Zlatan Klokić, Minister for European Integration and International Cooperation of Republika Srpska, stated that the participation of the delegation, led by President Milorad Dodik, in the upcoming BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, is crucial for strengthening Srpska’s position on the global stage.
Klokić told Srna that this is both an honor and a privilege because the Srpska delegation, even though they will have an observer role, will stand as equals alongside many significant world leaders, which is no small feat.
“It has already been announced that on the sidelines of the summit, the President of Srpska will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, this no longer surprises anyone, as meetings between the two leaders have become regular, and the friendship and mutual support between the two nations have never been stronger. Of course, that’s not all; during the summit, Dodik will also hold a series of other important meetings,” Klokić emphasized.
He pointed out that there is not the slightest reason why Srpska should reconsider its decision to participate in the BRICS Summit, regardless of certain pressures or what some Western countries might think about it.
According to him, Srpska is open to all who offer a partnership without conditions, pressures, blackmail, or imposed solutions.
“We want to shape our own destiny. It is worth noting that the BRICS organization recognized us as a participant in their sporting games held in Kazan, which speaks volumes about the treatment Srpska enjoys from the member countries. The greatest credit for this relationship goes to the President of Srpska, who has maintained good relations with the leaders of these countries for years,” Klokić stated.
He emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s potential membership in BRICS does not exclude membership in the European Union, as even EU member states or candidate countries can join the organization.
He explained that BRICS is conceived as an economic organization aimed at improving economic cooperation among member countries.
“Currently, 3.24 billion people live in BRICS countries, and their combined national income is 26 trillion dollars. That accounts for 26 percent of the world economy. If someone can present a counter-argument proving that Bosnia and Herzegovina would not benefit economically from joining this organization, I am here to listen,” Klokić said.
Over 60 heads of state have been invited to the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, which will be held from October 22 to 24, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also confirmed his attendance.
The BRICS group currently consists of Russia, China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with several other countries expressing interest in joining.
The share of BRICS countries in the global economy surpasses that of the G7 group of the seven most developed countries, and this share continues to grow.
Source: RTRS
