MASTILOVIĆ AWARDED HIGH RUSSIAN HONOUR - PUSHKIN MEDAL

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 23 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska Minister for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education Draga Mastilović has been awarded a prestigious Russian state honour, the Pushkin Medal, which will be presented to him at a ceremony in the Kremlin on November 4.

Mastilović stated that the Pushkin Medal would provide additional motivation to further develop joint projects, enhance the exchange of knowledge, and nurture the deep cultural and historical ties that connect the Serb and Russian peoples.

"It is an exceptional honour and privilege to receive such a prestigious state recognition from the Russian Federation. I do not regard this award solely as a personal achievement, but also as recognition of our academic community and all institutions of Republika Srpska that work tirelessly to strengthen international cooperation," Mastilović stressed.

According to him, science and education have always been the strongest bridges between peoples.

"I sincerely thank Russian President Vladimir Putin for this high honour, as well as Ambassador Igor Kalabukhov for his warm congratulations and support," Mastilović said.

Russian Ambassador to BiH Igor Kalabukhov extended his warm congratulations to Minister Mastilović, noting that the recognition is awarded for significant contributions to preserving and promoting Russian culture abroad.

Kalabukhov also conveyed an official invitation to Mastilović to attend the award ceremony on November 4 at the Kremlin.

The Pushkin Medal is the one in a series of significant honours awarded to Minister Mastilović, who has been actively working for years to strengthen international scientific and academic cooperation between Republika Srpska and the Russian Federation, the Ministry announced.

Putin signed the decree awarding the distinction yesterday.