The Republic of Srpska

The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Igor Kalabukhov, presented today in Banja Luka one of the most prestigious Russian state decorations, the Pushkin Medal, to the   Republic of Srpska Minister of the Interior, Mr Željko Budimir.

Ambassador Kalabukhov said it was a great honor for him to present the medal to Minister Budimir, a friend of Russia, on behalf of President Vladimir Putin.

“We will continue our cooperation. We wish Minister Budimir, as well as the Republic of Srpska, great success,” said Kalabukhov.

Minister Budimir stated that he was honored to receive the high state decoration of the Russian Federation by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and emphasized that he would continue to strengthen the ties between the people in Srpska and in Russia.

Budimir noted that the medal is awarded to foreign nationals for their contribution to the promotion of Russian cultural heritage, science, and brotherhood. He explained that Russian-Serbian relations have a deep mystical character and are far more than strategic or fraternal ties — they are relations of mutual recognition based on the Orthodox faith and culture, and even on the Slavic soul itself.

Budimir stressed that the Republic of Srpska, in the modern turbulent world where anarchy has become the rule, can develop only strategic relations with those who fully understand its being.

President, Mr Milorad Dodik, said that the Republic of Srpska has everlasting gratitude for the objective political approach of the Russian Federation and its President Vladimir Putin toward the Republic of Srpska in its difficult times, which includes support for international law and the Dayton Peace Agreement.

The “Pushkin Medal” is awarded by decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Mr Vladimir Putin, for exceptional contributions to culture, art, education, the preservation of the Russian language and literature, as well as for strengthening cultural ties and friendship between nations.