VISIT TO NIS

Belgrade, 5 September 2003 - TRH Crown Prince Alexander II and Princess Katherine visited today the Municipality of Nis, hosted by Mayor Mr. Goran Ciric.

The reception in honour of Their Royal Highnesses at the City Hall was attended by the His Grace Irinej, Bishop of Nis, representative of the Roman Catholic Church for Nis region Father Srecko Cetinic and Moslem community representative Saiti Fazlia. Beside the distinguished representatives of the church and religious communities, guests at the reception were also local businessmen, representatives of health and education institutions, as well as the president of EI Holding company Dr. Vojislav Mitic, general manager of Nis Machine Industry, Mr. Petar Milovanovic and general manager of Nis Tobacco Industry, Mr. Slavoljub Dragicevic.

The Mayor of Nis, Mr. Goran Ciric expressed his delight that Their Royal Highnesses are visiting this city once again, particularly because of their help to those who need help the most, especially the children. The City of Nis proclaimed 2003 the year of children.

During the meeting, current situation in health care system, economy and privatization were discussed. New investment plans were mentioned, above all in education and reconstruction of the Paediatric Clinic in Nis.

Their Royal Highnesses were accompanied by the medical director of “Lifeline” humanitarian organization, under patronage of HRH Crown Princess Katherine, Dr. Elaine Laycock, who has been visiting Nis for the last six years, and who supports humanitarian activities in Nis.

After the visit to the City Hall, the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess went to the Clinical Centre of Nis, where they delivered two mobile incubators and surgical gloves and opened the humanitarian exhibition at the Home of the Army of Serbia and Montenegro, in aid of the Home for Mentally Challenged “Kuline”, which they later visited and brought donations in clothes and shoes.