Our ties with Republika Srpska are experiencing a significant upswing. Contacts at the highest level have become regular, and we maintain an intensive political dialogue, including at the parliamentary level, stated Sergei Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, addressing via video link during the opening ceremony of the Office of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Banja Luka.
“I am pleased to welcome you to the ceremony for the opening of the Office of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Banja Luka. First of all, I would like to congratulate my colleagues and our friends in Republika Srpska on this wonderful event. We have been working towards this goal for several years. A tremendous amount of work has been done, and the results are visible today. This is truly a historic moment. It is not every day that a new diplomatic mission of the Russian Federation is opened in the world. We are very pleased that this is happening in the friendly Republika Srpska. The expansion of the diplomatic corps in Banja Luka testifies to the increased significance and authority of Republika Srpska as a participant in international processes in accordance with the Dayton Peace Agreement,” emphasized Lavrov.
Lavrov thanked everyone who participated in the realization of this project.
“First of all, I want to thank the leadership of Republika Srpska and personally President Milorad Dodik, who from the very beginning paid significant attention to all issues concerning this initiative and provided comprehensive support for its prompt resolution. We are sincerely grateful to Bishop Jefrem of Banja Luka for providing us with such a beautiful building for housing the Russian diplomatic mission. We are convinced that the special historical and spiritual atmosphere that prevails there will inspire our colleagues to creatively solve the tasks they face.”
Lavrov emphasized that there are many tasks, listing them as follows:
“Major Russian business entities operate in Republika Srpska. Significant connections have been established in the fields of science, culture, education, and sports. We will prioritize the construction of the Russian-Serbian temple as a spiritual and cultural center in Banja Luka. We consider this project to be the most important component for strengthening the fraternal bonds that unite our peoples. We will continue to develop contacts between universities in Russia and Republika Srpska. We welcome the beginning of the work of the Center for Open Education in the Russian Language and the teaching of the Russian language at the University of East Sarajevo, as well as the operation of its branch at the University of Banja Luka,” stated Lavrov.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation also touched on the nurturing of anti-fascist traditions in both Russia and Republika Srpska.
“With warmth in our hearts, we see how strong and sincere the traditions of anti-fascism are among the Serbian people. Republika Srpska is truly a stronghold of historical truth and the fight against the distortion of history. The annual massive actions of the Immortal Regiment are clear confirmation of this. The feats of our ancestors must not be forgotten. Together we will continue to defend truth, freedom, and justice,” said Lavrov.
He added that the list of tasks is extensive and of course not limited to the mentioned topics.
“My colleagues at the embassy office are always pleased to cooperate with friends and are open to new ideas on how to further bring us closer and expand mutually beneficial cooperation in the interest of strengthening peace, stability, and security. Today we have taken a very important step in that direction. Let us continue the journey together. We count on the support of the City Administration of Banja Luka, as well as the leadership and all citizens of Republika Srpska,” concluded Sergei Lavrov.
Source: RTRS
