Statement

DONATION OF HRH PRINCESS KATHERINE TO CLINICAL CENTER KRAGUJEVAC AND THE CELEBRATION OF THE 145^th ANNIVERSARY OF “ZASTAVA SMITHERY”

Belgrade, 6 September 2002 – TRH Crown Prince Aleksandar II, Crown Princess Katherine and Prince Filip visited Kragujevac today, where they delivered donation in medical equipment to the Clinical Center, and then they attended the celebration of the 145^th anniversary of the “Zastava Smithery” shareholders society.

Upon their arrival to Kragujevac, Their Royal Highnesses were welcomed by the president of Municipality Mr. Vlatko Rajkovic with his associates, who informed the guests about the economic situation in the town and new plans and investments, not only in Kragujevac but in the entire Sumadija district.

After a short reception at the Town Hall, Their Royal Highnesses visited Clinical Center Kragujevac, where Crown Princess Katherine donated incubator to neonatology ward and aspirator and monitoring system to Intensive Care Unit, worth €20,000.

HRH Crown Princess Katherine pointed out on this occasion that the donation represented only a symbolic gift to Kragujevac Hospital, but that every gift was welcome in the times of trouble.

“I hope this donation will enable you to treat your patients even better. My family and I will do our best to help as much as possible in the future”, said Princess Katherine.

Afterwards, Their Royal Highnesses attended the 145^th anniversary of the shareholders society “Zastava Smithery” and on that occasion they visited several factory plants and local museum.

Their Royal Highnesses also attended a formal session of the Board of the Directors, and the awarding diplomas of gratitude to the best workers, as well as the companies that “Zastava Smithery” has successfully cooperated with over the years. On this occasion, HRH Crown Prince Aleksandar II was awarded as well.

Among invitees were His Grace Bishop of Sumadija Jovan, representatives of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy and Privatization, as well as the representatives of Serbian Chamber of Commerce who handed over a diploma for achieved results in reconstructing the factory that was devastated during NATO bombing.

Addressing the present, Crown Prince Aleksandar II expressed his pleasure for being invited to take part in celebrating the 145^th anniversary of this great industrial institution that had been founded by Prince Aleksandar Karadjordjevic.

“Almost a century and a half has passed since, and during all that time you have always been the first in defending the country, and the first in building industry. Today you are facing big tasks and transformation, but without moving economy forward there is no democracy”, emphasized the Crown Prince.