Numerous exhibitions, joint scientific projects, publication of printed works, participation in the Geographical Dictation and other projects of the Russian Geographical Society – these are the results of the work of the Center of the Russian Geographical Society in Serbia in 2020. The main result is the growing interest of the young Serbs in the history, culture, natural resources of Russia, as well as friendly ties between the two countries. This, and plans for the future, were discussed on May 26 at the Moscow Headquarters of the Russian Geographical Society at a meeting of the Society's leadership with the representatives of its Serbian Center.
The event was attended by the First Vice-President of the Russian Geographical Society Nikolay Kasimov, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Russian Geographical Society Center in Serbia Dušan Bajatović, the Director of the Russian Geographical Society Center in Serbia Miroljub Milinčić.
Dušan Bajatović noted the great interest in the work of the Russian Geographical Society in Serbia. Many young people want to support its projects and participate in the events of the Russian Geographical Society.
According to Bajatović, at first there was some skepticism, for example, towards the photo exhibition "Pristine Russia". In the end, however, everything "turned out amazing". One of the most interesting events of the Russian Geographical Society was the Geographical Dictation. Now "many Serbs want to participate in it."
Bajatović stressed that joint activities within the framework of the Russian Geographical Society lead to a common goal – the development of relations between Russia and Serbia, both cultural and scientific. He expressed gratitude to the Russian Geographical Society and Russia for their support and promised to "keep developing further".
“I want to thank you for the fact that the Center of the Russian Geographical Society really works in our country. The interest is great, we need to further expand our capabilities,” said Dušan Bajatović.
img_0601.jpg
Despite the difficult epidemiological situation, in 2020, with the participation of the Center of the Russian Geographical Society in Serbia, five exhibitions had been organized, said Miroljub Milinčić. Among them was an exhibition of the winners of the photo competition of the Russian Geographical Society "The Most Beautiful Country".
In 2020, four printed publications were published in Russian and Serbian. Among them is the book "Stories of Brotherly Love of Two Peoples", dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The Center is participating in three scientific projects: "Russian Cultural Heritage in Serbia", "Russians in Military Topography and Geodesy of Serbia", "Russian Professors at the University of Belgrade". The work will result in printed publications and books.
The Geographical Dictation was held at the Center of Science and Culture in Belgrade. The interest in the event was very high. The RGS Center in Serbia took part in the restoration and improvement of military memorials of the Soviet soldiers who died in the battles for the liberation of Yugoslavia during the Second World War.
Miroljub Milinčić also shared the Center's plans for the future. A bright event this year may be the photo competition "Russian Cultural Heritage in the Balkans", in which photographers from Serbia and other countries of the region will take part. A Russian-Serbian geographical conference is scheduled for October 2021.
"We invite you to be our guests," Milinčić said.
The First Vice-President of the Russian Geographical Society Nikolai Kasimov reminded that in 2020 an anniversary was celebrated – the 175th anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society.
"There were many stories and publications in the media related to the Russian Geographical Society. We are glad that the RGS Center in Serbia responded and took part in them. We hope for further joint work," Kasimov emphasized.
At the end of the meeting, Nikolai Kasimov presented Dušan Bajatović and Miroljub Milinčić with state awards – the Medals of Pushkin. The award decree for the great contribution to the study and preservation of the Russian cultural heritage, the rapprochement and mutual enrichment of the cultures of the peoples of Russia and Serbia was signed by the President of the country Vladimir Putin on February 12, 2021.
The Cooperation Agreement between the Russian and Serbian Geographical Societies was signed in 2014. In October 2016, the opening ceremony of the Center of the Russian Geographical Society in Serbia was held, in which the President of the Republic Tomislav Nikolić took part. In February 2017, the Board of Trustees of the Center was formed, which included representatives of the business and art intelligentsia of Serbia, in particular the world famous film director Emir Kusturica.