In his welcome address Ambassador Schmid said that he was pleased that Switzerland plays an important role in the realization of this project through its support and assistance to local governments on the management of local finances. He pointed out that since 30 years, Switzerland is a reliable partner of Serbia in achieving its development goals. Climate related cooperation will remain an important area of cooperation also in the future, together with promoting economic development and employment and good governance. Ambassador Schmid emphasized that it was especially gratifying to be in Kraljevo, as it is exactly 20 years since the start of the first development projects through the Municipal Support Program in that town and he reminded that Switzerland and Swiss companies Roche and Geberit were among the first ones to contribute to the reconstruction efforts of the local governments after the devastating earthquake of 2010.