Letter of Congratulations to the President of the Republic of France

“Your Excellency, dear friend,

 

Please receive my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday, with the best wishes for the progress of France and wellbeing of all of its citizens.

 

While you celebrate the liberty, equality and fraternity with a magnificent parade on the Elysian Fields, everyone who shares those timeless ideals partakes in that celebration with the proud people of France. Among those are the citizens of Serbia, the country that has always fought for the ideals of liberty and independence. 

 

Merely a day later, I will be honoured to wish you a welcome. After almost two decades, you are the first President of France to visit Serbia, and that in the year when we mark the 180th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. You are coming to Belgrade – one of only five cities outside France graced by the Legion of Honour, deserved by the Serbian capital city for  the "sacrifices, bravery and magnificent resistance displayed in the Great War"; to Belgrade which remains unique by its monument of Gratitude to France; and to Serbia, whose freedom fight served as inspiration to Victor Hugo. That is why your visit will remind us that the two peoples have cast their fraternity throughout some of the most difficult of historical circumstances.

 

Your visit will also represent an affirmation that Serbia and France are on the sound path to attain the higher levels of political and economic cooperation which their unshakeable friendship and proclaimed strategic partnership do deserve. Until the present days, we keep sharing the values upon which modern Europe rests and I am convinced that our European path is realistic and enforceable in your vision of the reformed European Union. 

 

You can always count on Serbia as a reliable partner in the perseverance of stability in the Western Balkans. Considering the reputation and influence of France within the scopes of European and global politics, please allow me to emphasise the significance of the support you extend to our regional policy of peace and cooperation, as well as to the solution of issues of indispensable interest for the progress of Serbia, such as the issue of Kosovo and Metohija. 

 

In expectation of your arrival to Belgrade, please accept, Excellency, my cordial regards and the assurances of my highest consideration”, states the Letter of Congratulations conveyed by President Vučić to President Macron.

 

Belgrade,

14th July 2019