Deputy Mayor of Novi Sad Milan Đurić and the Assistant  to the Mayor Aleksandar Petrović met the Ambassador of the Republic of France, H.E. Jean-Louis Falconi at the City Hall.

On that occasion, the Deputy Mayor expressed satisfaction with the visit of the Ambassador of the Republic of France, emphasizing that he significantly contributes to the improvement of bilateral relations between Serbia and France, but also the cooperation of the City of Novi Sad with French cities and regions, such as Val d'Oise. He reminded that, in February this year, the Agreement on establishing cooperation with the city of Tavern was signed, and that it is envisaged that in the next period, similar agreements will be signed with the municipalities of Saint-Leu-la-Foret and Lenguen-les-Bains.

One of the topics was the change of the location of the French Institute in Novi Sad, since the current building in Pašiceva Street was returned to the possession of the Serbian Orthodox Church through restitution.

Considering the importance of learning French and spreading French culture in Novi Sad, the representatives of the City proposed the City business premises as the future location of the French Institute, in Kralja Aleksandra Street No 14, which is located in the pedestrian zone, in the old town and in the immediate vicinity, near the headquarters of the Foundation "Novi Sad 2021 - European Capital of Culture".

After touring the new space, the Ambassador Jean-Louis Falconi pointed out that it meets the needs of the French Institute, one of the three branches of the French Institute in Serbia, according to all criteria. He thanked the representatives of the City and expressed satisfaction that the relocation of the French Center will be realized in 2021, when the 70^th anniversary of the French Institute in Serbia is going to be marked, and that the center will participate in full capacity in the project Novi Sad - European Capital of Culture 2022.