MASTILOVIĆ RECEIVES PUSHKIN MEDAL FROM PUTIN

BANJA LUKA, NOVEMBER 4 /SRNA/ – Russian President Vladimir Putin today presented the Pushkin Medal to Draga Mastilović, Republika Srpska's Minister for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education, in Moscow for his contribution to nurturing and promoting Russian culture abroad.

Mastilović said he saw the medal not only as a personal honour but also as recognition of Republika Srpska's academic community and institutions, which are developing international cooperation and strengthening friendly relations.

"It is a great honor and privilege to receive this prestigious award from the hands of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. I see it as a great personal recognition, but also as confirmation of the friendly relations and successful cooperation between Republika Srpska and the Russian Federation," Mastilović said.

He said science and education are lasting bridges between nations, and that the award is an added obligation and an incentive to develop joint scientific and academic projects and share knowledge and experience.

Mastilović thanked Putin for the honor, as well as Russian Ambassador to BiH Igor Kalabukhov for his support and efforts to strengthen ties between Srpska and Russia.

The ministry said the Pushkin Medal recognizes Mastilović's long-standing work on developing cultural, scientific and academic ties between Republika Srpska and Russia and strengthening cooperation between educational and scientific institutions.

The high Russian state decoration was awarded to Mastilović by a presidential decree of October 22.