Denis Šulić, the Minister of Trade and Tourism of Republika Srpska, stated that the visits of President Milorad Dodik to Russia and Belarus, as well as the upcoming visit of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Banja Luka, confirm that the voice of Republika Srpska is increasingly being heard, both at the European and global levels.
Šulić noted that the excellent relations between Banja Luka and Moscow, primarily at the state level and then at a personal level between Dodik and Russian President Vladimir Putin, indicate that Republika Srpska is recognized on the map of global leaders.
He highlighted that before the meeting with Putin, Dodik had also met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, and announced more meetings, including Orban’s visit to Banja Luka.
“All of this indicates that Republika Srpska has been branded and that the voice of Republika Srpska is increasingly being heard, both at the European and global levels,” Šulić said.
He mentioned that Republika Srpska enjoys numerous benefits and opportunities for cooperation with Russia, primarily in terms of gas interconnection, which Republika Srpska wants to bring to its western part.
Šulić emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina, thanks primarily to Dodik and Republika Srpska, now has the cheapest gas in Europe and is considered a friendly country to Russia.
“Many companies in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and citizens of FBiH benefit from the policy pursued by Dodik,” Šulić said.
Regarding the procurement of Russian gas at more favorable prices compared to European ones, Šulić stated that gas in Europe is no longer as cheap due to the policy pursued by Europe, but in Republika Srpska and FBiH, gas is cheap because Republika Srpska and Dodik have excellent relations with Russia.
He mentioned that Republika Srpska is investing heavily in the gasification of the eastern part of Republika Srpska and East Sarajevo, which will further reduce costs for heating and possibly for some companies that will base part of their production on gas.
“It is important to expand this gasification, and it is important for people in political Sarajevo to understand that the gasification of the western part of Republika Srpska is not against Bosnia and Herzegovina but is for the citizens of Republika Srpska, who ultimately live in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Šulić emphasized.
He highlighted that the policy pursued by Republika Srpska and Dodik is a policy of unity, cooperation with everyone, both with the Russian Federation and with China, Hungary, and all other countries, both from the West and from the East, based on basic principles of respecting the position and views of Republika Srpska.
“I am sure that Dodik had a series of talks aimed at expanding economic cooperation with the Russian Federation. Many of our products find space and a place in the markets of Russia. We are looking for ways to further expand this cooperation,” Šulić said.
Šulić noted that knowing the relations Dodik has with Putin, he is confident that this business has been greatly facilitated.
Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded the Order of Alexander Nevsky to the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik yesterday in Kazan. Dodik was honored for his significant contribution to developing cooperation between Russia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and strengthening partnership with Republika Srpska.
Source: RTRS
