DODIK: MONUMENT TO CHURKIN TO BE UNVEILED ON JULY 8 IN EAST SARAJEVO

MOSCOW, JULY 4 /SRNA/ – The President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik stated that he is proud that on July 8 in East Sarajevo, a monument will be ceremonially unveiled to former Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, a great friend of the Serbian people who stood in defense of the truth.

"This will express gratitude to a great man who prevented the adoption of the Srebrenica resolution in the UN Security Council, which sought to label the Serb people as genocidal," Dodik said in an interview with TASS.

Dodik emphasized that Republika Srpska and the Serb people are eternally grateful to the Russian diplomat, who stood in defense of the truth and said the famous "no" in the UN Security Council.

The President of Srpska noted that he is pleased that relations with Russia are continuously developing and pointed out that the opening of the Office of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Banja Luka in June last year contributed to intensifying these relations.

Republika Srpska and the Russian Federation, Dodik said, are working together on major projects, with the spiritual sphere being of particular importance, and the construction of the Serbian-Russian church in Banja Luka is yet another proof of their joint success and Srpska's commitment to Russia.

"We are building the Serbian-Russian church for future generations as proof of unity, perseverance, and victory over all challenges, as well as devotion to the Serbian Orthodox Church. We remain dedicated to the Serbian national identity, which is most clearly expressed through the Serbian Orthodox faith, script, and language," Dodik said.

He emphasized that cooperation between Republika Srpska and Russia in the field of higher education and culture is traditionally in the spotlight, as it concerns mutual learning and the development of relations between the two closely connected peoples, and that this process is on the rise.

"I am especially pleased that more and more students in Republika Srpska are learning the Russian language, which is most noticeable in secondary schools. Thanks to the support of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, the Russian House in Belgrade, and the Pushkin Institute, as well as the Ministry of Education of Republika Srpska and educational institutions, Russian is now taught in more than 40 schools in Srpska, and interest in it among students and parents is continuously growing," Dodik said.

The President of Srpska reminded that in the field of higher education, numerous agreements have been signed between the University of Banja Luka and Moscow State University Lomonosov, the University of East Sarajevo and Kazan State University, as well as technical faculties and research centers from Yekaterinburg and Republika Srpska, particularly in the areas of information technology, medicine, and engineering.

"In addition, additional efforts are being made to increase the number of scholarships for students from Republika Srpska who wish to study in Russia, as well as to organize classes taught by Russian teachers and lecturers in our schools and universities," Dodik stated.

The President of Srpska assessed that this is one of the clear indicators of establishing a strong scientific partnership between the academic institutions of Republika Srpska and the Russian Federation, with the exchange of staff and lecturers on a mutually beneficial basis.

In the field of cultural cooperation, Dodik said, an agreement has been reached to organize joint events such as the Days of Russian Culture in Banja Luka and other cities of Republika Srpska, visits by Russian groups and theaters, as well as establishing connections between museums and archives to preserve common historical materials.

"We have also initiated the issue of creating a Cultural Center of the Russian Federation in Banja Luka, which would become a permanent link between our institutions and peoples in the fields of art, language, and cultural diplomacy," Dodik said.

He emphasized that Republika Srpska remains firmly committed to building cultural bridges with the Russian Federation.

"We are convinced that knowledge, language, and shared spiritual tradition are lasting values that connect peoples and shape the future, and our desire is to establish ties with friendly countries and strengthen our cooperation to our mutual satisfaction," Dodik said.

Republika Srpska, Dodik stressed, fully supports the Russian Federation and all actions aimed at strengthening sovereignty and preserving security and freedom.

"Russia has proven itself to be a country that seeks cooperation, that defines many standards and values, and does not impose any decisions on anyone. The Russian Federation is one of our key partners, with whom we have a long-standing friendship," Dodik concluded.