HRH Crown Princess Katarina visited today several health and social institutions in Vranje and Bujanovac and delivered significant humanitarian aid.

Upon her arrival at Vranje, HRH Crown Princess Katarina was welcomed in front of Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral by Dr Nebojša Čović, President of the Co-ordination Body for the South of Serbia and by the Bishop of Vranje, Pahomije. 

After the morning service which they all attended, all current issues concerning the Pčinj district were discussed in the churchyard.  Mr. Čović thanked HRH Crown Princess Katarina and pointed out that not only her visit, but especially her humanitarian activities were a huge moral boost for all those who live in the region. Bishop Pahomije emphasised that the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Royal Family worked closely together on the common task of providing relief to the most needy.

Crown Princess Katarina later visited Health Centres in Vranje and Bujanovac and talked with the executives and other employees about the current situation in these institutions. Medical supplies, spectacles, shoes and sweaters were delivered on this occasion.

The Crown Princess delivered shoes, sweaters and toiletries to  “Stara ciglana” refugee centre. She made a tour round the housing quarters and kitchen inquiring about the quality of food and accommodation. Her Royal Highness received a very warm welcome in the Centre for Abandoned Children and Adolescents “Olivera Đorđević “ in Vranje. The children of all ages showed Princess Katarina around their rooms and sang songs for her. The Princess presented them with bicycles, sweaters, shoes and lots of sweets.

At a well attended press conference held in the Bujanovac Press Centre, the Crown Princess stressed that her husband, Crown Prince Aleksandar, and herself were set on redoubling their efforts in order to ease the suffering of the most affected categories of population in our country, regardless of their ethnic, religious or political origin.

During this very eventful trip, HRH Princess Katarina also visited church of Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul, the Church and Saint Prohor Pčinjski Religious Centre in Bujanovac.

In Belgrade, September 14, 2001.