The University of Banja Luka said it was honored to award an honorary doctorate to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, a message delivered at a press conference following the formal ceremony.
Radoslav Gajanin, rector of the University, emphasized that this was a special day for the institution.
“This is a special day for us. We are proud of what Srpska and Hungary are accomplishing in building strong relations,” Gajanin said.
He added that thanks to the initiative of SNSD president Milorad Dodik, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and, of course, the efforts of Minister Szijjártó, the University of Banja Luka has established cooperation with a university in Hungary. This will include exchanges of teachers and students, as well as joint study programs.
“We are truly grateful to Minister Szijjártó for all the activities he is implementing together with the leadership of Srpska on key projects. Cooperation between Hungary and Srpska is growing stronger,” Gajanin noted.
Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of Republika Srpska, Siniša Karan, said that the strong relations between Srpska and Hungary are reflected in all fields, especially in education.
“It is a great honor for the University of Banja Luka to award an honorary doctorate to the Hungarian foreign minister, especially in the year when we mark the University’s 50th anniversary. This is a major recognition for our academic community,” Karan said, adding that it is also an incentive for further progress.
He recalled that Republika Srpska and Hungary have enjoyed excellent cooperation for years and that several agreements have been signed, enabling Hungary to provide scholarships for students from Srpska.
“During yesterday’s visit to Hungary, we identified new modes of cooperation in the field of scientific and technological innovation. We must integrate them directly into our academic community, especially through scientific-technological initiatives, and promote both our young talents and theirs through education,” Karan emphasized.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said that Hungary will continue its agricultural support program for Republika Srpska, announcing that a new support package can be expected soon.
He explained that the agriculture investment-support scheme in Srpska has been extremely successful.
“We secured 10 billion forints for 1,834 small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in Srpska. The agricultural equipment they acquired through this program is worth 14 billion forints,” Szijjártó said, noting that both Hungary and Srpska benefit from this project.
SNSD leader Milorad Dodik said that Szijjártó fully deserved this recognition, describing him not only as a diplomat but as “a man who brings structure, knowledge, and everything needed for sustainability.”
“Yesterday Budapest, today Banja Luka — almost the same. We are writing the finest chapters of cooperation ever achieved between Serbs and Hungarians, between our states,” Dodik said.
He added that he is grateful to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Minister Szijjártó for recognizing Republika Srpska despite the narratives promoted by Western media.
As a reminder, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Banja Luka.
Source: RTRS
