Ambassador Dragan Petrović spoke at the opening of the first Serbian-Norwegian literary gatherings on October 19 in the premises of the Serbian Cultural Center in Oslo.
Welcoming the attendees, Ambassador Petrović expressed his expectations that this gathering of literary creators in the Serbian language, who live in Scandinavia, as well as their Norwegian colleagues and guests from other parts of our diaspora, will grow into a regular annual gathering, pointing out the importance that the preservation of the written word has for the Serbian community and our culture in these areas.
He expressed the Embassy's readiness for further support and especially welcomed the inclusion of the youngest in the program, as well as, the cooperation with the Norwegian hosts, among whom the participation of the writer and historian Knut Flovik Turesen, otherwise the president of the "Culture of Remembrance of the Bloody Road" Foundation and the holder Gold medals for bravery "Miloš Obilić".
Branko Dimović Dimeski, president of the Association of Serbian Artists of Scandinavia, Håkon Vinje, representative of the Norwegian Ministry of Culture and head of the War Memorial Service, as well as, Sveta Lazić, president of the Association of Serbs in Sweden, also spoke at the opening.
Some musical motifs from Serbia and Norway were performed by Vladimir Puhalac, pianist, composer and director of the Serbian Cultural Center, and Peter Simonsen, soloist of the Norwegian National Opera.
In the working part of the event, panels were held entitled "Love in the age of aggression", "Contemporary Serbian writers in Scandinavia about Scandinavia", children's workshop "Dreams have no borders" and the lecture "Serbian-Scandinavian relations - past, present and future".
The participants, among whom, in addition to creators in the Serbian language from the Scandinavian region, there were also guests from Serbia, Malta, Romania and Switzerland, also presented a number of their works published in the past period, with a very good attendance of the gathering by representatives of the Serbian diaspora, as well as, the Serbian Orthodox Church in Norway.

Foreign citizens can apply online for a visa C or D to enter the Republic of Serbia via "Welcome to Serbia" - Platform for foreigners, which can be found on the webpage www.welcometoserbia.gov.rs.

20.06.2023.

On June 17, Ambassador Dragan Petrović attended the celebration of Iceland's National Day in Reykjavík, during which he had brief meetings with President Gudni Johansson and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tordis Gilfadotir. During the conversation, President Johannesson expressed his sincere regret for the recent tragedies that befell Serbia and wished the injured a successful recovery.

During his stay in Iceland, Ambassador Petrović, together with members of the diplomatic corps, visited facilities for the exploitation of thermal waters and the production of electricity, which makes this country one of the leaders in the world, as well as facilities for the purification of air and industrial waste gases from carbon dioxide and its storage in the underground geological formations that the island abounds in.

The meeting was also held with representatives of the Serbian diaspora gathered within the Center of Serbian Culture in Iceland, during which they discussed the Center's plans, possibilities for opening an additional school in the Serbian language, consular issues, etc.
 

24.05.2023.

In cooperation with the National Carrier Air Serbia and the Norwegian Company Balkan Mood, on May 23, in the premises of the Residence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Oslo, a promotion of the tourist potentials of our country and a tasting of Serbian wines and traditional specialties was organized, with the presence of over 40 representatives from the Norwegian tourism sector.

The successful event was also attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Norwegian companies that are already successfully operating in our country.

14.03.2023.

On March 13, Minister for European Integration Tanja Miščević visited Oslo, where she met with Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anikken Hutifelt, President of the Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs and Defense Ina Eriksen Soreide, as well as State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Eivind Vada Peterson. During her stay in Oslo, Minister Miščević also met with researchers and experts from the Norwegian Institute for Foreign Affairs in the areas of the European Union and the Western Balkans. The reform processes in Serbia were presented, and Norway's support for the strengthening of Serbia's administrative capacities was also discussed, as well as the further development of cooperation in the field of energy.

President of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Aleksandar Vučić has been in the Kingdom of Norway from November 28 – 29th 2022. On that occasion, he has visited the cities Oslo and Trondheim.

During his work visit, the President of the Republic of Serbia has had a meeting with Mr. Masud Gharahkhani, President of the Norwegian Parliament after which he had lunch with Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway. After that, King Harald V in the presence of Crown Prince Haakon has received the President of the Republic of Serbia. On the same day, President of the Republic of Serbia has visited the cemetery Vestre Gravlund where an official commemoration has been held during which he has laid a wreath on the Monument dedicated to the fallen Yugoslavs’ in the occupied Norway. The President has also participated in a Forum with leading Norwegian energy companies.

On the second day of his visit, President of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Aleksandar Vučić went to Trondheim where he visited the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, the Sintef Institute, the Siemens factory for production of batteries and laboratories of NTNU. The President has also met with Serbian students at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. During his visit to Trondheim, the President, together with the mayor of Trondheim Mrs. Rita Ottervik, has also visited the Nidaros Cathedral.

18. Oct 2022.

Mr. President,

Madam Special Representative,

Ladies and gentleman,

It gives me honor to address this distinguished body once again and to discuss the latest report of the Secretary-General on the work of the UNMIK.

I would like to thank the Secretary-General and the Special Representative for submitting the report. We take note of the efforts that Ms. Ziadeh makes in performing this very responsible duty, especially bearing in mind the necessity of a comprehensive overview and the complexity of the situation on the ground.

11. May 2022.

Today, in Marrakesh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selaković participated in the Ministerial Meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Minister Selaković said that Serbia was committed to the multilateral aspect of the fight against terrorism, adding that he firmly believed the United Nations should be the key forum for international cooperation in this field.

Minister Selaković stated that Serbia was fulfilling all international obligations pertaining to the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, especially those related to the introduction of arms embargoes, including bans aimed at non-state actors, terrorist organisations and related individuals. He emphasised that Serbia was a signatory to 15 international conventions against terrorism. “By participating in multinational UN and EU peacekeeping missions, Serbia is making a concrete contribution to preserving regional and global security,” Minister Selaković said, paying tribute to a member of the Serbian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Dejan Stanojević and his colleagues, who tragically lost their lives on March 29 in the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“Serbia does not diminish the importance of other international forums, which is why it joined the Global Coalition from the very beginning, and selflessly contributes to international efforts to fight ISIS, primarily through various forms of donations in military equipment, ammunition, and training in Iraqi security forces”, Minister Selaković said. He added that as a candidate country for membership in the European Union, Serbia gave its full contribution through active participation in European policies on the fight against terrorism, and had developed a strategic cooperation with EUROPOL.

Minister Selaković noted that Serbian criminal legislation provided instruments to prevent and punish the encouragement, organisation, and participation of its citizens in wars or conflicts in foreign countries. He explained that the Serbian judicial authorities had completed proceedings against 7 persons engaged in foreign battlefields, and that several investigations against persons connected with terrorist activities were underway.

Minister Selaković said that the fight against terrorism, radicalism and extremism was a priority, and that Serbia was actively involved in combating these challenges and threats at the domestic, regional, and international level.
 

12 November 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic stated today that severe examples of endangering the Serbian cultural, historical and spiritual heritage in Kosovo and Metohija are proof of the important role of UNESCO in protecting and preserving heritage.

At the 41st session of the General Conference of UNESCO in Paris, Brnabic emphasized that four jewels of the Serbian medieval cultural heritage in Kosovo – Visoki Decani, Pec Patriarchate, Gracanica and Bogorodica Ljeviska, have been preserved thanks to the fact that they are inscribed on the endangered world heritage list. Hundreds of other sites and monuments are endangered.

The Serbian heritage in Kosovo and Metohija is of immeasurable importance, not only for the national identity of Serbia, but also as a part of the esteemed European and world heritage, she underlined.

Source/Photo: www.srbija.gov.rs

2nd November 2021

"Your Excellences,
distinguished delegates,
dear Sarah,

At the very beginning, I feel obliged to thank Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Her Majesty’s Government for exceptional hospitality.

I feel privileged to represent the Republic of Serbia at this important place and at the highest-level world forum, in working on the most important topic of today – promoting climate awareness.

