President of Republika Srpska, milorad dodik, announced that he is proud that on 8 july a monument to former russian un ambassador vitaly churkin—an esteemed friend of the serb people who stood for truth—will be ceremoniously unveiled in east sarajevo.
- Through this tribute, gratitude is shown to a great man who prevented adoption of the srebrenica resolution at the un security council, which sought to characterise the serb people as genocidal, dodik said in an interview with tass.
Dodik emphasised that Republika Srpska and the serb people are eternally thankful to the russian diplomat who famously said “no” in the un security council in defence of truth.
He also highlighted that relations with russia continue to grow, noting their deepening was aided by the opening of the russian federation embassy office in banja luka in june of last year.
According to dodik, Republika Srpska and the russian federation together work on major projects, with particular significance in the spiritual realm—the construction of the serbo‑russian church in banja luka is another testament to shared success and dedication of Srbija (Republika Srpska) to Russia.
- We are building the serbo‑russian temple for future generations as proof of unity, perseverance and victory over all trials, and loyalty to the serbian orthodox church, he said. we remain committed to the serb national identity, which is best expressed in serbian orthodox faith, script and language.
Dodik noted that cooperation in higher education and culture between Republika Srpska and russia remains historically central, since it involves mutual learning and strengthening ties between two related peoples—and that this process continues to expand.
- I’m particularly pleased that more students in Republika Srpska now study russian language, particularly in secondary schools. thanks to support from the embassy of the russian federation, the russian house in belgrade and the pushkin institute, as well as the ministry of education of Republika Srpska and educational institutions, russian is now taught in over 40 schools in Srpska, and interest among students and parents keeps growing, dodik said.
He recalled that numerous agreements were signed in higher education between the university of banja luka and moscow state university (lomonosov), between the university of east sarajevo and kazan state university, as well as between technical faculties and research centres in yekaterinburg and Republika Srpska—especially in information technology, medicine and engineering.
- Moreover, efforts are underway to increase scholarships for students from Republika Srpska who wish to study in russia, and to arrange for russian teachers and lecturers to work in our schools and universities, he added.
Dodik described this as a clear indicator of a strong scientific partnership between Republika Srpska and the russian federation, based on faculty exchanges and shared benefit.
In cultural spheres, he said agreements include joint events such as russian cultural days in banja luka and other towns in Republika Srpska, visits by russian groups and theatre troupes, and cooperation between museums and archives to preserve shared historical heritage.
- We’ve also launched plans for a russian federation cultural centre in banja luka, which would serve as a permanent link between our institutions and peoples in the fields of arts, language and cultural diplomacy, he said.
He stressed that Republika Srpska remains firmly committed to building cultural bridges with the russian federation.
- We are convinced that knowledge, language and shared spiritual tradition are lasting values that unite peoples and shape the future. our goal is to establish ties with friendly countries and strengthen our cooperation for mutual benefit, dodik concluded.
Republika Srpska, he affirmed, fully backs the russian federation and all efforts directed at strengthening sovereignty, preserving security and freedom.
- Russia has proven itself as a country seeking cooperation, defining many standards and values, imposing no decisions on others. the russian federation is one of our key partners, united with us by long-standing friendship, he concluded.
Source: RTRS
