The Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in Banja Luka was awarded the "Prince Ivo of Semberia" gold medal, on the occasion of celebrating the patron saint day of the town of Bijeljina – St. Panteleimon. Consul-General Vladimir Nikolic received the gold medal at an official reception held at the City Administration building, on 8 August 2017.

The decision on awarding the medal was made by the Town Assembly, at the proposal of Mayor Mica Micic, for the overall contribution and support to the citizens of the town of Bijeljina in the realization of their rights and interests with the authorities of the Republic of Serbia.

An original play, with special emphasis on Knez Ivo of Semberia, the headman of all of the 12 villages of Bijeljina Nahia in the early 19th century, when he led the rebels in Semberia in 1809 against the then Ottoman authorities, was performed on the same day, in the context of the festivities held to mark St. Panteleimon, that also included performances given by numerous cultural and artistic societies.

Mayor of Bijeljina Mico Micic thanked Consul-General Nikolic for the professional work of diplomats and officers of the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in Banja Luka, who have been successfully organizing and holding the Consular Day in that town for a number of years now.