BUDIMIR: CONTINUE STRENGTHENING TIES BETWEEN SERBS AND RUSSIANS

BANJA LUKA, DECEMBER 26 /SRNA/ - The Minister of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska, Željko Budimir, said he is honoured to have received a high state decoration of the Russian Federation "The Pushkin Medal" by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and stressed that efforts to further strengthen ties between Serbs and Russians will continue.

Budimir noted that the medal is awarded to foreign nationals for their contribution to promoting Russian cultural heritage, science and fraternity. "In this case, I am merely a conduit within a joint team that, together with President Milorad Dodik, has worked in recent years to strengthen Russian–Serbian ties, particularly in culture and science. This is a recognition for all the people I have worked with and for Republika Srpska," Budimir told reporters in Banja Luka. He explained that Russian–Serbian relations have a deep, almost mystical character and go far beyond strategic or fraternal ties-being rooted in shared Orthodox faith, culture and Slavic spirit. "At this moment, I believe that spirit is fully open and will remain so. I am grateful to President Dodik for having been part of his team over the past years, during which relations between Republika Srpska and Russia were significantly advanced," Budimir said. Budimir emphasized that, in today's turbulent world where anarchy has become the rule, Republika Srpska can develop only strategic relations with partners who fully understand it. "In this case, those are two leaders, Vladimir Putin and Milorad Dodik, who will undoubtedly forge strong and mutually beneficial relations between Banja Luka and Moscow," he added. The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to BiH, Igor Kalabuhov, said it was a great honour to present the medal on behalf of President Putin to Budimir, a friend of Russia. "We will continue our cooperation. We wish Minister Budimir, as well as Republika Srpska, every success," Kalabuhov said. The Pushkin Medal is awarded by decree of the President of the Russian Federation for outstanding contributions to culture, the arts, education, the preservation of the Russian language and literature, and for strengthening cultural ties and friendship between peoples. The ceremony, held at the headquarters of the Government of Republika Srpska, was attended by Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minić, SNSD President Milorad Dodik, numerous ministers, the Ambassador of BiH to Serbia Aleksandar Vranješ, representatives of the academic community and the Serbian Orthodox Church, as well as heads of departments within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, members of Budimir's family, and other guests.