The President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, met today in Banja Luka with the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Igor Kalabukhov, emphasizing that there is a high level of cooperation and mutual understanding between Republika Srpska and Russia.
Dodik stated that Republika Srpska supported the Russian Federation in defending its people on the territory now called Ukraine, noting that time has proven those positions to be correct.
“We will continue to work, exchange views, and cooperate within the given circumstances, and I am glad that at the cultural level we have very intensive exchanges,” Dodik said.
The president added that cultural institutions and sports clubs from Republika Srpska are already cooperating with Russian partners.
“Our theater and our artists participate in various events, and I am glad that Igokea will play in the Russian VTB League against top basketball clubs. This is yet another proof that Republika Srpska deeply respects Russia and wishes success to the Russian Federation,” Dodik emphasized.
Dodik also referred to today’s statement by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who said that Poland and several Baltic states were responsible for the start of Russia’s special military operation.
“Merkel’s statement best reveals the background of this conflict, as some Baltic states, together with Poland, wanted confrontation. Equally important is her admission that the Minsk Agreement was created only to buy time for arming Ukraine,” Dodik said.
Ambassador Igor Kalabukhov highlighted that Dodik’s participation at the Valdai Forum was highly significant, as he had the opportunity to witness firsthand the emergence of a new world order.
“President Putin’s address was dedicated to the strategic vision of how a new world order is being formed. Dodik’s presence was important because he could see and hear directly what is happening,” Kalabukhov noted.
He added that he discussed with Dodik the next directions of cooperation between Russia and Republika Srpska, emphasizing that many joint projects lie ahead.
“We have a strategic relationship and can develop industry, agriculture, and culture as additional instruments of cooperation. We have an office here in Banja Luka, and I express my gratitude to President Dodik,” Kalabukhov said.
The ambassador stressed that Russia and Republika Srpska stand united in rejecting the legitimacy of Christian Schmidt, whom he described as the main source of misunderstanding in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“We are fully united in rejecting the illegitimate Christian Schmidt. I am one hundred percent certain that if the peoples and politicians of Bosnia and Herzegovina had the opportunity to negotiate on their own, they would reach agreements on all essential issues,” Kalabukhov concluded.
Source: RTRS
