The Minister for Scientific-Technological Development and Higher Education of Republika Srpska, Željko Budimir, stated today that Hungary respects Republika Srpska’s position and that it is important for Srpska to have friends like Hungary, which pursues a sovereign policy in the EU and is responsible towards the Balkans.
“The relations between Hungary and Srpska are the best possible. Hungary is one of the important allies of Srpska, and all of this is influenced by the personal relationships built by officials from Srpska and Hungary,” said Budimir to reporters in Bijeljina.
He emphasized that it would be very significant for Srpska that Hungary would assume the EU presidency in the coming period.
“For us, this will be very significant because the European process is in a serious impasse. It doesn’t mean anything anymore, and it has no standards. From the attitude towards Ukraine, we see that it is not at all measurable how this will happen in the coming period,” said Budimir.
In addition, he highlighted the bilateral relations between Srpska and Hungary, which respect Republika Srpska’s position while adhering to the constitutional position of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Budimir assessed that yesterday’s meeting of Srpska officials with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó in Banja Luka was very good.
“We continued certain projects with Hungary, and the political support that Szijjártó gave to the leadership of Srpska was more than clear, as was the economic support. We continue cooperation, and with the Hungarian government, a whole series of activities is planned for the coming period,” said Budimir.
He emphasized that it is very important for Srpska to have friends like Hungary, especially since that country is in close proximity, a member of the EU, and advocates a policy that is not characteristic of Brussels bureaucracy.
Speaking about the upcoming meeting between the President of Srpska, Milorad Dodik, and the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, Budimir said that the visit to Russia is very important.
“Russia is our most important partner when it comes to major powers. We expect a lot from it, not only through political and diplomatic support but also economic support for upcoming projects. The world is changing seriously, and for us, Russia is one of the most important partners in the 21st century. Not only historically has it always been that way, but it will remain so concerning for Republika Srpska,” said Budimir.
He pointed out that Moscow appreciates the position of the Serbian people, especially Republika Srpska, which did not allow Bosnia and Herzegovina to impose sanctions on the Russian Federation.
“Sometimes it seems to us that it is pure symbolism, but in difficult times, symbolism surpasses in its significance what is apparent at first glance,” said Budimir.
Source: RTRS
