DODIK: LAVROV - EXAMPLE OF STATESMANSHIP AND INTEGRITY, CONGRATULATIONS ON HIGH DECORATION

BANJA LUKA, MAY 23 /SRNA/ – The President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik has extended congratulations to the friend of Republika Srpska, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov, who was awarded the high state decoration – the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called – by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I thanked Lavrov for the very successful cooperation thus far and expressed my belief that we will further deepen and strengthen it in the future, to the benefit and satisfaction of both the Serbian and Russian peoples," Dodik posted on the social media platform X.

In the congratulatory message sent to Lavrov on behalf of the citizens of Republika Srpska and in his own name, Dodik stated that Lavrov's knowledge, diplomatic experience, and statesmanlike wisdom have for decades formed the foundation of the Russian Federation’s stable and principled foreign policy.

"Your diplomatic perseverance, composure in challenging times, and consistency in defending the sovereign interests of the Russian Federation serve as an example of statesmanship and professionalism that many rightly admire," Dodik emphasized.

He wished Lavrov good health, personal happiness, and continued success in his important mission for the benefit of the Russian people and global diplomacy, with the same energy and dedication as before.

Putin awarded Lavrov for his exceptional service to the homeland, significant contributions to the development and implementation of the Russian Federation’s foreign policy, and many years of fruitful public service.

Russia's highest state decoration was presented to Lavrov on the occasion of his 75th birthday, as reported by RIA Novosti.