THE CHANCELLERY OF
H.R.H. CROWN PRINCE Alexander II
OF YUGOSLAVIA

ITALIAN MINISTER FOR FOREIGN
AFFAIRES IN BELGRADE
Belgrade, 23 February 2005 – HRH Crown Prince Alexander II
attended this evening the lecture “Italy – Serbia and Montenegro –
Europe” held at the Kolarac Foundation.
The present were addressed and warmly welcomed by HE Antonio
Zanardi Landi, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in Belgrade.
Afterwards, HE Vuk Draskovic, Minister of Foreign Affairs addressed
the present recalling the historical links between our country and
Italy, and added:
“At the height of our sovereignty we carried the Byzantine flag.
Today, you, Mr. Gianfranco are situated on the bridge, because
Serbia and Montenegro is the bridge between Europe and Asia,
Adriatic Sea and Danube, and Balkans and Russia. Versatile
cooperation is mutual need. Thank you Italian people for efforts you
put into defending the Serbian people on Kosovo and Metohia,
preserving the residence of the Patriarch in Pec and the Monastery
Decane. It is the defense of Christianity, and Europe is based on
it. Welcome among your friends.”
HE Gianfranco Fini, Vice-President of the Government and Minister
of Foreign Affairs of Italy, pointed out in his address that he is
very happy to have the opportunity to address such an esteemed
assembly made of representatives of the Government, Commerce and
Industry, and all other important components of society. He recalled
the great historical and geographical connection of our two
countries and expressed the wish of the Italian Government to help
in deepening the traditionally good relations that contribute in
large to the stability in this part of Europe. Cooperation on all
levels, which is based on joint initiative, according to the words
of HE Gianfranco Fini, will lead us towards strengthening the
economies of both countries and their quicker and more successful
development.
“We must not forget the cooperation on the level of education. We
have at our disposal the information that a large number of pupils
and students from Serbia and Montenegro reside in Italy during their
studies. Different forms of cooperation create a constant balance
and make the overcoming of difficulties easier, in creating the
necessary stability in this part of Europe” – emphasized HE
Gianfranco Fini.
Later on during his speech, HE Djanfranco Fini presented a vision
of Europe, which represents a community in which all people live in
dignified conditions, regardless of their religious, political and
national orientation.
“Europe is an idea, Europe is a place which will gather all
people who defend their tradition, and in Europe there is no place
for those who wish to disunite it”- pointed out HE Gianfranco Fini.

After his closing words, HE Gianfranco Fini answered questions
raised by those present.
Beside His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander II and HE
Antonio Zanardi Landi, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in
Belgrade, the lecture was attended by HE Vuk Draskovic, Minister of
Foreign Affairs, HE Prvoslav Davinic, Minister of Defense, HE Zoran
Stojkovic, Minister of Justice, HE Predrag Bubalo, Minister of
Economy, HE Radomir Naumov, Minister of Mining and Energy, Mr.
Vladimir Bozovic, assistant of Minister of Police Dragan Jocic, Mr.
Nikola Hajdin, President of Serbian Academy of Science and Arts, HE
Archbishop Antonio Sbarbaro, Apostolic Nuncio, representative of the
Holy See, representatives of the diplomatic corps, rectors of the
University of Belgrade, and a large number of students.
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 

 

1997 HRHCP Alexander II All Rights Reserved