STATEMENTS

THE CHANCELLERY OF
H.R.H. CROWN PRINCE ALEXANDER II
OF YUGOSLAVIA

T.R.H. CROWN PRINCE ALEKSANDAR II AND CROWN PRINCESS KATHERINE ATTEND PROMOTION OF THE SWEDISH-SERBIAN PROJECT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TOPOLA MUNICIPALITY

H.R.H. Crown Prince Aleksandar II and Crown Princess Katherine attended the promotion of the Swedish-Serbian project for development of this municipality named “Topola on the move” today in Topola, which was organized as a collaboration of Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and Municipality of Topola.

The media demonstration of this project was attended by H.E. Michael Sahlin, the ambassador of Kingdom of Sweden to Belgrade and his wife Laila Sahlin, the representative of SIDA project Mr. Adam Amberg and project manager Mr. Peter Lasen.

After the opening remarks made by the president of Municipality of Topola Mr. Miomir Tadić, and the cultural program, Mr. Peter Lasen explained the project and HE Mr. Michael Sahlin addressed those present. He emphasized the significance of this project not only for the development of the Municipality of Topola, but also for the strengthening of the cultural and economic relations between our country and Kingdom of Sweden.

Addressing those present, H.R.H. Crown Prince Aleksandar II expressed his support for this project and added:

“His Majesty King of Sweden and I are old acquaintances and friends. I would like to thank him through his ambassador Mr. Sahlin, and to kindly ask His Excellency to send the massage to the Swedish parliament of how much I respect the decision of Swedish Kingdom and its agencies to get involved in the help and collaboration programs, and specially for choosing Topola as the place that will greatly benefit from this project. The Royal House will never forget this.”

After this promotion, H.R.H. Crown Princess Katherine accompanied by Mrs. Laila Sahlin visited kindergarten “Sofija Ristić” where she distributed toys and sweets to the children and continued her tour by visiting Primary school “Karađorđe”.

Responding to the warm welcome by teachers and pupils, Crown Princess Katherine stated: “Through the education in schools like this, you are becoming young educated citizens that will tomorrow lead our country. Our future lies on the young generation and their education.”

She emphasized that she is aware of the extremely difficult situation in our educational system, and added that Their Royal Highnesses will make strong efforts to help.

During the visit to Topola, T.R.H. Crown Prince Aleksandar II and Crown Princess Katherine were accompanied by the mother of Crown Princess Katherine, Mrs. Ana Batis and the member of the Privy Council, Arch. Dragomir Acović.

Belgrade, March 26, 2002