We all agree that we must make investment into climate and environment.
 

15th October 2021

Distinguished President of the Security Council,

Esteemed members of the Security Council,

Distinguished Special Representative,

I would like to thank Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr. Guterres and Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK Mr. Tanin for the report submitted and for their efforts made towards the implementation of the UNMIK mandate. I would also like to thank the members of the Security Council for the continued attention they have devoted to the issue of Kosovo and Metohija. The Republic of Serbia highly values the activities of the Mission of the United Nations in Kosovo and Metohija and supports it in carrying out its work as efficiently as possible, pursuant to the UN Security Council Resolution 1244, and undiminished in scope, aiming to build and preserve lasting peace, stability and security in the Province.
 

26 September 2021

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, has discussed today by phone with the General Secretary of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg about, as the General Secretary said, worrisome situation in northern Kosovo and Metohija.

President Vučić said that Serbia had not violated either Brussels Agreement or Resolution 1244 by anything, by any single move or in any manner jeopardized peace preservation.

“The complete occupation by armored vehicles of northern Kosovo and Metohija has lasted for seven days and it is conducted by Priština and everyone in the international community “are thunderously silent”, said Serbian President. “However, everyone is worried all of a sudden when they spot Serbian helicopters and airplanes at the territory of central Serbia, because apparently they should not exist, or should not take off until they receive the approval from Kurti or someone from the international community”, says President Vučić.

Serbia observes all international agreements it signed, Serbia will always conduct responsibly and seriously, but Serbia is still asking when the formation of SMC will start and when Kurti’s armored units will be withdrawn from northern Kosovo and Metohija.

Finally, with the gratitude to General Secretary Stoltenberg for the fair relation and wish to listen to the Serbian side, President Vučić asked about the norm and international regulation violated by Serbia? Today, yesterday or any time?

The two interlocutors agreed to stay in constant touch due to necessity of the preservation of peace and stability in the entire region.

 
Source/Photo: www.predsednik.rs
 

25 September 2021

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, has stated that in New York he introduced foreign ministers of 28 countries to economic success of Serbia but also to the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, which he also discussed with the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov, who told him that we could count on the support of the Russian Federation, with regards to Serbian interests in K&M.

25 September 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic warned today that Pristina has seriously jeopardised local and regional stability after sending heavily armed special units to the north of Kosovo who are exerting ` against the peaceful Serbian population.

Brnabic spoke at the general debate of world leaders, as part of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

We bring the Prime Minister's speech in its entirety:

22 September 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic participated today at the Global COVID-19 summit, organised by the White House, which was opened by US President Joseph Biden.

The video messages are attended by a large number of world leaders and officials of international organizations, including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, British and Canadian Prime Ministers, Boris Johnson and Justin Trudeau, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and many others.

5 August 2021

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, attended the marking of the Remembrance Day of all the victims and expelled Serbs in the armed operation "Storm" and said that Serbia remembers!

"Today, when we remind ourselves again of what happened in August 1995, the terrible pogrom, the expulsion of more than 250,000 Serbs, the exodus and ethnic cleansing, we, at the same time, and finally, remind ourselves of who we are, what we are, where we come from and where we are going. Thank you all for being here together tonight and for showing how much we love our people", said President Vučić, adding that we will not forget any of the things that the Krajina people had to go through.

22 July 2021

We have decided – our goal was and remains the EU, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said in an interview with the German daily "Handelsblatt", adding that there is no alternative for Serbia, but also stressing that China is an important partner for Serbia, and that the task of the state is to take care about the interests of its citizens.

He thus answered the question of what Serbia will choose once it has to choose between close relations with Beijing or the EU. Vučić emphasized that Serbia wants to become a full member of the EU.

09. June 2021.

Dear Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, members of the delegations

I would point to a few ongoing issues in my speech that refer to the competences of the Mechanism, namely, the possibility of serving the sentences passed by the ICTY and Mechanism in the Republic of Serbia, with the current practice of disabling early release of the sentenced persons as well as obligation of the Mechanism regarding protection of sentenced persons.

The second part of the speech will be dedicated to issues that are opened by the six –month Report on the work of the Mechanism by Mechanism President Mr. Agius and Report by the Chief Prosecutor Mr. Serge Brammertz, especially regarding current cooperation of the Republic of Serbia and the Mechanism.
 

20 May 2021

A new service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs "e-Consulate" was presented in Belgrade today, intended for foreign citizens who apply for a visa and aspire to come to Serbia to work.

On that occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selakovic said that this service was one of the indicators of good development of our country, which, as he pointed out, was becoming a magnet for serious foreign companies, which brought a large number of workers from other countries to work in Serbia.

15.05.2021.

Due to celebration of the National Day of Kingdom of Norway Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Oslo will be closed on Monday, May 17, 2021.

21st April 2021

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić talked today via a video link with the representatives of the delegation of the International Monetary Fund led by the Head of the Mission, Jan Kees Martijn. The interlocutors concluded that Serbia's main goal remains to preserve the hard-earned reputation of a fiscally secure country, as well as to continue with a responsible fiscal policy so that public debt does not exceed 60 per cent of GDP, whereby Serbia continues to work on further economic growth.

During the conversation, President Vučić and Jan Kees Martijn especially referred to the incentive measures and adopted three packages of measures to help the economy and citizens, which preserved macroeconomic stability and even achieved a higher employment rate. Martijn commended the responsible economic policy of Serbia and the successful crisis management during the pandemic.

20th April 2021

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met today with the Regional Director of the World Health Organisation for Europe Hans Kluge, to discuss cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as cooperation in improving health care in our country and other joint activities.

President Vučić thanked Dr Kluge for his personal engagement and support during the current pandemic, especially for technical assistance and expertise. On this occasion, he informed the WHO official about the results of immunisation in Serbia and plans on how to provide the vaccine to all citizens who want to get it.

19 April 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked today with World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge about the epidemiological situation and the course of immunisation of citizens in Serbia.

Brnabic expressed gratitude for the cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, technical assistance and expertise, emphasising that the support of this organisation is very important for our country.

13 April 2021

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic stated today that Pristina further persisted in its campaign of hatred against the Serbian people, which was most drastically seen in the unfounded accusations of mass rapes and genocide.

At the UN Security Council meeting discussing the Report of the UN Secretary-General on the work of UNMIK, Selakovic emphasized that the efforts of the provisional institutions in Kosovo and Metohija to create a narrative about mass rapes of Albanian women were obvious, and that propaganda methods and lies were used for that purpose.

13 April 2021

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic warned, at the United Nations Security Council meeting, that the political extremism among Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija was not decreasing, but on the contrary, was becoming stronger.

At the meeting discussing the Report of the UN Secretary-General on the work of UNMIK, Minister Selakovic recalled that the obligation to form the Community of Serb Municipalities  remained unfulfilled for 2,917 days now and that, in fact, 19 April marked eight full years since the agreement was reached in Brussels, while Pristina still refused to follow up on its commitment and enable the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities. 
 

We would like to inform you that the development of an online app for submitting an application for a type D visa, which will be integrated into the existing system and will significantly facilitate the work on visa applications, is in its final stages. Through this application, it will be possible to apply for type D visas, in the first phase exclusively for employment in the Republic of Serbia. Applicants will be able to access the application electronically, fill in the application and attach (scan) the necessary documents, as well as proof of payment of the designated fee.

Due to celebration of Easter in the Kingdom of Norway, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Oslo will be closed on Friday, April 2, and Monday, April 5, 2021.

29 March 2021

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selakovic met today with Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway Jørn Eugen Gjelstad.

Minister Selakovic noted that the bilateral relations between Serbia and Norway were good, that they were matched by a trend of expanding the scope of mutual cooperation, and stated that Serbia was interested in further strengthening the political dialogue at all levels.

Selakovic pointed out that economic cooperation could be more intensive, that it should match the positive trend present in political relations, and called on Norwegian investors to increase their presence on the Serbian market in the coming period, especially in the context of mutual economic recovery after the coronavirus pandemic.

