IVANOVO OBLAST – The Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, Prof. Draga Mastilović PhD, visited the Russian-Balkan Centre for Business Cooperation and Culture, where he spoke with Director Mikhail Vyacheslavovich Yaruyev and Head of Centre for International Cooperation "Russian-Balkan Dialogue" Yevgeny Viktorovich Osenkov about enhancing economic, educational and cultural cooperation, as well as about models of connecting business subjects and institutions from the Republic of Srpska and the Russian Federation. Particular emphasis was placed on the development of joint initiatives aimed at strengthening economic ties, education and cultural exchange.
The Minister also visited Ivanovo State Power Engineering University today, where he met with the Rector, Grigory Vasilyevich Ledukhovsky. During the visit, discussions focused on advancing cooperation in the field of higher education, with particular emphasis on technical sciences and joint scientific research projects. Discussions also covered the modernisation of academic programmes and the further development of practical teaching and training.
Ivanovo State Power Engineering University is one of Russia's three state universities specialising in energy engineering and is recognised as a leading institution in the education of energy sector professionals.
Minister Mastilović highlighted the importance of cooperation with the university for the development of highly qualified specialists in the Republic of Srpska.
"This university is an important centre of expertise in the field of energy engineering. For us, the exchange of knowledge and stronger institutional links are especially valuable, as they provide students and researchers with access to modern technologies and contemporary expertise," he said.
Rector Ledukhovsky welcomed the visit and expressed his readiness to strengthen cooperation with institutions from the Republic of Srpska.
"We are open to cooperation in education and science through student and academic exchanges, as well as through joint projects that can contribute to the further development of the energy sector," Rector Ledukhovsky stated.
Minister Mastilović also visited the House of Nationalities, where he was introduced to the institution's work and programmes. During the visit, he toured an exhibition of traditional national costumes highlighting the rich cultural heritage and traditions of different peoples. The exhibition underscored the importance of preserving cultural identity and promoting multiculturalism.
"The House of Nationalities serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation between different communities, and we remain open to initiatives that encourage institutional links and the exchange of cultural and educational practices," said the institution's Director, Boris Yuryevich Murvanidze.
The Minister emphasised the value of institutional cooperation and the exchange of experiences in preserving cultural diversity and promoting interethnic dialogue.
As part of his visit to Ivanovo, Minister Mastilović also visited the Ivanovo-Voznesensk Metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church, where he met His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph of Ivanovo-Voznesensk and Vichuga, who also serves as Rector of the Ivanovo-Voznesensk Theological Seminary. Their discussions highlighted the strong spiritual and cultural ties between the Serbian and Russian peoples, as well as the important role of the Church in preserving identity and tradition.
"These meetings confirm that there is significant potential for further strengthening cooperation between the Republic of Srpska and the Russian Federation across a range of areas. What is particularly important is that this cooperation extends beyond institutional frameworks to include education, scientific and technological development, the economy, culture and spiritual life, giving it both long-term stability and broader significance," Minister Mastilović said.
He added that the institutions of the Republic of Srpska would continue working to deepen relations with partners in the Russian Federation through practical projects and initiatives aimed at fostering closer cooperation and mutual development.