President of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska Nenad Stevandić addressed deputies of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg, highlighting the depth of Serb–Russian friendship and shared historical values.
In his speech, Stevandić said the preservation of the Serb–Russian bond shows the world that Republika Srpska has a strong backbone and dignity. He praised St. Petersburg as a global symbol of resistance, culture, and national strength, saying that like that city withstood tremendous trials, so too has the Serb people endured injustice while preserving identity and the right to self-determination.
Stevandić warned against attempts to relativize history or rehabilitate Nazi symbols, noting that Serbs and Russians—who sacrificed so much in the fight against fascism—must be vigilant in resisting such efforts. He emphasized that silence or indifference would betray both ancestors and future generations.
He reminded his audience that the parliamentary ties between Republika Srpska and St. Petersburg are rooted not in convenience, but in concrete agreements and actions. Among those is a Protocol on Cooperation, in which both parliaments committed to developing economic, cultural, educational, tourism, and scientific links. The Protocol is meant not merely as a diplomatic gesture but as a long-term vision.
Stevandić stated that since March 2023, the Republika Srpska Assembly has visited the Russian State Duma, the Federation Council, and the St. Petersburg legislature, even when others hesitated due to political calculations. He asserted the Assembly would continue this principled course.
He concluded by reaffirming his institution’s commitment to cooperation across sectors—culture, education, science, tourism, economy—and to building bridges with St. Petersburg on behalf of their peoples. He invoked enduring values—freedom, dignity, mutual trust—and declared:
“Long live Serbia! Long live Republika Srpska! Long live the Russian Federation! Long live our friendship, brotherhood and cooperation.”
The delegation included Vice President of the National Assembly Dragomir Vasić and MPs Aleksandar Trninić, Milica Lovrić, and Nikolina Šljivic.
Source: RTRS
