Following what was an emotional and significant opening the day before of the new office for the Consulate of Montenegro in Florida, newly appointed Honorary Consul, Danilo Ivancevic, hosted a formal celebration in a beautiful venue by the Inter-coastal Waterway in downtown West Palm Beach. Cocktails were served outside on the terrace where guests had the opportunity to mix and mingle with city officials, dignitaries of Montenegro, local business leaders from the Community, Honorary Consul and Diplomats representing foreign countries in America. Cocktails lasted about 1.5 hours before guests were asked to enter into the hall which had been decorated with elegant table settings and beautiful flowers.
Christoper Ivancevic, Danilo’s middle son, acted as Master of Ceremonies and welcomed guests to the festivities. Before the events of the evening began, the national anthems of the United States and Montenegro were played before a standing audience. Chris then thanked the dignitaries for coming and for bestowing the great honor upon his father. Numerous speeches were made, including one by Ambassador of Darmanovic, who spoke of Danilo’s life achievements and his selection as Honorary Soncul. Mayor Jeri Muoio of West Palm Beach spoke about Budva, Danilo’s hometown, and how a few years earlier it had become the Sister City to West Palm Beach, and of the delegation who had visited the area at that time. Following theMayor, Mr. David Steven, a family friend, spoke briefly of the man he had come to know and respect as a dear friend. Culminating the speeches, Chris Called his Dad to the podium. Mr. Ivancevic thanked everyone for coming, especially the Mayor and Commissioners of West Palm Beach, distinguished bests from Budva, and dignitaries of Montenegro. he went on to thank them for their friendship as well as for the hope of developing a good relationships between Florida and Montenegro. Mr. Ivancevic would like to see a greater exchange and growth in trade, trade and tourism, student and sport exchange, and development of business opportunities between the two countries. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful evening and was able to enjoy a slide presentation that showed the beautiful country and landscape of Montenegro.
The following day, Mr. Ivancevic and Mayor Muoio of West Palm Beach accompanied the dignitaries who had traveled from Montenegro to attend a previously arranged City Commissioner’s meeting. There the Mayor introduced the guests to the Commissioners and stated that the decision had been made to send a delegation from West Palm Beach to Budva in September, 2016. Delighted at that decision, Mayor Popovic from Budva stated that he would be waiting to greet the delegation from West Palm Beach in Montenegro.