The Serbian Foreign Minister emphasized that full membership of the EU was a strategic orientation of Serbia, and thanked Norway which, although not an EU member state, was showing readiness to help our country through its experiences gained in harmonizing standards and regulations.

Engagement towards the promotion of regional cooperation is one of Serbia's priorities, Selakovic said, emphasizing that the "mini-Schengen" initiative was a good starting point in that direction.

Speaking about the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, Selakovic reiterated the position that Serbia was committed to reaching a sustainable compromise solution, and that such a solution would be a basis for full stabilization, reconciliation and long-term progress of the region.

The Minister thanked Norway for the medical equipment donations it provided to Serbia in the fight against the coronavirus, praising its successful fight against the epidemic due to a responsible approach maintained by the Norwegian authorities, and wishing this country to overcome this challenge as soon as possible.
 

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic participated today in the commemoration of the Remembrance Day of 17 March 2004 - Pogrom in Kosovo and Metohija. He said that exactly 17 years ago, a pogrom took place in Kosovo and Metohija, and that pogrom surpassed all other crimes.

"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest, these words of Elie Wiesel, a camp survivor and Nobel laureate, make it forever incumbent upon us not to remain silent against crime, regardless of who and for what reason committed it", President Vucic stated and added that we remembered and learned every lesson in which we were losers, each one in which we were silent to our own victims, and each one when we were ready to forget.   

"Serbia is no longer weak today, nor is it a country of losers, it does not threaten, but it does not forget either, it is ready for talks, but not for humiliation. Serbia, just like everyone else, has the right to take care of its people, their safety and well-being. The right to life is a fundamental human right and we will always defend it", President Vucic said.

President Vucic said that pogrom surpasses all other crimes, because it is not only an act, but an intention, a policy, a premediated attempt to forcibly cleanse persons belonging to other peoples and faiths from a region or a country.

"We have no right to remain silent to that", said the President of Serbia, emphasizing that we have an obligation to be winners without blood spilled and war, to be the best in the economy, healthcare, sports, education and everything else that implies development and progress.

"We also wish others to work on themselves and be successful, because we are aware that crime is a tool for losers that winners do not need, as they remember, but forgive and move on, while the losers keep spinning in the same vicious circle. We Serbs do not want to be that anymore, we want a future in which we will remember, but from which we will not return. We know what happened and we call it by its real name", President Vucic concluded.

Photo: Dimitrije Goll

The Republic of Serbia, as an associate member of the Francophonie, together with the entire Francophone community in the world, celebrates the "Month of the Francophonie". For all admirers of Serbian culture and French language, Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia has prepared an extensive program and the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Oslo invites you to discover the diversity and richness of Serbian culture in French.

La République de Serbie au Mois de la Francophonie

La République de Serbie en qualité de membre associé à l'OIF, de concert avec toute la communauté francophone dans le monde entier, célèbre le Mois de la Francophonie. Pour tous les amateurs de la culture serbe et de la langue française, le Ministère de la Culture et de l'Information de la République de Serbie a préparé un vaste programme et L’Ambassade de la République de Serbie à Oslo vous invite à découvrir la diversité et la richesse de la culture serbe en français.

8 March 2021

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic said today that the fight against all forms of crime was a top priority of the Serbian Government and an integral part of the EU accession process.

"It is also our moral duty, in order to leave a better world for the generations to come", Selakovic said participating via video-link at the 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held in Kyoto.    

18 February 2021

The Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church elected His Eminence Metropolitan Porfirije of Zagreb-Ljubljana, PhD, as the new Serbian Patriarch, in its convocation in Memorial Cathedral of Saint Sava in Belgrade on 18 February 2021.

Immediately after the election a thanksgiving service was officiated and Many Years was chanted to the Archbishop of Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije. Bells at Saint Sava Cathedral in the Vracar district of Belgrade rang a few minutes before 4:00 pm indicating that the 46th Patriarch of Serbia was elected.

President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Army Aleksandar Vucic attended a demonstration of capabilities of one part of Serbian Army units in the "Rastko Nemanjić" barracks in Pancevo. On this occasion, President Vucic stated that Serbia was ready to continue the EU-facilitated dialogue with Pristina at any point, while respecting also the position of the United States as well as the positions of Russia and China.   

The President said that he would rather put his "head on the chopping block" than sign any document with a recognition and reminded that he had already once refused to do so in Washington, where there were two versions of the agreement.
 

The following changes will take effect at 00:01 on Friday 29 January 2021.

The Government will be closing the borders to foreign nationals without a residence permit in Norway, including for EEA-citizens.

The following groups will no longer be allowed to enter Norway:
• Foreign nationals resident in the European Economic Area (EEA) and EEA citizens resident in a third country (as long as they are not covered by any of the exemptions made for third country citizens),
• Family members who are not close relatives, both for EEA citizens and others – this means that grandparents, grown children, parents of grown children and established relationship of romantic partners – will not be allowed to enter Norway,
• Foreign nationals from countries outside of the EEA area who are granted a residence permit for work or studies, including season workers and students;
• A foreign national who is to work with film or series production in Norway or a foreign national who is to work as a researcher, and who is exempt from the requirement of a residence permit for an employment relationship.

There are still exemptions for some groups who still may enter Norway, among others:
• Foreign nationals who are resident in Norway, including members of diplomatic and consular missions, and international organisations, resident in Norway and notified to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including family members forming part of their household; the same applies to dual-accredited diplomats and diplomatic couriers;
• If there are special circumstances for entry to Norway, for example special care responsibility for persons in Norway or other strong welfare considerations;
• A foreign national who is to carry out agreed or formalised parent-child contact or divided residence for children;
• Close relatives to persons who are resident in Norway, i.e. spouse/ registered partner/cohabitant, minor children or stepchildren, parents or stepparents of minor children or stepchildren;
• Journalists and other personnel on assignment for a foreign media institution;
• A foreign national who will only be staying in airport transit before departing Norway;
• Seamen and a holder of a valid aviation personnel licence en route to or from active service;
• A foreign national who performs commercial transport of goods and passengers for payment, or is en route to or from such an assignment;
• A foreign national working in critical social functions.

For more information please see the following webpages:

Information and advice about the coronavirus situation from Norwegian authorities:
The coronavirus situation - regjeringen.no
 

Serbia's foreign policy positions are naturally being adjusted to the new developments at the international level, but our foreign policy priorities have not changed in a long time. Our top and most important interest is to preserve good-neighbourly relations and stability and peace in the region and, in the same context, to find a peaceful and just solution to the problems in Kosovo and Metohija, Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic said in an interview with Politika daily.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic pointed out that Serbia is the first in Europe in terms of economic growth, which will be officially confirmed at the end of March, and that this was possible owing to the reform measures taken since 2014 and the rapid opening of the country after the first wave of corona virus.

The President pointed out that Serbia had a growth of 5.2 percent in the first quarter, while the Eurozone was at minus 3.2 percent, in the second quarter Serbia had a growth of minus 6.3 percent, while the Eurozone was at minus 14.7 percent, and in the third quarter, when the Eurozone was at minus 4.3 percent, Serbia's figure was only minus 1.4 percent. Vucic stated that Montenegro, for example, recorded as much as 26 percent minus in the third quarter.
 

3 January 2021

Our compatriots living abroad are one of the great potentials that the state has not recognized in the right way so far, which is why a different approach is needed to the issue of how to strengthen our diaspora and use the good will of people who are potential lobbyists for the interests of Serbia and the Serbian people, Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic said.

"When it comes to Serbs in the diaspora, and especially in the region, this issue has been a kind of an unattended crop which requires a lot of work, and even when a lot is done at once this is not apparent immediately ", Minister Selakovic stated in an interview with Tanjug.

2 January 2021

This year, Serbia could finally have Ambassadors and Consuls General appointed to about a third of the currently vacant positions in the country's diplomatic and consular missions in the world, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selakovic is convinced that most of these positions will be filled, as he points out, by the best possible people.

