The President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, stands as one of Russia’s greatest friends, always welcomed with joy and hospitality in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other Russian cities. A new date for his visit will soon be coordinated, stated Igor Kalabukhov, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to BiH.
Kalabukhov highlighted that Dodik has visited Russia over 20 times in recent years, with each visit meticulously prepared to achieve new agreements and carry out the agreed-upon arrangements.
“We currently have a wide range of topics for discussion, and we will soon agree on the date for his new visit,” responded the Russian diplomat when asked about the timing of President Dodik’s visit to Moscow.
Regarding Russia’s economic cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska,
Kalabukhov emphasized that this year, Russia leads in terms of direct investments in BiH, amounting to 284.2 million KM over just nine months, primarily focused on Republika Srpska.
Over a decade, the overall figure of budgetary contributions to BiH and its entities has surpassed three billion euros, and the assets of “Zarubezhneft” have generated over 1,000 jobs with salaries significantly higher than average, contributing significantly to local economic strength and infrastructure development.
The Russian Ambassador highlighted that “Optima,” representing the major Russian corporation “Zarubezhneft,” is presently the largest investor and taxpayer in BiH.
Kalabukhov underscored that the Russian Federation traditionally develops extensive economic ties with BiH and Republika Srpska within it, noting Russia’s role as a crucial partner in energy supply and cooperation in industries, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, with primary collaboration in the energy sector within Republika Srpska.
The possibilities for utilizing the existing potential for cooperation are being explored during constructive and confidential high-level dialogues and within the framework of the Russian-Bosnian intergovernmental commission for trade and economic cooperation.
“Following the latest meeting of co-chairmen of the bilateral commission, both parties expressed their intention to increase the scale of mutual trade, including, of course, with Republika Srpska. Next year, we hope to continue mutually beneficial and productive cooperation,” stated the Russian Ambassador to Srna.
Source: RTRS
