CVIJANOVIĆ: HONORARY DOCTORATE AS SYMBOL OF PROFOUND RESPECT FOR SZIJJÁRTÓ AND HUNGARY

BANJA LUKA, NOVEMBER 27 /SRNA/ – The Serb member of the BiH Presidency Željka Cvijanović expressed her hope that the honorary doctorate awarded today by the University of Banja Luka to Péter Szijjártó, Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will be recognized as a sign of deep respect from Republika Srpska and its academic community toward Minister Szijjártó personally and toward his country, Hungary, which he represents in an exceptional way.

SRNA conveys Cvijanović's full address at the Banja Luka ceremony where Minister Szijjártó received the honorary doctorate of the University of Banja Luka:

It is a great honor to address you today at this formal ceremony organized by the University of Banja Luka. Earlier this month, we proudly marked a major milestone – the 50th anniversary of the University's existence and successful work.

Together with our other public university, the one in Istočno Sarajevo, the University of Banja Luka is the heart of our higher-education system and one of the most important and respected institutions in Republika Srpska.

All the more reason for my satisfaction regarding the high recognition that this institution has awarded to Minister Szijjártó, a sincere and proven friend of Republika Srpska.

We have known each other well and have cooperated successfully for many years. I can personally attest that he is a top-tier professional and an outstanding diplomat of the highest caliber.

Minister Szijjártó is an example of a diplomat who, unfortunately, is rarely found in today’s Europe. Where diplomacy speaks the language of conflict, he speaks the language of peace. Where dialogue is stifled, he works to revive and strengthen it. Where sides are taken and hostility is encouraged, he builds bridges of cooperation and understanding.

And that, I would say, is what today's world needs more than ever - particularly Europe, where true diplomacy has almost disappeared.

We in Republika Srpska recognize this, which is why we deeply value Hungary's position - a country with which we share many common views and principles. We stand on the same side: on the side of peace, dialogue, and the sovereign right of every nation to make decisions independently, in the interest of its own citizens. I am convinced that this is the only correct path and that we will continue walking it together.

I am proud of the friendly ties between Hungary and Republika Srpska, which continue to develop successfully. This is demonstrated not only by today's visit of Minister Szijjártó, but also by yesterday's meeting between President Milorad Dodik and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest. I am grateful to both leaders, Orbán and Dodik, for establishing a strong foundation of cooperation based on mutual respect and understanding.

Together with Prime Minister Orbán, Minister Szijjártó has made an immeasurable contribution not only to strengthening relations between Hungary and Republika Srpska but also to the international affirmation of our Republic. Thanks to our Hungarian friends, our voice is heard today in many important places throughout Europe and the world. For this, we are deeply grateful to our dear friend, Minister Szijjártó.

Dear Péter, for all these reasons, I believe that the honor awarded you today is more than deserved. I hope you see it as a sign of deep respect from Republika Srpska and its academic elite, toward you personally and toward your country, which you represent in an exceptional manner.

I am confident that we will continue developing our relations just as successfully, for the benefit of our friendly peoples. Republika Srpska remembers the times when it did not have many friends in the world. That is why we value them even more today and you have proven many times that you are among the greatest of them.

Thank you, and congratulations from the heart on this well-deserved recognition. Long live Hungary! Long live Republika Srpska and our friendship!"