"In the next year, I am convinced that the majority of these vacancies will be filled", Selakovic told Tanjug, emphasizing that the work is being done gradually, because the state wants to show that is has a quality staff who will represent Serbia's interests in the best possible way.

29 December 2020

Preservation of peace, taking care of the health and better living standard are key for Serbia in 2021, underlined President of the Republic Aleksandar Vucic, convinced that even though the completion of this ambitious and by no means easy task will be anything but straightforward, best results can be achieved by working in concert with the Government, while ensuring security and a future of certainty for the citizens.

The President said that Serbia has set for itself great and ambitious goals for the next year, notwithstanding the complex international and regional circumstances, and that it will endeavour to fully preserve peace and stability in the region and the country, while safeguarding the vital national and state interests. 

Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia Ana Brnabic received today the first vaccine against the coronavirus made by Pfizer company, at the Torlak Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera. Brnabic, who is the first European Prime Minister to receive the vaccine, pointed out that this day may be the first since 6 March that we have a reason for a smile on our faces as it marks the beginning of the end of the coronavirus pandemic in Serbia, but also in Europe and the world.

In accordance with the decision of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, foreign citizens will not be allowed to enter Serbia as of 20 December 2020 without a negative PCR test, not older than 48 hours.

Control at border crossings will be stepped up and all foreign nationals will be required to provide a negative PCR test, regardless of from which country they are entering Serbia.

As for the citizens of Serbia, their right to enter Serbia is guaranteed by the Constitution, however, they will be required to stay in home isolation for 10 days if they do not have a negative PCR test. The quarantine can be interrupted once they provide a negative PCR test.

Detailed information on the entry regime as well as exceptions to the rules related to the negative PCR test can bi found at the link Covid-19-Travel Advisory.

From December 13, 2020 the amendments to the exemption (from carrying out the quarantine period in a quarantine hotel in certain situations) apply to persons visiting Norway for purposes other than work or the performance of a mission, i.e. family visits, and who have a suitable place to stay. This can be holiday homes, hotels and other places of residence which are made available to the visitor. The requirement is that the visitor has a separate room, a separate bathroom and a separate kitchen, and is able to avoid being in close contact with others. Provided the visitor can have food served at the place of residence, there is no requirement for a separate kitchen. This will typically be the case if the visitor stays in a hotel with food service, or if the visitor receives food delivered by friends or family.

Upon entry, the visitor must present a confirmation by the person making the place of residence available, stating that the place of residence meets the requirements listed above. This may be given in the form of a completed confirmation form (avkrysningsskjema_karantenehotell_engelsk.pdf (regjeringen.no)), or by a written confirmation from the person making the place of residence available, confirming that the place of residence has a private room, access to a separate bathroom and kitchen or food service, and that it is possible to avoid close contact with others.

For visitors staying in an ordinary hotel during the quarantine period, the hotel must provide such documentation. This confirmation is considered to be sufficient documentation of the fact that the visitor has a suitable place of residence.

Visitors who are part of the same household and are travelling to Norway together, may carry out their quarantine period at the same place of residence without being required to have a private room, or separate bathroom and kitchen. People who normally live together are considered to be part of the same household in this context. This does not include grown children who no longer live with their parents.

Documentation of being part of the same household may be a jointly registered address, joint lease, marriage certificate, cohabitation contract, birth certificate etc.

On the occasion of 10 December, the international Human Rights Day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia reaffirms its commitment to the principles and values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on this day in 1948.

The principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights have been the foundation for the development of international law in this field, and of the international system for the promotion and protection of human rights, as a unique achievement of modern civilization. It is incumbent upon us today to safeguard and strengthen the international system ensuring respect for human rights, to develop human rights standards, control the implementation of commitments, and also to continue cooperating with international and regional institutions on the protection of human rights.

Serbia is fully committed to the universal values of human rights and implementing in practice the international legal instruments relating to human rights. Our continued cooperation with the Human Rights Council mechanisms in the framework of the United Nations, with the Council of Europe and the mechanisms of the OSCE human dimension, represents an important segment of activities carried out by all state authorities, thus demonstrating our consistent commitment to the implementation of international human rights standards.

The international Human Rights Day is an opportunity to point out once again that Serb and other non-Albanian population is being deprived of its rights in Kosovo and Metohija and to call again on the international community to ensure the respect for the guaranteed international human rights norms and contribute to creating conditions for the return of internally displaced persons and giving them back their usurped property.

The President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met today the ambassadors of EU Member States accredited to Serbia and the Head of the EU Delegation Sem Fabrizi in the Palace of Serbia, to talk to them about topics such as dynamics of the accession negotiations between Serbia and EU, stability in the region, regional projects, as well as the Economic and Investment Plan presented by the European Commission together with the Enlargement package. President Vučić once again confirmed that cooperation with the European Union and fully-fledged membership of Serbia remain one of the key foreign policy priorities of our country. He particularly emphasised that in this respect Serbia is honestly dedicated to further and deeper reforms, approaching them with responsibility and seriousness, and that it tries to adopt and apply the best practice through cooperation with institutions of the EU and its member states.

"Serbia will continue being dedicated to the promotion of peace and stability in the region, by improving bilateral relations with neighbours, and by strengthening regional cooperation while respecting all concluded agreements", President Vučić stated, adding that the European future of the Western Balkans is of utmost importance for both stability of the entire region and security and further prosperity of the EU.

Ambassadors pointed out that declarations on the common regional market and the Western Balkans green agenda, which were signed by Serbia and all leaders of the region, received a warm welcome in Brussels and EU Member Stated, and that good and solid connectivity and integration of the region largely facilitates the cooperation of the very Union with the Western Balkans in all areas of joint interest.

"As much as 70% of foreign investments come from the countries whose representatives are sitting here today", Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Sem Fabrizi said, adding that Serbia can rest assured the EU will continue supporting and investing in the Serbian economy. While Covid-19 has put all economies under stress, Serbian economy has resisted and proved its resilience. With the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, the EU will remain Serbia's strongest partner for economic recovery which will support infrastructures, green and digital transition. We welcome the announced reforms in the areas of rule of law, including judiciary reforms and media freedom. This is precisely the base for acceleration of the accession process and we encourage the new government to keep working and implementing in this direction", Fabrizi said.

President Vučić pointed out that Serbia highly appreciates that the EU, despite numerous challenges it is facing has managed to preserve the enlargement issue on its agenda, especially through the recent adoption of a new, changed methodology of the negotiation process.

"In this respect, we expect from the EU that Serbia's accession negotiation dynamics follows and values our reform efforts", President Vučić said pointing out that Serbia is ready to continue working with its European partners on implementation of the reforms and numerous joint projects.

President Vučić particularly noted that Serbia welcomes the Economic and investment plan presented by the EC together with the Enlargement package, and expressed our country's readiness to continue working with the partners in the region on the implementation of this Plan so as to improve the economic potential of the region and achieve better infrastructure connection, which would bring us closer to the single European market.

"In this context, we hope the Multiannual financial framework 2021-2027 will be adopted soon, because that will mean a possibility to use funds designed for reform implementation in Serbia and in the region", President Vučić said, reiterating that Serbia remains on its European path with an honest faith in cooperation with the European partners.

"2020 has been an extremely difficult year for all, especially the impact of COVID–19. When I look at new Government's commitment to implement reforms, the Economic and Investment Plan of the EU, the new methodology and increased cooperation to fight COVID-19, I see 2021 with a much more favourable perspective for progressing the enlargement", Fabrizi concluded.

President Vučić also pointed out that Serbia is prepared to work intensively with the EU Member States on finding an adequate response to the new challenges, such as COVID-19 pandemic.

Belgrade, 8th December 2020

The Kingdom of Norway has made a decision that from November 9, 2020, third-country nationals at the border crossing must present a negative test for Covid 19 -PCR or an antibody test, not older than 72 hours. The test can be in the following languages: Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, English, French or German. More detailed information on exceptions, regarding mandatory testing, can be found at the following link:

https://www.regjeringen.no/en/dokumenter/regulations-relating-to-amendments-to-the-regulations-of-29-june-2020-no.-1423-relating-to-entry-restrictions-for-foreign-nationals-out-of-concern-for-public-health/id2784147/

Also, from November 9, 2020, third-country nationals who do not have a permanent stay in Norway, are required to spend ten days in a quarantine hotel.

