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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Brnabic attends presentation of "Order of the Italian Star" to Aja Jung

Belgrade, 29 January 2018

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic attended the ceremony tonight at the Italian Embassy to Serbia of the ceremonial presentation of the "Order of the Italian Star" to Director of the Belgrade Dance Festival Aja Jung, which she received for merits in the field of culture and art.

Giuseppe Manzo and Aja Jung

Author: Fonet

The highest Italian state award in the field of culture "Order of the Italian star" was presented to our renowned artist and director on behalf of President of Italy Sergio Mattarella, was presented by Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Serbia Giuseppe Manzo.

Speaking to the guests, Manzo emphasized the importance of the contribution made by Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic to the strengthening of culture in Serbia.

Brnabic congratulated Aja Jung on the award and emphasized the significance of the Belgrade Games Festival as a great example of how a private culture initiative survives for 15 years, although such projects are not easy to launch, and even more challenging to make them sustainable to each year expand the programme and bring international names to Serbia.

It would be great if there were still such successful and good examples that present Serbia to the world as a creative and modern country and through such events we can change the image of our country and citizens all over the world, the Prime Minister stated.

In this way, contribution to our society is much more significant and wider than the contribution to the contemporary dance and culture, Brnabic said after the formal ceremony of presentation of the award and the official address.

The Prime Minister added that it is very important that the state recognizes similar initiatives coming from the private sector and that it has mechanisms to support them.

Brnabic also thanked Jung on the "Dance Caravan " project, which was supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Serbia, which it also sponsored last year, because it is very important that young people in Serbia come closer to various forms of artistic and cultural expression.

Through positive examples, we as a society encourage them to freely express their individuality, creativity and artistic potential. I hope that the "Dance Caravan" will be continued this year in other cities of Serbia as there is a great need and interest for such modern and at the same time rich cultural programme throughout our country, Brnabic pointed out.

Receiving the award, Jung pointed out that since her return to Belgrade, she devoted energy and time to the project Belgrade Dance Festival, which this year turns 15 years old.

Nine years ago, and at the initiative of the Academy of the Milan Scala, we launched the "National Foundation for Dance". The way I walked has never been simple. There were not many people like you who could or did want to observe my mission, and even less those who wanted to help, Jung said.

The Order of the Italian Star is a recognition given to those who have exceptional merit in strengthening friendship and cooperation between Italy and other countries and in promoting ties with Italy.