SERBIAN IDENTITY IS PRESERVED BY NURTURING TRADITION

BELGRADE, MAY 23 /SRNA/ - The Minister for European Integration and International Cooperation of Republika Srpska, Zlatan Klokić, told SRNA that the European Diaspora Folklore Festival in Belgrade is proof that nurturing culture and tradition preserves the identity of the Serbian people, which is most important.

Klokić, who attended the official opening of the event in Belgrade today, said that Banja Luka has hosted the European Folklore Festival several times and expressed hope that it will again be chosen as a host city.

“Banja Luka is always ready, not to say to be a host, but to be of service, because they are coming among their own, both in Serbia and in Republika Srpska,” Klokić said.

He emphasized that Republika Srpska has numerous successful folklore ensembles, choirs, and individuals.

“By preserving our culture and tradition, we primarily preserve our identity and present ourselves to the world. Our folklore ensembles and choirs are the best ambassadors of the culture, tradition, and everything that defines our people,” Klokić said.

He said that the ministry he has been leading for years has excellent cooperation with the Directorate for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the Region within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, and that the plan is to jointly organize several events that will bring together Serbs from the Diaspora and contribute to even better connections.

The organizers of the 28th European Diaspora Folklore Festival are the Association of Serbian Folklore of the Diaspora and the Directorate for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the Region of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, at whose invitation Klokić attended the event.

Thirty-five cultural and artistic societies from Austria, Germany, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Romania, Croatia, Sweden, and Italy are participating in the event, having qualified through selection festivals in their respective countries.