An honorary consulate of the Russian Federation was inaugurated in Novi Sad, a northern Serbian city, according to local media reports on Friday. Dusan Bajatovic, director of Srbijagaz and a senior official of the Socialist Party of Serbia, was appointed the consulate’s consul. The opening ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Patriarch Porfiry, Russian Ambassador to Serbia Aleksandr Botsan-Kharchenko, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, Dina Vucinic, Speaker of the Novi Sad Assembly, and former minister Aleksandar Vulin.
During the event, Bajatovic addressed the relationship between Serbia and Russia, stating that while the bond between the peoples is acknowledged, he noted that knowledge concerning Russia’s natural beauty, scientific advancements, and culture remains limited among the local population. He referenced the Russian Historical Society, which he stated was established with the assistance of Aleksandar Vulin and aims to counter historical revisions. Bajatovic emphasized the shared Orthodox heritage between the two nations.
Furthermore, he announced plans to promote enhanced cultural cooperation and student exchanges between Russia and Serbia. He stated that establishing a Russian school was intended to provide access to Russian knowledge, countering the perception that all sources of culture and education originate from the West. The initiative, according to Bajatovic, seeks to highlight the proximity and depth of connection between the two countries.
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