Đorđe Milićević, minister without portfolio in charge of monitoring the situation, proposing measures and participating in the coordination of activities in the field of relations between the Republic of Serbia and the diaspora, attended the opening ceremony of the 11th International Children’s Festival Children in Preserving Folk Traditions in Bileća, organized by the City Cultural and Artistic Society Vladimir Gaćinović.

This year’s Festival features 18 cultural and artistic societies from the Republic of Srpska and Montenegro, with more than 600 children and young people, who present the beauty and richness of the tradition of our people with their dances, songs and folk costumes.

During the ceremony, Minister Milićević expressed deep gratitude to the hosts, i.e. representatives of the municipality of Bileća and president of the Vladimir Gaćinović CCAS Nebojša Rogan, for their dedicated work and effort in preserving cultural and national heritage.

‘This is not only a festival of children’s creativity, this is a celebration of unity, love and spiritual strength of our people. In the song and dance of these children lives the spirit of Serbia and Republic of Srpska, the spirit that connects us regardless of borders’ – said Minister Milićević.

He stated that preserving tradition and cultural identity was a common obligation of all those believing in the strength of the Serbian people and their future: ‘Serbia and the Republic of Srpska share one heart, the heart of their people. That heart beats in every child who proudly dances, sings and nurtures the values that have united us for centuries. Children are our greatest pride, because in them live both the future and the eternity of our people.’

The Minister stated that the Government of the Republic of Serbia would continue to support cultural projects and events that preserve the unity of the Serbian people, their tradition and identity, emphasizing that ‘a people that does not forget its roots always knows its path.’

‘We are proud of all our children whose smiles and talent prove that Serbian tradition is alive, that it is nurtured and passed on with love. They are our greatest bridge between Serbia and the Republic of Srpska,’ added Minister Milićević.

At the end of the visit, the minister said that Serbia would always stand by its people in the Republic of Srpska and that any initiative that preserves unity, spirituality and culture would have the support of the state.

Source and photo: Office of the minister without portfolio in charge of monitoring the situation, proposing measures and participating in the coordination of activities in the field of relations between the Republic of Serbia and the diaspora