TOP SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS OF SERBIA ATTEND TRADITIONAL CEREMONY AT THE WHITE PALACE

Belgrade, 21 June 2007 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine hosted a formal ceremony for the top 500 best students of the secondary schools from all over Serbia at The White Palace.

This traditional annual ceremony was organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Education with the great help of EFG Eurobank.

Beside the students, their parents and professors, HE Zoran Loncar, Minister of Education, Mr. Stvaros Ioannou, President of the EFG Eurobank Executive Board, Prof Dr Milos Djuran, Dr. Milan Parivodic, formemr Minister of International Economic Relations and member of The Crown Council, President of the Serbian Universities Union and Rector of the University of Kragujevac, Prof. Čedomir Vasić, Rector of the Faculty of Arts, Ministry of Sport representatives, EFG Eurobank representatives as well as members of the Advisory Bodies of The Crown also attended the reception.

The Serbian Anthem “Boze Pravde” performed by the Choir “Kolegijum Muzikum”, conducted by Mrs. Dragane Jovanović marked the beginning of the ceremony.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander II warmly greeted the best students of Serbia:

“You are the future of Serbia. The future that guarantees better days for Serbia in Europe and part of the World. My Foundation for Culture and Education is working on connecting our young and talented people with the World elite, so we can create experts that his country deserves.

Your continued high education is now the main task for the country, for you and for us as well. We have to work together on that job. When we work together, we can be successful. Only team work gives results. Continue to be the part of the team, for a better motherland. Continue to be the best“, – pointed out the Crown Prince in his speech.

HE Mr. Zoran Loncar, Minister of education also addressed to the students and emphasised that he is “proud to be in front of the 500 elite students of our country that travelled from all over Serbia to attend this magnificent reception”. His Excellency extended his gratitude to Their Royal Highnesses for organizing the reception.

Traditional the best high school graduates were financially supported by Eurobank EFG, continuing the lasting tradition of this bank in donating to young and successful people in Greece and the region.

Mr. Stavros Ioannou, President of the EFG Eurobank Executive Board, addressed the students and emphasized: “I am very proud that EFG Eurobank is recognized as a contributor in this important project. It is a great honour to have the opportunity to stand in front the best scholars together with Their Royal Highnesses and the Minister of Education. We will continue to support the community in the field of education, medicine and ecology”.

Following the ceremony speeches were delivered by Mr. Matija Beckovic, member of The Crown Council, Mrs. Aleksandra Kovac, eminent Serbian musician and Mr. Dusko Kovacevic.

Mr. Bojanic General Manager of Yugomark Company generously offered a present to each student, an envelope and a set of stamps with motives from The Royal Art collection.