The price of staying in a quarantine hotel per night for individuals is NOK 500, or NOK 1500 per night, if the accommodation is paid by employer. A negative test for Covid 19 does not make shorter stay in a quarantine.

More detailed information on the exceptions regarding the obligatory stay in quarantine hotels can be found at the following link:

https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/requirement-of-negative-covid-19-test-to-enter-norway/id2784181/

https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/the-corona-situation-more-information-about-quarantine-hotels/id2784377

The Cabinet of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia has prepared two brochures entitled "SERBIA - Emerging tech development hub" and "Guide through measures to support the development of innovative economy", with the aim of promoting the Republic of Serbia as a favorable destination for business and investment in research and development and new technologies. Brochures can be accessed at the following Internet addresses:

1. Brochure "SERBIA - Emerging tech development hub" - https://innovations.serbiacreates.rs/

2. Brochure "Guide to measures to support the development of innovative economy" - https://inovacije.srbijastvara.rs/

On May, 21, 2020 the Government of the Republic of Serbia passed the Decision on the termination of the Decision on closing all border crossings for entry into the Republic of Serbia. This Decision applies to all categories of domestic and foreign citizens.

All persons entering the Republic of Serbia (Serbian citizens, foreign citizens with regulated stay in the Republic of Serbia, Accredited diplomatic representatives in the R. of Serbia and foreign citizens transiting the Republic of Serbia) - instead of previous isolation measures and the obligation to possess negative PCR - during passport control are given a written notice - health warning, bilingual, in Serbian and English language about the measures to be followed to prevent the occurrence, spread and control of infectious Covid - disease 19.

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Oslo will start processing visa applications again on June 2nd 2020. Applicants must call in advance (+47 23 11 52 20) to schedule a date and time.

16.05.2020.

On the occasion of the Constitution Day of Norway, May 17, congratulations were extended by Female Ambassadors in Oslo.

Watch the video by clicking on the card.

In order to prevent the spread of infectious disease and to protect against the introduction of the disease into the territory of the Republic of Serbia, the competent authorities of the Republic of Serbia will temporarily prohibit or restrict entry and movement, to all foreign nationals, regardless of their nationality.

Foreign nationals that are exempt from the mentioned restriction are:

1. Drivers and crew of freight vehicles in international road traffic;

2. Crew on freight ships carrying cargo to domestic ports;

3. Railroad personnel (train drivers/conductors etc.);

4. Airline cabin crew and pilots operating on flights whose final destination is the Republic of Serbia or that are transiting through the Republic of Serbia;

5. Persons who were issued entry/stay or transit permits for the Republic of Serbia by the competent body of the Government of the Republic of Serbia;

6. Humanitarian convoys with mandatory escort previously arranged through diplomatic channels;

7. Accredited members of diplomatic and consular representations and members of international organizations as well as their family members who are in possession of special ID cards i.e. ID documents issued by the MFA of the Republic of Serbia and the General Secretariat of the Government of Serbia;

8. Foreign nationals with residence permits (both temporary and permanent) in the Republic of Serbia.

Citizens of the Republic of Serbia coming from the countries or areas with intensive transmission of the disease Covid-19, or the focus of the epidemic, namely: Swiss Confederation, Republic of Italy, Islamic Republic of Iran, Romania, Kingdom of Spain, Federal Republic of Germany, French Republic, Republic of Austria, Republic of Slovenia and the Helenic Republiic are required to undergo a 28-day period of mandatory  quarantine in a restricted-access outdor facility (Morovic, Sid, Miratovacko polje, etc.).

Citizens of the Republic of Serbia coming from countries not listed above, will be obliged to undergo a 28-day self-isolation period as a measure of medical surveillance for severe acute respiratory syndrome cornovarisus (SARS-COV-2).

On January 31, 2020, the Ministry of Culture and Information announced the Contest:

- Contest for co-financing translation projects of Serbian literary works abroad in 2020;

- Contest for financing or co-financing projects in the field of cultural activities of Serbs abroad in 2020;

Contest texts and accompanying registration forms are available on the Ministry of Culture and Information website at http://www.kultura.gov.rs. The deadline for applications is March 16, 2020. For more information about the competition, please contact the Ministry of Culture and Information, contact person - Mladen Veskovic, e-mail: mladen.veskovic@kultura.gov.rs or by phone: +381113398026

Embassy of the Republic of Serbia will be closed on the 11th November 2019.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED IN THE BROCHURE

With over 150 accredited programmes at all levels of studies taught in English and other foreign languages, as well as numerous other programmes available to visiting exchange students, universities and colleges in Serbia offer a wealth of opportunities for foreign students.

Both degree-seeking students and those spending a part of their studies in Serbia through mobility schemes can benefit from high-quality education, with several universities ranked on the Shanghai list, affordable costs of living and a variety of social and cultural experiences.

Education system

Serbia belongs to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and has been implementing reforms in line with the Bologna Process since 2003. It now has a reformed higher education system that has introduced the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), three-cycle system of study (Bachelor, Master, PhD) and issuance of a diploma supplement.

The quality of Serbian universities is internationally recognised and they are ranked at prestigious world ranking lists of higher education institutions, especially in the field of natural sciences. Furthermore, the quality of accredited higher education institutions and their study programmes is assured at state level through accreditation and quality assurance processes. These reforms turned Serbia into an attractive study destination in the South-East Europe.

The academic year in Serbia normally starts in October with lectures lasting until June and it consists of two semesters. There are usually five exam periods during an academic year.

Universities and study programmes

Apart from the biggest state universities, such as the University of Belgrade, University of Novi Sad, University of Niš, University of Kragujevac and University of Arts in Belgrade, there are several other state and private universities and numerous colleges throughout the country. Around half of the universities in Serbia offer accredited courses in English or other foreign languages which are available to foreign students in this academic year.

A catalogue of such courses has been published and can be downloaded from the StudyInSerbia.rs website. The catalogue contains an overview of the education system, as well as a short student guide for incoming students including the information on travel, accommodation, language of instruction, free-time activities and language of instruction.

To browse all programmes for foreign students, including both those that are available for degree-seeking students, and those for visiting (mobility) students please visit the StudyInSerbia.rs, the database of learning opportunities for foreign students. To see all education institutions in Serbia, browse programmes at all levels of study, including more than two thousand higher education programmes, and learn more about the education system, visit the national learning opportunities database,

Education.rs.

Student life

For foreign students studying in Serbia there are places available in student dormitories – thus they can have complete support and fully experience student life while in Serbia. For those foreign students who want to study in the Serbian language, there are preparatory language courses either online or in Serbia.

There are several programmes that offer scholarships to spend a part of your studies or obtain your degree in Serbia, such as Erasmus+, CEEPUS, World in Serbia, bilateral cooperation programmes, etc. More useful information for prospective students can be found in the electronic publication that can be downloaded from StudyInSerbia.rs/study

Studying in Serbia With over 150 accredited programmes at all levels of studies taught in English and other foreign languages, as well as numerous other programmes available to visiting exchange students, universities and colleges in Serbia offer a wealth of opportunities for foreign students.

Both degree-seeking students and those spending a part of their studies in Serbia through mobility schemes can benefit from high-quality education, with several universities ranked on the Shanghai list, affordable costs of living and a variety ofsocial and cultural experiences.

Education system

Serbia belongs to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and has been implementing reforms in line with the Bologna Process since 2003. It now has a reformed higher education system that has introduced the European Credit Transfer System(ECTS), three-cycle system of study (Bachelor, Master, PhD) and issuance of a diploma supplement.

The quality of Serbian universities is internationally recognised and they are ranked at prestigious world ranking lists of higher education institutions, especially in the field of natural sciences. Furthermore, the quality of accredited higher education institutions and their study programmes is assured at state level through accreditation and quality assurance processes. These reforms turned Serbia into an attractive study destination in the South-East Europe.

