Expressing my utmost gratitude to the Universal Peace Federation, I would like to offer by congratulations on the opening of the Balkans Peace Embassy, which will lastingly promote the value of peace and its importance as a precondition for stability and prosperity.
The Universal Peace Federation and Podgorica Club are dedicated to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity. They see cooperation and respect for differences as a foundation for lasting co-existence. These values and boundaries are the exact reason for maintaining a partnership between the Podgorica Club and UPF.
This cooperation started with the individual participation of the members of the Podgorica Club in the numerous and valuables activities organized by UPF. It continued with the involvement of the Podgorica Club in the South East Europe Peace Summit in October 2019 and in UPF's World Summit 2020 in February in Seoul. This collaboration was also active during the Covid-19 Pandemic when UPF organized a video conference about the Balkan and Korean Peninsulas in March of this year.
Today's signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Podgorica Club and UPF is, without a doubt, a consequence of our lasting, successful cooperation and the necessity to refresh and diversify our actions.
This is an excellent opportunity for me to express my utmost respect and gratitude to the leadership of UPF's branch in Europe and the Middle East, provided by Dr. Katsumi Otsuka, Mr. Jacques Marion, Dr. Michael Balcomb, as well as Mr. Gani Rroshi, who helped immensely in defining and reaching the deal to sign the Memorandum of Cooperation.
I want to especially thank the former President of Albania, Mr. Alfred Moisiu, who is currently the Chairman of the ISCP Balkans and one of the founders of the Podgorica Club. Ever since he was the active President of Albania, Mr. Moisiu has recognized UPF's values.
I would also like to express my respect and gratitude to the other members of the Podgorica Club, who are here with us today – former President of Albania, Mr. Rexhep Meidani, a respected Albanian academic. Then, to Former Croatian President Mr. Stjepan “Stipe” Mesic, who has tremendous experience serving his country and has participated in UPF's activities for many years. Finally, to the former member of the Presidency and the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Mladen Ivanic, a respected university professor who has been promoting the values of dialogue and reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina for many years. I also express my respect to Mr. Ruzdija Tuzovic, the Podgorica Club's Secretary-General.
Convinced of the successful cooperation between the Universal Peace Federation and the Podgorica club, I express my assurances of the highest consideration.