An honorary consulate of the Russian Federation has been established in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad, according to local media reports issued on Friday. Dusan Bajatovic, director of Srbijagaz and a senior official within the Socialist Party of Serbia, has been appointed as the consul. The opening ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including Patriarch Porfiry, the Russian Ambassador to Serbia, Aleksandr Botsan-Kharchenko, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, Speaker of the Novi Sad Assembly Dina Vucinic, and former minister Aleksandar Vulin.
During the event, Bajatovic emphasized the deep cultural connection between Serbs and Russians, stating that while the bond of brotherhood is recognized, there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge regarding Russia’s culture and people. He mentioned that the Russian Historical Society was established with the assistance of Aleksandar Vulin, aiming to safeguard historical narratives. Bajatovic remarked, “We believe in Mother Russia, we know that we are Orthodox, we know that we are Serbs and Russians.
And we know that we are brothers… But beyond that, about the natural beauties, about science, about how far Russia has come, we know little.” He further announced plans for enhanced student exchange and cultural cooperation between the two nations. He stated the goal of opening another Russian school to promote Russian knowledge, countering the notion that all culture originates from the West.
Bajatovic expressed the desire to demonstrate Russia’s proximity and relevance to the local population through these educational and cultural initiatives.
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