The academic year in Serbia normally starts in October with lectures lasting untilJune and it consists of two semesters. There are usually five exam periods during an academic year.

Universities and study programmes

Apart from the biggest state universities, such as the University of Belgrade, University of Novi Sad, University of Niš, University of Kragujevac and University of Arts in Belgrade, there are several other state and private universities and numerous colleges throughout the country. Around half of the universities in Serbia offer accredited courses in English or other foreign languages which are availableto foreign students in this academic year.

A catalogue of such courses has been published and can be downloaded from the StudyInSerbia.rs website. The catalogue contains an overview of the education system, as well as a short student guide for incoming students including the information on travel, accommodation, language of instruction, free-time activities and language of instruction.

To browse all programmes for foreign students, including both those that are available for degree-seeking students, and those for visiting (mobility) students please visit the StudyInSerbia.rs, the database of learning opportunities for foreign students.

To see all education institutions in Serbia, browse programmes at all levels of study, including more than two thousand higher education programmes, and learn more about the education system, visit the national learning opportunities database, Education.rs.

Student life

For foreign students studying in Serbia there are places available in student dormitories – thus they can have complete support and fully experience student life while in Serbia. For those foreign students who want to study in the Serbian language, there are preparatory language courses either online or in Serbia.

There are several programmes that offer scholarships to spend a part of your studies or obtain your degree in Serbia, such as Erasmus+, CEEPUS, World in Serbia, bilateral cooperation programmes, etc.

More useful information for prospective students can be found in the electronic publication that can be downloaded from StudyInSerbia.rs/study

Resources Study in Serbia.rs – database of learning opportunities for foreign students with information on institutions, programmes, student life and scholarship/mobility programmes

Mpn.gov.rs – Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia

Education.rs – database of all learning opportunities, including other education levels (primary and secondary schools)

Eurydice Serbia – overview description of the education system in Serbia

Due to the Season’s Holydays the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia will be closed on the following days:

- Friday, April 19, 2019

- Monday, April 22, 2019

- Friday, April 26, 2019

- Monday, April 29, 2019

- Wednesday and Thursday,  May 1.-2. 2019

Consular section of the Embassy will be closed on the 15th February 2019.

Due to the Season’s Holydays the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia will be closed on the following days:

- Tuesday, December 25th 2018,

- Wednesday, December 26th 2018,

- Tuesday, January 1st 2019,

- Wednesday, January 2nd 2019,

- Monday, January 7th 2019,

Consular section of the Embassy will be closed on the 15th and 16th February 2018.

Consular section of the Embassy will be closed on the 21th November 2017

The Embassy will be closed due to public holidays on the 14th and 17th of April 2017

BELGRADE CITY ADMINISTRATION

Secretariat for Culture

Belgrade, Trg republike 3

announces

PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL TWO-PHASE OPEN COMPETITION FOR THE DESIGN OF

A CONCEPTUAL SOLUTION FOR THE ZORAN EINDIC MEMORIAL AT THE

STUDENTS SQUARE IN BELGRADE

Competition organizer:

City of Belgrade - Belgrade City Administration, Secretariat for Culture.

Competition Purpose:

The aim of the competition is to obtain the best quality conceptual solution for the Zoran Đinđić Memorial at the Students Square in Belgrade.

The meaning of the artistic and program solution is to create a dignified memory of Zoran Đinđić, his life, work and social and historical changes he initiated in Serbia, as well as of his tragic death at the entrance to the building of the Govemment of the Republic of Serbia on March 12, 2003 .

The space for which this memorial should be designed is a part of the reconstructed Students Square which is to be transformed into a pedestrian zone, according to the project design made by architect Boris Podrecca.

The memorial is expected to be designed in the tone of contemporary visual art.

Type of Competition:

As for the type, the competition is public

As for the participants, the competition is open.

As for the form, the competition has two phases.

As for the manner and design submission, the competition is anonymous.

Language of the competition for local participants shall be Serbian, and for foreign participants English.

Documentation:

Competition participants may download the competition material free of charge at the web-portal of the City of Belgrade (http://www.beograd.rs) and Association of Belgrade Architects  (http://www.dab.rs/)

starting as of March 30, 2017.

Term:

The final deadline for submission of designs in the first phase of the competition is June 15,2017,till 3

p.m., irrespective of the manner of design submission (direct submission or by mail).

Deadline for the completion of the jury work and publication of the first phase results is June 30,2017 .

The final deadline for submission ofthe design in the second phase of the competition is September 28,

2017 , till 3 p.m., irrespective of the manner of design submission (direct submission or by mail).

Deadline for the completion of the jury work and publication of the second phase of the competition is

October 16,2017.

Prize fund:

If minimum l0 designs are submitted by the end of the defined deadline, which meet the propositions

of the competition for the second phase, 6 (six) desigrrs will be selected.

Prizes at the total amount of the net prize fund of 19.000 euros shall be granted in the following order:

- First prize 8.000 euros.

- Second prize 5.000 euros,

- Third prize 3.000 euros,

and three equally valuable purchases of 1.000 euros each.

Prize purchase payments for designs whose authors are residents of the Republic of Serbia shall be paid in dinar equivalent.

The design is awarded the first prize shall be selected for realisation.

We would like to inform you that the Belgrade City Administration, Secretariat for Culture, has announced a "Public international two-phase open competition for the design of a conceptual solution for the Zoran Đinđić memorial at the Students square in Belgrade".

The aim of the competition is to obtain the best quality conceptual solution for the Zoran Đinđićc Memorial at the Students Square in Belgrade and to create a dignified memory of Zoran Đinđić, his life, work and social and historical changes he initiated in Serbia, as well as of his tragic death at the entrance to the building of the Government of the Republic of Serbia on March 12, 2003.

Zoran Djindjić was one of the founders of the Democratic Party and served as President of the Executive Board from September 1990, and as President of the Party from January 1994. He was a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Philosophy and Social Theory, member of all three multiparty sessions of the National Parliament of the Republic of Serbia and of the Council of the Republics in the Parliament of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

He was elected Mayor of Belgrade on the 21st February 1997, representing the Together coalition, which topped the polls in many Serbian cities in the 1996 local elections. In June 2000, Djindjic took on the role of coordinator in the Alliance for Change and then became head of the Central Election Committee and promotional campaign coordinator of the Serbian Democratic Opposition (DOS) for the elections held on the 24th September 2000. He became Prime Minister of Serbia on 25th January 2001, after the victory of DOS in the Serbian parliamentary elections in December 2000.

Zoran Djindjić was murdered on March lzth 2003 in front of the Serbian government building, for striving to liberate Serbia from her past and to lead her into the future. Djindjić left behind his wife Ružica, daughter Jovana and son Luka.

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the People's Republic of China on mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports, signed in Riga, on 5 November 2016, will take effect on 15 January 2017. Based on this Agreement, nationals of the Republic of Serbia and of People's Republic of China who are holders of ordinary passaports, will have the right to enter into, transit through and stay on the territory of the other Party without visa in the period not exceeding 30 days.

 - Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia, the Republic of Slovenia, and the Republic of Serbia – as the sole Successor States to the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (hereinafter “the SFRY”) – and the co-owners of diplomatic and consular property of the SFRY, as the previous title owner, hereby issue an invitation to tender for the provision of the service of brokering the sale of the following immovable property (1) :

a) Permanent Mission of the SFRY to the UN, New York, USA (854 Fifth Avenue, N.Y. 10065); additional indicative data: block 1391, Lot 6, site area 3,600 sq. ft./30 x 120, gross living area 16,125 sq. ft, est. 1910;

b) Residence of the Permanent Representative of the SFRY to the UN, New York, USA (730 Park Avenue, N.Y. 10021); additional indicative data: Apt. 16/17B, cooperative interest, 718/30.000 shares, block 1385, Lot 37, project name: Park 71st St. Corp., gross living area above grade 4,294 sq. ft., Act. Age: 1929;

c) Embassy and residence of the SFRY in Tokyo, Japan (7-24, 4-chome, Kitashinagawa Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo); additional indicative data: land 316-37 Kita Shinagawa 4-Chome, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, registered total area 995.27 m2 (app. 28 m x 30 m), building 316-37 Kita Shinagawa 4-Chome, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, total floor area 1,725.70 m2 (size in building design document), time of completion 1965;

d) Embassy of the SFRY in Bonn, Germany (Schlossallee 5, 5300 Bonn 2), additional indicative data: land register Mehlem, entry no. 2,865, building and garden/courtyard area 5,441 m2, Schlossallee 1 and 5, floor area 1,565 m2 (ground floor, cellar, attic, underground garage with 14 parking spaces);

e) Embassy and residence of the SFRY in Berne, Switzerland (Seminarstrasse 5, 3006 Bern), additional indicative data: estate: nr. 199 Bern 4, land area: total 1,760 m2, building gross area 540 m2, garden area/courtyard 1,220 m2, construction year: 1978.

The Successor States underline the following:

- The service of brokering the sale of all the immovable property listed above will be awarded to a single real estate agency, which will be awarded the contract by the Successor States;

- The deadline for submitting tenders is 30 days from the day following the issuing of this invitation to tender, while the Successor States will notify tenderers of their decision within 50 days from the deadline for submitting tenders;

- Among the references qualifying them to successfully broker the sale of the listed property, interested tenderers will submit the following documents, and define their conditions for providing brokerage services. In their offer, the interested tenderers will include:

a) Documents certifying that the tenderer is a registered company;

b) Documents proving that the tenderer has offices, branches, or partner organisations in the countries where the property on sale is located, operating in the listed cities (New York, USA; Tokyo, Japan; Bonn, Germany; Bern, Switzerland);

c) Documents showing the tenderer’s turnover amounted to at least US$ 100 million (2)  in the last three years;

d) Guarantee for the offer in the amount of US$ 50,000.00 (the guarantee will be returned to the tenderer upon the signing of the brokerage contract);

e) Performance guarantee in the amount of US$ 100,000.00 (the performance guarantee will be returned to the tenderer upon the completion of the contract);

f) Evidence of financial and business solvency;

g) Evidence of technical and professional capacities and references proving the successful provision of brokerage services;

h) Certificate of no conviction of the tenderer/legal entity and its CEO, in accordance with the legal provisions of the country of the registered seat of the tenderer and permanent residence of its CEO;

- The period of validity of the tender shall be at least 90 days from the date of submission;

- Interested tenderers will specify their tenders as a brokerage fee, which is a percentage of the total gross sales price of the property listed above;

- The lowest brokerage fee shall be the decisive criterion in selecting the successful tenderer, provided that the tenderer meets all the above conditions;

- Interested tenderers will submit their tenders (in a sealed envelope, marked with the designation ‘Do not open’) by registered mail addressed to:

Stanislav Vidovič, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Prešernova cesta 25.

- The Successor States will provide appraisals of the market value of all the listed immovable property to the successful tenderer; the property’s appraised market value will represent the minimum asking price for the property concerned, unless otherwise decided by the Successor States;

- The sale of the immovable property will be conducted preferably by way of public auction or by any other method in accordance with the local real estate market practice for each immovable property concerned, as advised by interested tenderers in their tenders;

- The Successor States reserve the right not to select any tenderer, even if all conditions are met;

- The immovable property listed in this invitation to tender may be sold separately or not. Each Successor State must confirm the sale of each immovable property under the terms to be negotiated with the best offer/potential buyer prior to concluding the sale if the purchase price offered is below the appraised market value or the minimum asking price.

- Contact details for additional information: gp.mzz@gov.si or sekretariat.mzz@gov.si.

(1) The information on property in this invitation to tender are only indicative. The Successor States accept no responsibility for their accuracy. Precise information may be obtained by consulting public databases of the countries where the immovable property is located. The Successor States will submit relevant data in their possession regarding the immovable property listed in this invitation to tender to the successful tenderer after the completion of the selection process.

(2) Or the equivalent in €, CHF, or ¥.

Name of the bank:

Place and date:

Beneficiary (Contracting Authority): Permanent Mission of the Republic of Slovenia to the United Nations in New York, 630 Third Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, N. Y. 10017, USA, representing the successor states of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, namely Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia, the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Serbia

Guarantee No.

In accordance with the Invitation to tender for the provision of real estate sales services – the sale of diplomatic real estate in New Yok (United States of America), Tokyo (Japan), Bonn (Germany), and Berne (Switzerland), dated ______________ for the following transaction: 1. Service of brokering the sale of immovable property listed above by a single real estate agency, which will be awarded the contract by the successor states of the former SFRY

for the needs of the Contracting Authority (beneficiary of this guarantee), the Tenderer _________________________________________________________________________________________________ is bound - in order to prove seriousness of the Tender in this public procurement procedure - to submit a bank guarantee amounting to USD 50,000.00 (fifty thousand 00/100).

The bank is bound to pay the sum indicated in the following cases:

a) if the Tenderer withdraws or changes the bid during the Tender validity period specified in the Tender (e.g. until the successor states of the former SFRY notify tenderers of their decision) or

b) if the Tenderer having been notified of the acceptance of its Tender during the Tender validity period:

• fails or refuses to conclude the contract in compliance with the provisions of the Instructions to Tenderers, or

• fails or refuses to submit the performance bond in compliance with the provisions of the Instructions to Tenderers.

We hereby undertake to be bound within 15 days upon the receipt of the first written claim of the Contracting Authority to pay to the Contracting Authority the abovementioned sum without requiring any additional argumentation, if it states in its claim that this sum belongs to it due to the occurrence of one or both of the above cases and states which case or cases occurred.

The claim invoking the bond shall be submitted to the bank and it shall contain:

1. an original statement of the Contracting Authority invoking the performance bond in compliance with the aforementioned paragraph and

2. the original of the Tender Bond No. _______ /_______.

This bond decreases with each, by this guarantee, realized payment.

This bond shall be valid until the Tenderer is selected in the aforementioned Tender procedure and (in case the whole or partial Tender is accepted) until the moment when the selected Tenderer concludes the contract with the Contracting Authority and submits to it the performance bond, but no later than until the expiration of the validity of the contract.

If we do not receive any claim from you regarding the payment of the guaranteed sum within 90 days from the deadline for submitting tenders, this guarantee ceases to be valid regardless of whether it has been returned.

This guarantee is not transferable.

Any disputes between the beneficiary and the bank shall fall within the jurisdiction of the competent court in New York City and are subject to law, valid in New York City.

                                                                             Bank

                                                                 (Seal and signature)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE FORM*: Tender Bond (Form B-1)

The Tenderer may submit equivalent suretyship insurance with an insurance company with the same content as defined in this sample.

* These instructions need not be enclosed to the bid / the application.

Name of the bank:

Place and date:

Beneficiary (Contracting Authority): Permanent Mission of the Republic of Slovenia to the United Nations in New York, 630 Third Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, N. Y. 10017, USA, representing the successor states of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, namely Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia, the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Serbia

Guarantee No.

In accordance with the contract ______________________________________ (contract title, contract number, date), concluded between the beneficiary and the contractor __________________________________________ (name of the Contractor) for the performance of __________________________ (subject matter of the contract), in the time limit ____________ (date, days, months), in the quantity and quality, defined in the contract, the Contractor is bound to perform the following services:

Service of brokering the sale of immovable property listed above by a single real estate agency, which will be awarded the contract by the successor states of the former SFRY

On the Contractor’s request, we hereby undertake to be irrevocably and unconditionally bound by this guarantee to pay USD 100,000.00 (in writing one hundred thousand 00/100) within 15 days upon the receipt of your first written claim, if the Contractor does not fulfill his contractual obligations in agreed quality, quantity and time limits defined in the aforementioned contract. Our obligation is also valid in case the fulfillment of contractual obligations is only partial.

The claim invoking the performance bond shall be submitted to the bank and it shall contain:

        1. an original statement of the Contracting Authority invoking the performance bond in compliance with the previous paragraph, and

        2. the original of the Performance Bond No. ________ /________.

