KARAN: EMELIANENKO HONOURED FOR HIS PROVEN FRIENDSHIP TOWARDS REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

BANJA LUKA, SEPTEMBER 18 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska President Siniša Karan said that renowned Russian mixed martial arts /MMA/ fighter Fedor Emelianenko is not only a sports legend for Republika Srpska and the Serb people, but also a sincere friend, adding that the Order of Merit with Gold Rays is a lasting witness and symbol of a bond that is sincere, strong and based on shared values.

Karan said that the award represents recognition for Emelianenko's outstanding contribution to sport, but above all for his proven friendship towards Republika Srpska, his consistent promotion of Christian values and tireless efforts to strengthen the fraternal ties between the Russian and Serb peoples. "This decoration is an expression of our deep gratitude and lasting respect, and it will remain as a lasting witness and symbol of a bond that is sincere, strong and based on shared values that we proudly preserve and pass on to future generations," Karan said at the Palace of the Republic in Banja Luka at a ceremony marking the presentation of the Order to Emelianenko. He said that Republika Srpska had the honour of welcoming Emelianenko, a man whose name has been written into the history of world sport as a symbol of absolute strength, discipline and unwavering character. "Your career, marked by a decade of invincibility at the top of the world, multiple heavyweight world championship titles and your status as a pioneer of mixed martial arts, represents a standard of sporting excellence that is difficult to attain. Yet what makes you a true great is the fact that throughout every victory you have retained humility, chivalrous dignity and personal integrity," Karan stressed. He said that Emelianenko is a sincere friend to Republika Srpska and the Serb people. "Your publicly expressed words about your closeness to the Serb people, our shared spiritual and Orthodox roots, as well as the support you have provided at all important moments, are deeply engraved in our collective consciousness. These are messages that transcend sport - they are messages of brotherhood, mutual respect and lasting ties that have connected our peoples for decades and centuries," Karan said. Karan said that Emelianenko is always welcome in Republika Srpska among his friends. President Milorad Dodik, Acting Director of the Office for International Cooperation Ana Trišić-Babić, and Minister of Internal Affairs Željko Budimir attended the ceremony.