The Minister of European Integration and International Cooperation of the Republic of Srpska Zlatan Klokić announced traditional celebration of the Day of the Republic, 9 January, in other countries where the Serbian people live.

– Already on 8 February, the celebration is planned in Stuttgart, on 27 February in Belgrade, in early March in Vienna. These are the dates that confirm that the Day of the Republic lives far beyond its borders, in the hearts of our people, wherever they are – stated Klokić.

He said that celebrating the Republic Day wherever there were Serbs was a way to preserve identity, language, culture and connection with the motherland.

– Wherever I go, I emphasize that our diaspora is a strong support for the Republic of Srpska. They are the people that have never forgotten who they are and where they come from although they live far away – said Klokić.

He added that such gatherings strengthened unity and sent a message that Serbs are one nation, regardless of borders.

– The Republic Day is not merely a date, but a symbol of our freedom, perseverance and the right to preserve what we have been creating. I am happy to have this message heard far from the motherland, with the same fervor and love as it was celebrated in Banja Luka and all the cities of Srpska – added Klokić.

The ninth of January is celebrated as the Day of the Republic of Srpska, which was founded on that date in 1992 under the original name of the Republic of the Serbian People in BiH.

The name Republic of the Serbian People in BiH had been in use until 28 February 1992 and promulgation of the first Constitution, when it was replaced by the Serbian Republic of BiH, in use until 12 August 1992, when the Serbian Republic was introduced. In September 1992, that name was replaced by the current one – the Republic of Srpska.

This year’s Republic Day, 9 January, is celebrated under the slogan Living Hearth.

Source: RTRS – SRNA

Photo: Ministry of European Integration and International Cooperation