ROYAL PALACE RECEPTION FOR THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE AND HIGHER EDUCATION IN SERBIA

Belgrade, 12 September 2008 – Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine hosted a reception tonight at the Royal Palace for the 200 years of the University of Belgrade and higher education in Serbia.

Crown Prince Alexander II is proudly continuing the tradition of his family. During the time of Supreme Leader Karadjordje, the Great School was founded in 1808, which is considered to be the predecessor of the Belgrade University. Today, Crown Prince Alexander’s contribution to education is manifested by the Foundation of Crown Prince Alexander for Education which is dedicated to the advancement of education in Serbia and provides opportunities for the students to become future leaders of a strong and prosperous nation, and thus it gave him great pleasure to join in the celebration of this great jubilee.

Numerous guests were welcomed by Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine, and Professor Dr. Branko Kovacevic, Rector of the Belgrade University.

Speeches were delivered by HRH Crown Prince Alexander, Professor Dr. Branko Kovacevic, Rector of the Belgrade University, Mr. Bozidar Djelic, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration and Minister of Science and Technological Development, and Dr. Zarko Obradovic, Minister of Education. Then, two student speakers from the Faculty of Law, Jelena Arsic and Zona Zaric, also addressed the present on behalf of the youth.

Dr. Uros Dojcinovic, a guitar player, followed by Ms. Dragana Radakovic, soprano were in charge of the entertainment, while Mr. Vico Dardic was the narrator. The evening ended with a cocktail held in the splendour of the Royal Palace.

In his speech, HRH Crown Prince Alexander emphasised:”Education is extremely close to my heart. It is key for the future. The University of Belgrade has contributed to the education of Serbia’s youth for 200 years. This great institution was founded in the early days of modern Serbia, and it remains at the centre of Serbian intellectual life.

In the tradition of service that I inherit from my forbears in the Royal Family, I have the pleasure of collaborating with the University of Belgrade on numerous projects“.

Also present at the event were representatives of the Serbian Government, the Crown Council, the diplomatic corps, as well as rectors, deans and professors from Universities in Serbia, the region, and Europe, and numerous people from the public and political life of Serbia.