JOINT CELEBRATION OF SRETENJE ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT AT A TIME WHEN SOME WANT TO DIVIDE SERBIAN PEOPLE

BANJA LUKA, FEBRUARY 10 /SRNA/ - The Speaker of the Republika Srpska National Assembly Nenad Stevandić told SRNA that the joint celebration of Sretenje, the Day of Statehood of Serbia, and the Day of Statehood of Republika Srpska is particularly significant at a time when there are efforts and desires to divide the Serbian people and provoke internal conflicts.

"In such times, we need to stay together, and Sretenje is the pinnacle of that. We will always have Sretenje, while all those who criticize, target, and demonize us will not have it," said Stevandić. Stevandić emphasized that it has been shown that Serbs are united on fundamental issues, that they share a common identity, that they listen to and understand the needs of their countries and governments, and that there is a great synergy between the people and leadership. He reminded that the joint celebration of this holiday was signed at last year's All-Serbian Assembly and that February 14 and 15 will be magnificent days for Republika Srpska and Serbia, but also for all Serbs, no matter where they live. The All-Serbian Assembly decided on June 8 last year that Sretenje, February 15, the Day of Statehood of the Republic of Serbia, would also be the Day of Statehood of Republika Srpska and that this date should be celebrated jointly. This was the 29th conclusion of the Declaration of the All-Serbian Assembly. This year, Republika Srpska will officially celebrate Sretenje as the Statehood Day for the first time, with a series of events under the slogan "Unity and Pride," reflecting the core values that form the foundation of Republika Srpska's statehood, calling for togetherness, unity, and strength, while emphasizing the importance of preserving and strengthening Srpska. On the occasion of Sretenje – the Day of Statehood of Serbia and the Day of Statehood of Republika Srpska, the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik announced that the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić will visit Banja Luka for a two-day visit.