Djuric hosted a dinner in Tonga for numerous heads of state and government from the Pacific region

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Djuric, hosted a dinner on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, held in the Kingdom of Tonga, for the participants and guests of the event. During the dinner, he presented Belgrade's preparations for the specialized EXPO 2027 exhibition.

Speaking before about 200 guests, Minister Djuric emphasized that Serbia is a rapidly developing country that seeks to maintain and enhance relations with friends worldwide, offering them a gateway to Europe, according to the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website.

"We are here because Serbia has been honored with the opportunity to organize EXPO 2027. My hometown, Belgrade, will be the host of this exhibition, which we hope will attract nations from all over the world. We want to support the participation of countries from your region in this exhibition, within the Pacific Pavilion," Djuric said.

According to him, EXPO 2027 will, among other things, devote significant attention to topics of the highest interest to the Pacific region, such as sustainable development and addressing climate change.

"We are hospitable people and want everyone who visits us to feel at home. Our friendships are lasting, and it is a great pleasure for us that, more than 60 years after the founding of the Non-Aligned Movement, we can extend such an invitation to many of our traditional friends," Djuric added.

During the dinner, Prime Minister of Tonga, Siaosi Sovaleni, and Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Waqa, also addressed the guests. The Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Tonga, Tupouto'a Ulukalala, and his wife were also in attendance.

The event, hosted by the Serbian Foreign Minister, was attended by a large number of heads of state and government, as well as foreign ministers from the Pacific region, along with high-ranking officials from countries participating as partners, observers, or special guests.

A promotional film about EXPO 2027 was shown at the dinner, and the guests had the opportunity to toast with rakija (Serbian fruit brandy) while listening to the sounds of traditional Serbian music. They were also presented with branded gifts specially prepared for this occasion.