The Consul General of the Republic of Serbia, Dr. Vladimir Božović, has been elected President of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York, becoming the first representative of Serbia to lead the organization in its 102-year history!
The Annual General Assembly and ceremonial session of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SOFC), one of the most prestigious diplomatic and consular organizations in the United States, was held at the Consulate General of the Republic of Argentina in New York.
Following the adoption of the annual activity report and the financial report for the previous year, members proceeded with the election of the Society’s new president.
The gathering was first addressed by the Consul General of the Republic of Argentina in New York, Gerard Díaz Bartolomé, who welcomed the diplomatic representatives and emphasized the importance of cooperation among the Society’s member states.
The outgoing SOFC President, Consul General of Georgia Maia Bartaia, presented the achievements of her term, highlighting the significant increase in the organization’s activities, its growing public visibility, and a 63 percent increase in the Society’s budget. She thanked all member states for their support and said that leading this prestigious organization had been a great honor and responsibility.
During the session, the president, on behalf of the Executive Board, nominated the Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, Ambassador Dr. Vladimir Božović, as the new President of the Society of Foreign Consuls. The proposal was unanimously approved by all member states, making Ambassador Dr. Vladimir Božović the first representative of the Republic of Serbia to lead the organization in its 102-year history.
In his inaugural address, the newly elected president thanked all member states for their trust, emphasizing that his election represents a great recognition not only for him personally, but also for the Republic of Serbia, its diplomacy, and the work of the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York.
He particularly stressed that the election of the first Serbian representative to head the SOFC is a historic achievement and confirmation of the increasingly significant role that the Republic of Serbia plays in international diplomatic circles.
Presenting the agenda for his term, he announced further strengthening of cooperation and solidarity among the Society’s members, enhancing partnerships with the institutions of the City of New York, the State of New York, the United States Department of State, the Office of Foreign Missions, and the United Nations, as well as further advancing public and digital diplomacy.
Among the priorities of his term, he announced the establishment of an annual SOFC award, the launch of a diplomatic leadership program, initiatives intended for young diplomats and future leaders, as well as a series of activities aimed at strengthening international cooperation, mutual understanding, and friendship among nations.
The ceremony was also attended by the Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Foreign Missions, Katie Eagen, who congratulated Ambassador Dr. Vladimir Božović on his election, wished him a successful term, and confirmed the Office of Foreign Missions’ readiness to continue close cooperation and provide full support for the future work of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York.
Also attending Božović’s election and inauguration was Bishop Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church’s Eastern American Diocese, who took the opportunity to congratulate the Serbian consul on this significant recognition.
A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT: Božović also issued a statement on the Society of Consuls’ website
The election of Ambassador Dr. Vladimir Božović as President of the SOFC represents a historic recognition for the Republic of Serbia and its diplomacy, as well as a strong confirmation of the reputation Serbia enjoys today within the international diplomatic community.
Source: Serbian Times Foto: Generalni konzulat Srbije u Njujorku