An honorary consulate of the Russian Federation was opened in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad, local media reported on Friday. Dusan Bajatovic, the director of Srbijagaz and a senior official within the Socialist Party of Serbia, has been appointed as the consulate’s consul. The opening ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Patriarch Porfiry, the Russian Ambassador to Serbia, Aleksandr Botsan-Kharchenko, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, and local figures such as Novi Sad Assembly Speaker Dina Vucinic and Aleksandar Vulin.
During the event, Bajatovic emphasized the historical and cultural connection between the Serbian and Russian peoples. He stated that while the bond between the two groups is recognized, he noted that many Serbians possess limited knowledge regarding Russia’s natural beauty, scientific advancements, or cultural depth. He highlighted the role of the Russian Historical Society, which he stated aims to guard against historical revisionism.
Bajatovic further outlined plans for enhancing bilateral ties, announcing initiatives for student exchange and broader cultural cooperation between Russia and Serbia. He expressed a commitment to establishing a Russian school in the region. According to Bajatovic, the establishment of such educational links is intended to increase awareness of Russian knowledge, countering any perception that all culture and learning originates exclusively from the West.
The opening of the consulate in Novi Sad signals a renewed focus on deepening cultural and academic partnerships between the two nations.
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