France’s National Day, known as Bastille Day, began in Serbia with a celebration of Franco-Serbian friendship and our brotherhood in arms during the First World War, in front of the Monument of Gratitude to France, erected in 1930 in Kalemegdan Park.
The celebration continued with the unveiling at the French Institute of Serbia, in the presence of the French Ambassador Pierre Cochard and the Director of the Post Office Zoran Andjelković, of a new stamp commemorating the 185 years of diplomatic relations between France and Serbia. In the evening, Ambassador Pierre Cochard and his wife welcomed to the Residence the President of the National Assembly, Mrs. Ana Brnabić, Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, as well as many members of the French community, representatives of Serbian authorities, our friends, and partners. A fortnight before the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the festivities took place under the banner of Brotherhood and Sport.
Breakdancers performed in the gardens of the Residence, offering a preview of the spirit of these Games, during which, for the first time, this urban dance will be part of the official disciplines. The ambassador reiterated our ambition to make these Olympic and Paralympic Games a moment that is both popular, spectacular, and useful, addressing the challenges of our changing world. He emphasized that sport was a bridge between France and Serbia, with many sports figures linking our two countries and a shared passion. He recalled the determination of the President of the Republic, the French authorities, and this embassy to stand by Serbia in the long term, to contribute to its development and its progress towards the European Union.
Finally, the ambassador spoke about our bilateral relationship and the prospects ahead, as we celebrate this year the 185th anniversary of our diplomatic relations.
