French Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Christine Moro, presented to Zoran Sekulić, founder and director of news agency FoNet, France’s highest decoration, the Legion of Honour, with the rank of Knight, at a reception organised at the French Ambassadorial Residence.
Ambassador Moro said that French President François Hollande had decided to present this highest recognition to Sekulić in recognition of his engagement in the service of defending the development of the media and media independence in Serbia and Europe, as well as because Sekulić has contributed to promoting the values that France has supported throughout history and which are considered as being among the foundations of democracy.
“The decision of the French President to present the Legion of Honour to a journalist from Serbia confirms the universal character of values such as freedom of thought, freedom of expression and media freedom,” said Sekulić.
Ambassador Moro also presented the honor to Belgrade Dance Festival founder and director Aja Jung, the title of Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (Ordre des Arts et des Lettres).
“With her works, Aja Jung has embodied the belief in the principles to which the French are eternally devoted, that culture is part of a human being, that it gives one special quality, a unique shine, universal and not caring for borders. This recognition is not presented merely because of the establishing of links between Serbian dancers and choreographers, French companies and the Serbian public, rather primarily due to her enthusiasm to ensure culture occupies a more important place in the lives of the citizens of Serbia, France and many other countries,” said Ambassador Moro.
“It is a great honour when recognition comes from a major and, in a historical sense, immensely rich cultural environment, for our small city in the Balkans. I thank all of you for that,” said Aja Jung, speaking at the French Embassy reception that was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps and figures from culture and the public life of Serbia.