On the occasion of the National Day, a reception was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in London, attended by over 200 guests. In addition to the representatives of the FCO, the House of Lords, MPs, UK government institutions, International Organizations and the Diplomatic Corps, the gathering was honoured by many Diaspora representatives, as well as members of the academic and cultural community in London. Following the anthems of the Republic of Serbia and the United Kingdom, performed by Aleksandra Ristić, a solo singing professor from Niš, Ambassador Aleksandra Joksimović addressed the audience. Noting good and dynamic bilateral relations, the Ambassador stressed that Serbia and the UK are moving in the opposite directions - the UK has left the EU, while Serbia continues to knock on the door of the Union, seeking its full membership. At the same time, the two countries share common values - democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and a free, market economy. Ambassador Joksimović expressed her hope that despite Brexit, the British support for the European path of the Republic of Serbia would continue, with joint efforts to improve economic relations.
On behalf of the British Government, the guests were welcomed by Christopher Pincher, Minister for Europe. Looking back at 183 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UK and R. Serbia, the Minister expressed his expectations that excellent bilateral co-operation would continue to develop and improve beyond Brexit, too. The two sides will continue to engage in all fields of common interest, with both the RS Embassy in London and the UK Embassy in Belgrade playing an important role. In a humorous tone, Minister Pincher emphasized that the UK and Serbia are connected not only by Novak Djoković and their shared love for the heroes of “Only Fools and Horses”, a British television sitcom, but also by many, unbreakable bonds. During the reception, the guests had the opportunity to get acquainted with the tourist offer of R. Serbia through a promotional video.
