The Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of Republika Srpska, Željko Budimir, highlighted Hungary’s significant role in supporting Republika Srpska, surpassing the contributions of certain EU countries. He expressed hope that future Serb-Hungarian relations will establish a strong foundation for cooperation between Budapest, Banja Luka, and Belgrade.
Minister Budimir emphasized the importance of Republika Srpska being able to count on genuine understanding of its position within European institutions, where Hungary serves as its main strategic ally and partner. He noted that Hungary consistently prevented the political misuse of internal situations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- “Most importantly, Hungary has never attempted to destabilize the Western Balkans. Instead, Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and especially Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó have worked to contribute to the region’s political stability. They recognized that political stability could best be achieved through successful economic projects,” Budimir stated at a press conference in Budapest following his meeting with Szijjártó.
Budimir expressed particular satisfaction with the collaboration initiated by the Hungarian government in the field of higher education, emphasizing that students are the ones who will shape a new political elite capable of understanding the emerging global era.
- “This is public diplomacy fostered through education and cultural exchange between the Serb and Hungarian peoples, who have a long history of interaction. Future generations should remember that Minister Szijjártó and Prime Minister Orbán supported this activity, which is crucial for the future of Serb-Hungarian relations,” Budimir noted.
He underlined that the world is at a turning point and that international politics and relations are no longer the same.
- “I must express my gratitude to the Hungarian government, to leaders like Orbán and Szijjártó, as well as to Fidesz, for holding steadfast to policies and values rooted in European civilization during challenging and complex times. These values have kept us balanced and grounded in normalcy. The recent years’ irrational movements against fundamental human principles are, I believe, coming to an end and becoming a part of history,” Budimir said.
He thanked Minister Szijjártó for his hospitality and the invitation to visit Hungary, noting that the cooperation between Hungary and Republika Srpska, and Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole, stems from the relationship fostered by Presidents Milorad Dodik and Viktor Orbán.
Budimir also highlighted that this visit resulted in the continuation of previously initiated projects.
- “A key figure in developing these relations has been our friend Péter Szijjártó, who has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the issues facing the Serb community in the Balkans, especially in Republika Srpska,” Budimir stated.
He noted that Republika Srpska, as a constituent element of Bosnia and Herzegovina with internal sovereignty, has developed intensive cooperation in various fields, including agriculture, energy, and the broader economy.
- “It is important to emphasize that the completed projects have had a significant impact on the population of Republika Srpska, particularly among agricultural producers who received high-quality equipment. This has been one of our most successful initiatives in recent years, thanks to the involvement of the Hungarian government. We are confident in the continuation of cooperation across all sectors,” Budimir concluded.
Source: RTRS
