Macut opens WADA executive committee meeting in Belgrade

BELGRADE - Serbia's caretaker PM Djuro Macut opened a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Executive Committee meeting at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade on Thursday.

Macut noted that hosting the important gathering in Belgrade was a major recognition for the country and its sports system.

He said it was "a great honour and privilege for Belgrade to host one of the most significant meetings in world sport and to bring together those dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport," a government statement said.

"He said that even during talks on the possibility of holding this gathering in Belgrade, he believed that Serbia has the knowledge, institutions and credibility to successfully host the representatives of the global sports and anti-doping community.

According to him, holding the WADA Executive Committee meeting confirms that Serbia is a reliable partner for the international sports system and a state that recognises the importance of combating doping.

The Prime Minister emphasised that great sports results have value only when achieved through talent, work and discipline while respecting fair play, the protection of athletes’ health and equal conditions for all.

Macut particularly pointed out the importance of cooperation between states and the sports movement, as well as their shared responsibility for keeping sports a space of fair competition, trust and a role model for young generations.

He noted that Serbia will remain a reliable partner for WADA and other international sports institutions, with the aim of making Belgrade a venue not only for major sporting events but also for making important decisions on the future of global sport.

Macut wished the members of the WADA Executive Committee a successful meeting and sound decisions, adding that Serbia will always be their friend and a reliable host.

WADA President Witold Bańka expressed gratitude to Serbia for its hospitality, stressing the importance of joint action in protecting the integrity of sports and creating a safe and just environment for all athletes," the statement also said.

The opening ceremony was also attended by caretaker Minister of Sport Zoran Gajic, Olympic Committee of Serbia President Dejan Tomaševic and Serbian Anti-Doping Agency Director Milica Vesic.