“Welcome to Banja Luka, Professor Sachs. One of the most influential voices of our time, a man whose voice resonates around the world, is a guest of Republika Srpska,” Milorad Dodik said following his meeting with renowned economist and Columbia University Professor Jeffrey Sachs.
Dodik said Sachs had for decades publicly addressed issues that many others were reluctant to discuss, particularly questions of sovereignty and the role of smaller nations in international affairs.
“For decades, Jeffrey Sachs has been saying aloud what many others only whispered — that the world cannot function according to the rules of a single power, that sovereignty is not a relic of the past and that small nations have the right to their own voice, their own path and their own future. These are precisely the values that Republika Srpska also defends,” Dodik said.
He added that he was pleased Sachs had come to Republika Srpska and would have an opportunity to gain a first-hand understanding of its positions and circumstances.
“I am glad he is here, so that he can hear, see and understand first-hand,” Dodik said.
He argued that major changes in international relations were creating space for countries and peoples seeking to pursue their own policies.
“The world is changing, and in the world that is emerging there will also be room for those who refuse to remain silent,” Dodik said.
He welcomed Sachs with what he described as respect for his knowledge, experience and willingness to engage in open dialogue.
“Republika Srpska values true friends and open conversation with people who put their knowledge, experience and courage on the right side of history,” Dodik concluded.
Source: RTRS