This performance bond decreases with each, by this guarantee, realized payment. This performance bond shall be valid at the latest until __________. After the expiry of this date, the bond shall be void. Our obligation expires automatically regardless of whether the bond has been returned.

If at any time during the validity of this bond the beneficiary agrees with the Contractor to extend the time limit for the execution of the awarded project, or in case the Contractor fails to fulfill the contractual obligations, the Contractor and the bank may reach a mutual agreement to extend the validity of this bond.

This bond is not transferable.

Any disputes between the beneficiary and the bank shall fall within the jurisdiction of the competent court in New York City and are subject to law, which is valid in New York City.

Bank

(Seal and signature)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE FORM*: Performance Bond (Form B-2)

The Tenderer may submit equivalent suretyship insurance with an insurance company with the same content as defined in the sample.

* These instructions need not be enclosed to the Tender/ the application.

Name of the bank:

Place and date:

Beneficiary (Contracting Authority): Permanent Mission of the Republic of Slovenia to the United Nations in New York, 630 Third Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, N. Y. 10017, USA, representing the successor states of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, namely Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia, the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Serbia

Guarantee No.

In accordance with the contract ______________________________________ (contract title, contract number, date), concluded between the beneficiary and the contractor __________________________________________ (name of the Contractor) for the performance of __________________________ (subject matter of the contract), in the time limit ____________ (date, days, months), in the quantity and quality, defined in the contract, the Contractor is bound to perform the following services:

Service of brokering the sale of immovable property listed above by a single real estate agency, which will be awarded the contract by the successor states of the former SFRY

On the Contractor’s request, we hereby undertake to be irrevocably and unconditionally bound by this guarantee to pay USD 100,000.00 (in writing one hundred thousand 00/100) within 15 days upon the receipt of your first written claim, if the Contractor does not fulfill his contractual obligations in agreed quality, quantity and time limits defined in the aforementioned contract. Our obligation is also valid in case the fulfillment of contractual obligations is only partial.

The claim invoking the performance bond shall be submitted to the bank and it shall contain:

        1. an original statement of the Contracting Authority invoking the performance bond in compliance with the previous paragraph, and

        2. the original of the Performance Bond No. ________ /________.

This performance bond decreases with each, by this guarantee, realized payment. This performance bond shall be valid at the latest until __________. After the expiry of this date, the bond shall be void. Our obligation expires automatically regardless of whether the bond has been returned.

If at any time during the validity of this bond the beneficiary agrees with the Contractor to extend the time limit for the execution of the awarded project, or in case the Contractor fails to fulfill the contractual obligations, the Contractor and the bank may reach a mutual agreement to extend the validity of this bond.

This bond is not transferable.

Any disputes between the beneficiary and the bank shall fall within the jurisdiction of the competent court in New York City and are subject to law, which is valid in New York City.

Bank

(Seal and signature)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE FORM*: Performance Bond (Form B-2)

The Tenderer may submit equivalent suretyship insurance with an insurance company with the same content as defined in the sample.

* These instructions need not be enclosed to the Tender/ the application.

Name of the bank:

Place and date:

Beneficiary (Contracting Authority): Permanent Mission of the Republic of Slovenia to the United Nations in New York, 630 Third Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, N. Y. 10017, USA, representing the successor states of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, namely Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia, the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Serbia

Guarantee No.

In accordance with the contract ______________________________________ (contract title, contract number, date), concluded between the beneficiary and the contractor __________________________________________ (name of the Contractor) for the performance of __________________________ (subject matter of the contract), in the time limit ____________ (date, days, months), in the quantity and quality, defined in the contract, the Contractor is bound to perform the following services:

Service of brokering the sale of immovable property listed above by a single real estate agency, which will be awarded the contract by the successor states of the former SFRY

On the Contractor’s request, we hereby undertake to be irrevocably and unconditionally bound by this guarantee to pay USD 100,000.00 (in writing one hundred thousand 00/100) within 15 days upon the receipt of your first written claim, if the Contractor does not fulfill his contractual obligations in agreed quality, quantity and time limits defined in the aforementioned contract. Our obligation is also valid in case the fulfillment of contractual obligations is only partial.

The claim invoking the performance bond shall be submitted to the bank and it shall contain:

        1. an original statement of the Contracting Authority invoking the performance bond in compliance with the previous paragraph, and

        2. the original of the Performance Bond No. ________ /________.

This performance bond decreases with each, by this guarantee, realized payment. This performance bond shall be valid at the latest until __________. After the expiry of this date, the bond shall be void. Our obligation expires automatically regardless of whether the bond has been returned.

If at any time during the validity of this bond the beneficiary agrees with the Contractor to extend the time limit for the execution of the awarded project, or in case the Contractor fails to fulfill the contractual obligations, the Contractor and the bank may reach a mutual agreement to extend the validity of this bond.

This bond is not transferable.

Any disputes between the beneficiary and the bank shall fall within the jurisdiction of the competent court in New York City and are subject to law, which is valid in New York City.

Bank

(Seal and signature)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE FORM*: Performance Bond (Form B-2)

The Tenderer may submit equivalent suretyship insurance with an insurance company with the same content as defined in the sample.

* These instructions need not be enclosed to the Tender/ the application.

• Because the request for its membership is a serious breach of the international law, the Constitution of UNESCO, the legally binding UN Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) and the Charter of the UN whose Article 25 says that „The Members of the UN agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council in accordance with the present Charter“.

• Because according to the UN Security Council resolution 1244, which reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (now Serbia), Kosovo and Metohija is an integral part of the Republic of Serbia, under the administration of the UN. Since Kosovo cannot be considered a State, it does not fulfill the basic requirement for membership set out by the UNESCO Constitution.

• Because unilateral attempts such as this one seriously harm and disrupt the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, under the auspices of the European Union in which mutually acceptable solutions for many complex issues have been devised so far. The issue of the Serbian cultural heritage and the property of the Serbia Orthodox Church has not yet been discussed within the dialogue where it belongs.

• Because this is an unacceptable politicization of UNESCO which should not overtake the competences of the UN Security Council as the highest authority for the preservation of the international peace and security. UNESCO should not serve as an instrument for the affirmation of an illegal and unilaterally declared independence of a part of the territory of one UN member state. The primary goal of UNESCO is to promote universal values of humanity through education, science and culture not to make political decisions with regard to the statehood.

• Because this would be a dangerous precedent, harmful for many states. This would open the door for other entities to follow the same path thus threatening territorial integrity and sovereignty of other member states.

• Because this issue is polarizing the membership of UNESCO.

• Because, besides not being a state, Pristina does not have moral credibility for membership. Anyone aspiring to UNESCO membership must prove not only in words but as well in deeds its commitment to the goals of the UNESCO Constitution, which certainly is incompatible with deliberate, systematic, vandal demolition of Serbian cultural and historic monuments with the aim to remove the traces of centuries-long existence of Serbs in this area as well as the impunity of the perpetrators of such barbaric acts unworthy of the 21st century. These acts are comparable only to the acts of destruction of cultural heritage by terrorist groups in the Middle East and elsewhere that the world is witnessing and UNESCO is strongly condemning.

• Because four Serbian orthodox monasteries are inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in danger although the armed conflict in Kosovo is over for many years now. In danger from whom?

• Because the inclusion of this item in the provisional agenda of the 197th session of the UNESCO Executive board raises serious concerns about the compliance with procedure and the respect of the established UNESCO rules. Just to mention that that even publishing of the document on the unacceptability of Kosovo’s application for UNESCO membership from the standpoint of the international law, prepared by Serbian Delegation to UNESCO, as an official document, as we requested, was refused. And the only intention was the voice of Serbia also to be heard.

• Because we all would have to live with the negative consequences of such an irresponsible decision from the lesioning of the international law up to the fate of the Serbian cultural heritage in the province of Kosovo and Metohija which not only belongs to the Serbian people but also represents a part of the historical and civilizational heritage of modern Europe and the world.