Political analyst Stevica Deđanski told SRNA that strengthening relations with Russia reinforces Republika Srpska’s position on the international stage, emphasizing that the message heard during President Milorad Dodik’s visit to Moscow—that Republika Srpska is Russia’s strategic partner—is an excellent development for Srpska.
“With that statement, Russia essentially recognizes Republika Srpska as a state. Of course, it is within Bosnia and Herzegovina, but it holds all the prerogatives of a state, and through this statement, Russia demonstrates that it views and understands it as such,” Deđanski stressed.
He pointed out that Hungary behaves similarly, as evidenced by strong cooperation, visits, and contacts.
“More and more countries recognize that Republika Srpska is a source of peace and stability, not a source of problems, as Western countries try to portray it with the help of the Muslim factor. This is extremely harmful to the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina. But we should not engage in that—we should focus on doing our work,” Deđanski noted.
He assessed that Dodik’s recent visit to Moscow and his participation in the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues was a fantastic move and a further confirmation that Serbs and Republika Srpska can rely on Russia on the international stage.
“It is very important to maintain and improve these contacts. We are seeing increasingly intensive diplomatic activity by President Dodik in recent times, including several visits to Moscow, such as during the Victory Day celebrations,” Deđanski said.
He emphasized that deepening relations with Russia serves to preserve Republika Srpska’s standing internationally.
“As long as we have such a power behind us, it will remain that way. It is much easier for us Serbs when we have Russia behind us,” said Deđanski.
President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik participated from 27 to 29 May in the International Conference of High Representatives for Security Issues in Moscow, which gathered 126 delegations from 106 countries.
During the forum, Dodik also met with Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Sergey Shoigu, who stated during their meeting that Russia supports Republika Srpska and is focused on maximum cooperation based on the principles of the Dayton Agreement.
Source: RTRS
