Bratislava is the first city outside of Croatia to name one of its streets after the eastern Croatian town of Vukovar, the Central State Office for Croats Abroad said.

The street is located in the borough of Devinska Nova Ves, and the street nameplate was formally unveiled on Friday by the Mayor of Vukovar, Ivan Penava, and the Mayor of Devinska Nova Ves, Darius Krajcir, who is of Croatian descent and who initiated the idea.

“Bratislava and Vukovar are connected by the River Danube. Vukovar is a symbol of all Croats in the world, and this act is a mark of true respect and friendship for this heroic town,” Krajcir said.

He said that Devinska Nova Ves was populated by Croats through history and was earlier called Chorvatska (Croatian) Nova Ves.

Penava said he was proud that a street in Slovakia bears the name of the heroic Croatian town.

“This act speaks of Croats who came here about 500 years ago and managed to preserve their language and culture and their awareness of their Croatian roots, the Homeland War, the symbolism and strength of Vukovar and its meaning for the entire Croatian people. My heart is full, being among my own people in this beautiful setting,” he said.