Ambassador

Ana Ilić

 

Welcome Message from the Ambassador of Serbia to Portugal

Dear Visitors,

It is with great pride and sincere pleasure that I welcome you to the official website of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Portugal. Serving as the Ambassador of Serbia in this beautiful and historic country is both an honour and a responsibility I deeply cherish. I am committed to strengthening the friendship and cooperation that have long connected our peoples, cultures, and histories—dating back to 1882, when our two countries established diplomatic relations.

Though Serbia and Portugal are geographically distant, our bonds are grounded in shared values, rich histories, and vibrant cultures. Both nations are passionate about sports—particularly football, which ignites enthusiasm among millions and serves as a universal language that brings us together. Music, too, plays a special role in our cultural identities: Portuguese fado, with its soulful melodies of longing and hope, resonates with the emotional depth of Serbian traditional music.

Our countries are also proud of their contributions to world literature and the arts. Serbia celebrates the legacy of Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić, whose evocative stories capture the complexity of Balkan history and spirit. Portugal is home to the profound works of Nobel laureate José Saramago, whose writing explores human nature and societal challenges. Their literary masterpieces continue to inspire, reminding us of the power of words to bridge differences and spark change.

Both Serbia and Portugal are home to UNESCO World Heritage sites that draw visitors from across the globe, eager to experience their cultural and historical richness. In Serbia, the historic complex of Stari Ras and the Sopoćani Monastery highlight our medieval heritage, along with the Gračanica Monastery and the Patriarchate of Peć—testaments to the enduring Serbian presence in Kosovo and Metohija for over 7 centuries. In Portugal, the iconic Tower of Belém and Jerónimos Monastery stand not only as masterpieces of late Gothic architecture but also as silent witnesses to the nation’s greatest era—the Age of Discovery, which illuminated Europe and reshaped global history. The Monastery of Batalha further symbolizes medieval ingenuity and spiritual devotion.

These remarkable sites are living testaments to our nations’ enduring legacies and vibrant histories—treasured, preserved, and shared with pride for future generations.

Representing Serbia in Portugal is a true honor. I am dedicated to advancing our bilateral relations through cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and mutual understanding. I firmly believe that friendship should transcend borders, fostering collaboration in every field and creating new opportunities for our peoples.

I warmly invite you to explore the Embassy’s website, as well as the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, to discover the many dimensions of our shared heritage.

I look forward to your opportunity to visit Serbia soon, where you will personally experience our famous hospitality and the depth of our cultural heritage.

Thank you for your interest and support. May the friendship between Serbia and Portugal continue to grow stronger with each passing day.

Sincerely,
Ana Ilic
Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Portugal