Vucic: Republika Srpska must remain foundation of stability despite challenges

BELGRADE - Republika Srpska must remain a driving force of prosperity and a foundation of stability despite all challenges, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in a congratulatory message to Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik on occasion of January 9, Republika Srpska Day.

"I cordially congratulate you on Republika Srpska Day, with best wishes for progress, peace and prosperity of all citizens," Vucic wrote in the message.

"As we also celebrate St Stephen's Day, we are reminded that the power of a nation is measured by the strength of its unity and firmness in preservation of spirituality, language, script, identity, historical and cultural heritage, and its greatness by cherishing the highest moral and human values and ideals, as well as by its readiness to share what good it has with others. Such a Republika Srpska should remain the driving force of prosperity and the pillar of stability, despite all challenges," Vucic noted.

Together, we continue to fight for peace and prosperity with work, knowledge, creativity and good will towards all who are ready to take sincerely an outreached hand of cooperation so that the entire region can take the path of progress, to the benefit of all citizens in these territories, he added.

As in the past, Serbia will consistently support implementation of the provisions of the Dayton Agreement, respecting the integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as the integrity of Srpska within its constitutional frameworks, Vucic said.

"In such efforts, as always in the past, Serbia will be your strongest support and stronghold because the ties that connect us as brothers that have shared the good and the bad throughout history are unbreakable and eternal. To all citizens of Republika Srpska, I wish that they may always celebrate holidays in peace and in good times, that we may rejoice at togetherness and ties no one can break, and that we may look after our descendants while respecting our ancestors, and that we may continue to work on projects that connect us and build a better and a safe future for all," Vucic noted.

"Long live Srpska! Long live Serbia!" he concluded.