Serbian President Vucic to attend opening of Olympic Games in Paris

Photo: Tanjug/Marko Djokovic

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic will be in Paris on Friday, July 26, to attend the opening ceremony for the 33rd Summer Olympic Games, his press service announced on Thursday.

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Vucic, in addition to the official opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, will be a guest at the reception organized by French President Emmanuel Macron.

According to the statement, during his stay in Paris, President Vucic will also attend the opening of The Serbian House in the French capital.

Vucic recently ceremonially handed over the country's flag to the Serbian Olympians, and wished them luck.

"You could have gone on vacation like everyone else, spent time with your loved ones and live easier lives in the previous month, but you made a sacrifice in the hope of bringing something great to your country. There is no greater honor than that. We will watch your every performance with trepidation and hope. Taekwondo, wrestling, judo, boxing, basketball, volleyball, water polo... I will not put more pressure on the shooters, I did that already during (my previous) visit. I want to say a big thank you and let's hope," Vucic said in a recent address to Serbian Olympians, and added:

"If there is any other obligation, everything will be paid by the morning, to ensure the best conditions. The day after you win a medal, we will fulfill our obligations. For gold - 200,000 euros, only a few countries are giving more. I think this first basketball game (in the group) against the US will break all (TV ratings) records, but you won't believe it when you see the numbers regarding all the other athletes.

How Serbia will support them. We are hoping for a double-digit number of medals. But even if we don't bring any, we will love, respect and salute you, because we know that you gave everything for your people. Thank you for your dedicated work and I am honored to be able to hand you our flag of freedom, one of a nation not big in terms its numbers or territory, but big in terms of pride, freedom-loving tradition, and desire for victory. Thank you, and,  Long Live Serbia!"

(Telegraf.rs)