A delegation from Republika Srpska, led by President Milorad Dodik, met yesterday with a delegation from Tatarstan, headed by the leader of this Russian republic, Rustam Minnikhanov.
The meeting focused on opportunities for cooperation, particularly in the economic sector, which represents a major opportunity for Srpska given that Tatarstan is the wealthiest and most developed region in Russia.
Following the meeting, President Dodik told RTRS that a delegation from Tatarstan will visit Banja Luka on July 21, staying for seven days and touring the entire territory of Republika Srpska.
“The Government of Republika Srpska will be tasked with analyzing and identifying areas where joint business initiatives could be developed,” Dodik stated.
He emphasized that Republika Srpska will easily capture Tatarstan’s attention if it proves to be innovative and clear in its goals.
“We need to take advantage of not only the politically favorable environment, but also the emotional connection that many in Russia feel toward us and their desire to help,” Dodik said.
He highlighted that Tatarstan is the richest and most promising republic in Russia.
“Their economy grew by 13 percent last year. It is the largest industrial hub, with no unemployment, and more and more people from across Russia and neighboring countries are coming there for jobs,” Dodik pointed out, adding that Tatarstan’s industrial output makes up over 50 percent of its gross domestic product—a figure that remains a dream even for more developed countries.
Dodik recalled that he met Minnikhanov while serving as a member and chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“He visited Sarajevo back then and was ignored by Bosniak politicians. I was his host. What we discussed today was to assess the current situation and see how far we have come,” Dodik noted.
The Republika Srpska delegation also held talks with representatives of the Komi Republic regarding potential cooperation.
Earlier, the delegation visited the exhibition “Republika Srpska” at the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Library in Saint Petersburg.
Source: RTRS
