KALABUKHOV VISITS PRIMARY SCHOOL AND MONASTERIES LOVNICA AND PAPRAĆA

ŠEKOVIĆI, APRIL 28 /SRNA/ – Russian Ambassador to BiH Igor Kalabukhov visited the "Jovan Dučić" Elementary School in Šekovići today, as well as the medieval monasteries of Lovnica and Papraća, stating on the occasion that he feels as if he is in his own country.

Students and staff of the "Jovan Dučić" school welcomed the ambassador and his delegation with a cultural program, with a particular impression left by pupils reciting verses in the Russian language. "Thank you for the wonderful reception and warm welcome. I hope there will be many more such opportunities for friendship and cooperation in the future", Kalabukhov stressed. Russian language teacher Branka Mrkajić, who prepared the students and coordinated the program, said that through songs, recitations and performances the pupils successfully presented Russian culture and tradition. School Director Vesna Šulić expressed great honor that, in addition to Ambassador Kalabukhov, the school was also visited by Russian Embassy adviser Aleksandr Borisov and attaché Elizaveta Bikova. "Such meetings are of invaluable importance for nurturing Russian-Serbian friendship, and our primary goal is to bring younger generations closer to Russian language and rich culture", Šulić said. At the monasteries of Lovnica and Papraća, the Russian delegation was welcomed by Mother Jovana, abbess of the Lovnica Monastery, who introduced the guests to the history of these sacred sites and their importance for the Orthodox people of the region. The visit was attended by Šekovići Mayor Miladin Lazić, who said the visit was a clear confirmation of unbreakable ties and mutual respect. "Šekovići is a municipality that values tradition. Cooperation in education and culture, which we promoted today at our school, represents the foundation for future joint projects. I am especially pleased that the ambassador had the opportunity to feel the spirituality of our monasteries, centuries-old guardians of our identity", Lazić told SRNA. The event was also attended by Jovana Ćirković, professor of Russian and Serbian language and founder of the Russian-Serbian Friendship Club "Bratske niti" from Milići, which promotes the Russian language and connects young people from Republika Srpska and Russia through direct projects and exchanges.