the jury award at the Venice Film Festival.

has

featured 3,878 titles, coming from 89 countries, in 63

languages.

It’s worth noting that this will be the last time the International Belgrade book fair will be held at this location, considering the fact that the plans to re-locate the Belgrade fair are well under way. It was also decided that this year’s book fair will be extended to last a day longer than usual. The book fair is a traditional place for the exchange of opinions of all professions gathered around books and publishing. This year, the guests at the

ITALIAN FILM DAYS Cinema Made in Italy 24-28 OCTOBER 2023 BELGRADE, NOVI SAD, NIŠ CINEMA MADE IN ITALY - Italian Film Days will be held from October 24th to 28th in Belgrade,

Fair will be great star writers such

Here are some recommendations for films that will be shown at the festival.

as Etgar Keret, Joao Tordo, Simon Sebag Montefiore, Kate Moss and many other great authors from Europe and the world. The program will also include conversations about jubilee and important works of today’s great writers such as Domanović or Kafka.

Novi Sad, and Niš. The event, which will be held for the first time in our country, is organized by Cinecittà, one of the most important European film and photographic archives, the Italian Cultural Institute in Belgrade, and mts Dvorana, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Municipality of Stari Grad, and the Italian Embassy in Serbia.

includes a festival tour (50 cities in Serbia) and educational programs (Free Zone Junior, Manual for teachers and students for the use of film as a supplemental tool in the teaching of civic education in primary and secondary schools, as and the Manual Film in Teaching intended for future teachers).

contemporary Italian cinema as a member of the European Film Promotion (EFP).

At the Italian Film Days will be presented the latest works of Italian cinematography, with a special program dedicated to Federico Fellini, the master of Italian cinema (on the 30th anniversary of the famous director’s death). Italian Cinecittà is one of the most important European film archives, housing significant materials of European and Italian cinematography. Cinecittà manages the legendary Cinecittà studios and promotes

The Oscar-winning film „8½” by Federico Fellini tells the story of director Guido, who is supposed to start filming a movie but is facing a creative block. He begins to question himself, his life, and the women he loves. „La Dolce Vita,” „Amarcord,” „Juliet of the Spirits,” and „La voce della luna” are some of the other films that pay tribute to the iconic Italian director. „An Endless Sunday” directed by Alain Parroni follows the lives of

„Adagio” by Stefano Sollima tells the story of Manuel, a man trying to enjoy his life while taking care of his elderly father. He goes to a party to photograph a mysterious individual but, realizing he has been deceived, decides to escape and gets involved in problems that are too big for him. „Adagio” won two awards at the Venice Film Festival, for the best young actor (Gianmarco Tognazzi) and for the best music in a film.

Another film we recommend is „A Brighter Tomorrow” a comedy by director Nanni Moretti.

The director struggles with his relationship with his family and with his latest film about the USSR’s invasion of Hungary in

1956 and its impact on the Italian Communist Party. Through this film, Nanni Moretti expresses his views on the political world, streaming platforms, modern cinema, his personal life, and his relationship with his partner, more strongly than ever before.

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