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RECEPTION AT THE WHITE PALACE FOR
THE SIXTH SUMMIT STATE UNION OF Belgrade, 11 May, 2006 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine hosted a welcome reception at The White Palace for participants of the 6th Summit State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. Beside the Chairman of the Summit Mr. Symeon Tsomokos, among the attendees were: Mr. Radovan Jelasic Governor of the National Bank of Serbia, HE Miroslav Luci Slovenian Ambassador, HE Maciej Szymanski Poland Ambassador, HE Vladimir Mackevic Belorussian Ambassador, HE Dante Coelho de Lima Brazilian Ambassador, HE Tadashi Nagai, Japanese Ambassador, HE Ruben Madsen Danish Ambassador, representative of the American Embassy Mrs. Maria Andrews, Dr Ulrike Hartman, Minister Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission from the Embassy of Austria, Mrs. Alison Andrews, daughter of HRH Crown Princess Katherine and representatives of foreign and domestic institutions, as well as representatives of companies in State Union and world wide. The Crown Prince welcomed guests and expressed his hope that the Summit, which has become a traditional annual symposium would enable some positive results and help our economy development. Mr. Tsomokos addressed the participants of the Summit mentioning the significance of the symposium, Governor Jelasic greeted everyone and stressed that this summit is a wonderful opportunity for making contacts and finding partners. He expressed his gratitude to Their Royal Highnesses for their hospitality and support. Their Royal Highnesses will be present today at the official opening of the Sixth Summit State Union Serbia and Montenegro which is organized with the objective to establish contact and cooperation of foreign companies and individuals with domestic companies and government institutions that is being held on 11 and 12 May in Hyatt Regency Hotel in Belgrade. On the occasion of the official opening HRH Crown Prince Alexander II will deliver a keynote address , and among the key speakers at the summit will also be: HE Vojislav Kostunica, Prime Minister of Serbia, HE Milo Djukanovic, Prime Minister of the Republic of Montenegro, Mr. Radovan Jelasic, Governor of the National Bank of Serbia, HE Michel C. Polt, U.S. Ambassador to the State Union Serbia and Montenegro, Dr. Dusan Batakovic, Special Advisor to the President of the Republic of Serbia, and numerous former and present Republic and State Union Ministers, representatives of foreign and domestic institutions, as well as representatives of companies in the State Union and world wide. HRH Crown Prince Alexander II Speech to the Sixth Summit Serbia and Montenegro, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Belgrade, 11 May 2006: Your Excellency Prime Minister Dr. Vojislav Kostunica, Your Excellency Prime Minister Mr. Milo Djukanovic, Your Excellency Ambassador Miroslav Lajcak, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen I extend a very big thank you to all of you who are returning to Serbia and Montenegro and a warm welcome to those of you who are coming here for the first time. It is nice to see you at the Sixth Summit. I would like to congratulate Mr. Symeon Tsomokos, the organizers and the sponsors who made this important conference possible. It is now a tradition that we have these symposiums every year. We live in a small but strategically located country in South Eastern Europe. It is in the interest of everyone and that includes our government, all our political parties, the European Union and the United States that we move ahead by not creating insurmountable obstacles that can be sensibly resolved and not be used as unsolvable standstill stop signs. There are obligations, but surely, they must not get in the way of economic revival, development, jobs and improving social services. We are obliged to give our people a chance. Issues have been resolved in Europe many times before in the interest of the people and international community. We are a democracy and our elections are free and fair. All political parties are fully entitled to have a free and fair chance and must not be excluded from dialogue both domestic and international. There can only be harmony to move ahead. There are reasonable ways forward to satisfy all parties taking in the concern of our people’s continued survival within a very competitive Europe and world. Our political parties have generally indicated that the European Union is our future and it is certainly the well known aim our neighbours. We do not wish to be excluded or remain in the middle of growing outer core of a sandwich. This is in no ones interest. In addition, we in Serbia and Montenegro must take into account that whatever form we take within the European Union, we have only but one choice and that is to work for the common good of all member nations. It is also central to take into account that stability in our region will be enhanced when Serbia is fully at peace with itself. Our continued economic revival is vital to peace and stability. We are a democracy of just over five years old and the saying that issues have to be accomplished by midnight is simply not realistic. Yes, we must not loose focus or any more time, but wisdom must prevail. You the investors have been outstanding to come to our country. We are pleased you are here and grateful for your interest. We need you and your partners for our economic success. Like all investors worldwide, you need to be reassured that your investment is safe. You need to know that you are making a good investment in our country and that that are great opportunities. We have great opportunities yet we agree that we need to improve our global public relations and image to become been more enticing to future investors. We are the last frontier of economic opportunity in Europe and we do have some great opportunities. This year 2006 is an important year, but we must not let the issues overshadow the economic welfare of all our people. Thank you.
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