Letter of congratulation to the President of the Republic of France

"I congratulate you on the holiday - the day when France celebrates the imperishable human right to freedom, equality and brotherhood. On the fourteenth day of each July, we remind ourselves that for us, the citizens of Serbia, French national values remain a lasting example. 

 

If, as the French proverb says, "the past is the best prophet of the future", I expect that the ties between the Serbian and French people, which were unbreakable in the most profound historical circumstances and which faced various challenges, will now soar again. With your last year's visit to Belgrade and ardent speech in front of the Monument of Gratitude to France, you gave those ties a strong encouragement as you bestowed particular respect on the Serbian people, as your compatriot Alphonse de Lamartine did a long time ago when he said that 'the Serbian people had proud a heart that could be torn but not bent, just as the heart of mountain oak cannot be bowed.'

 

Allow me to avail myself of this opportunity to thank you for the fervent hospitality you conferred to me last week in Paris. And with that unforgettable expression of respect, you have confirmed how high is your admiration for my country. Serbia, rest assured, knows how to respond to your friendly rapport, highlighted by understanding for our views.

 

Excellency, 

 

Serbia and France still share the values that modern Europe rests upon, and I am convinced that we will have your support to realise our European path, in favour of peace and stability in the Western Balkans.

 

The strength of France is also the strength of Europe, and that is why, with sincere congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday, I convey to you my best wishes for the further progress of your country and the well-being of all its citizens.

 

Please accept, Mr President, my cordial greetings and assurances of my highest consideration," reads the congratulation of President Vučić. 

 

Belgrade, 14th July 2020