KALABUKHOV: MARKING VICTORY DAY SYMBOLIZES FRIENDSHIP WITH SERBIAN PEOPLE

BANJA LUKA, MAY 9 /SRNA/ - The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to BiH, Igor Kalabukhov, said today that marking Victory Day in Republika Srpska, which joined the Russian Federation in this commemoration, symbolizes the friendship between the two peoples.

Kalabukhov thanked the leadership of Republika Srpska and all those who participated in the “Immortal Regiment” march. “Victory Day has entered the existence of every family in the former Soviet Union, Russia, and other countries, because millions of people lost their loved ones. All these facts are being ignored by the so-called West, which seeks to impose its own narratives,” Kalabukhov told reporters in Banja Luka, where he hosted a reception on the occasion of May 9 - Victory Day. As he emphasized, Victory Day also has an internal dimension, as it shows that people remember their ancestors. “They have great international importance and role in demonstrating the unity of the Soviet people with their allies, first and foremost with the Serbian people, who gave many lives for the victory and guaranteed a period of peaceful development. This event also shows that we are ready to continue working together on our friendship in the name of victory,” Kalabukhov said. The reception at the Banski Dvor Cultural Center was attended by Serb member of the Presidency of BiH Željka Cvijanović, ministers in the Government of Republika Srpska, members of the National Assembly, representatives of the Council of Peoples of Republika Srpska, representatives of Republika Srpska in joint institutions of BiH, as well as representatives of religious, cultural and social life in Banja Luka, Republika Srpska and BiH.