Dr. Marko Nikolić has officially taken up his post as the new Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in Chicago, and Serbian Times is the first media outlet to sit down with him for an exclusive interview.
Born in 1975 in Belgrade, this is Nikolić’s first diplomatic role, though he brings years of experience working with the Serbian diaspora. Prior to this position, he served as a civil servant in the Office for Cooperation with Churches and Religious Communities at the Ministry of Justice.
Nikolić holds degrees in Political Science and Philosophy, completed postgraduate studies in Rome, and is the author of two books. He speaks English, French, Italian, and Russian, and is a husband and father of three.
In the opening of the interview, we asked him about his first impressions since assuming the role. As the conversation continued, we touched on a wide range of topics:
- Will his focus be on relations with the U.S. administration, or on serving the Serbian diaspora?
- Can he help reshape Serbia’s relationship with the diaspora, which many say is often viewed primarily as a financial lifeline — a “cash machine” for sending money, creating jobs, and offering aid?
- And importantly, when will Serbian consulates and embassies be equipped with biometric processing devices — a move that would greatly speed up passport procedures and make services more accessible for those living far from diplomatic missions?
Nikolić revealed that biometric devices are on the way, and once they arrive, the passport issuance process will be significantly faster.
Watch the full interview to hear what Consul Marko Nikolić had to say on these and other pressing questions.
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