THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES DELIVER HUMANITARIAN AID, SEND A MESSAGE FOR RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE, AND ENCOURAGE THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY DURING THEIR VISIT TO SUBOTICA

Belgrade, 10 December 2007 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine visited the town of Subotica today. They delivered medical equipment, sent a message for religious tolerance and visited prosperous businesses during their visit.

Their Royal Highnesses accompanied by Mrs. Jeannette Koll, the wife of the Israeli Ambassador, visited the Health Centre in Subotica, which is as of today richer by a new Gynaecology ward. They were greeted by Dr. Miodrag Rakic, the Director of the Health Centre, Dr. Luka Andjelic, the Head of Gynaecology, and Mr. Sasa Vucinic, President of the Municipal Board of DS (Democratic Party).

As part of the ceremony, HRH Crown Princess Katherine addressed the present and emphasized, “It is a great pleasure for my husband and me to be here with you. Today we are delivering a donation of 35 hospital beds, two delivery tables and one incubator. I would like to thank Société General, Raiffaisen and AIK Nis Banks, as well as Dontrade and Alpine Companies, that have helped my Foundation import these beds from America.” Following the ceremony, they then toured the Gynaecology Department and the ICU.

The next destination, in the company of Mrs. Koll, wife of HE Mr. Arthur Koll, the Ambassador of Israel to Serbia, was a visit to the Synagogue. The guests were welcomed by Mr. Robert Sabatoz, President of the Jewish Municipality of Subotica, who then led them to view the premises.

The visit to the Orthodox Church was next on the agenda. There, Their Royal Highnesses were welcomed by priest Miodrag Sipka who toured the premises with his guests.

Their Royal Highnesses also visited the Roman-Catholic Church and were greeted by His Eminence Dr. Janoz Penzes, Bishop of Roman Catholic Church in Subotica.

Their Royal Highnesses wished to send a message of tolerance and understanding among different religions. This is of vital importance for our future in the unified Europe.

Wanting to encourage successful business leaders to continue down the path of reform and contribute to the economic recovery of Serbia on its way to the European Union, Their Royal Highnesses also visited several successful companies in the area, that were awarded by the title of The Royal Purveyors.

Their Royal Highnesses visited Simex, where Mr. Goran Draca, General Manager and the employees, welcomed them. In his short address, the Crown Prince stated that he is very glad to be visiting this company, which is well known for the production of alcoholic beverages and Zlatibor bottled water, doing business according to world standards, winning many domestic and international awards.

The next company visited was Pionir, a well-known producer of biscuits and chocolates. Mr. Stevan Santo, General Manager of the company and the employees, greeted their Royal Highnesses. The Crown Prince greeted them and said that this company has a tradition, which is 90 years old. The name of the company, translated as “Pioneer” was given during Tito’s era. “Your name corresponds to the times that have passed, but your business corresponds to today and the future”, stated the Crown Prince.

Finally yet importantly, Their Royal Highnesses visited the WOW Vinery, and were greeted by Mr. Zivojin Djordjevic, the owner, and the employees. The Crown Prince expressed his pleasure for being here, in a company that has 350,000 grapevines on 65 hectares, which is very impressive, apart from the superior wines that he has had an opportunity to taste.

Crown Prince Alexander sent a clear message to all the business leaders and workers that he has met today: “Successful companies such as yours have a great and very responsible task: to help our country economically recover and enter the European Union. On that path, you can always count on me and my family” – emphasized the Crown Prince.

Their Royal Highnesses, caring for the animals as well as humans, have donated an animal incubator for the Palic Zoo, which is located not far from Subotica and the vinery.