A delegation from Tatarstan is coming to Republika Srpska. The visit was agreed upon during a meeting between the President of Srpska, Milorad Dodik, and the delegation from Tatarstan in June.
Speaking on the RTRS Morning Program, Minister for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of Republika Srpska and professor of international relations, Željko Budimir, emphasized that Tatarstan has been designated by the Russian leadership as the federal entity responsible for cooperation with Republika Srpska.
“This agreement encompasses all forms of cooperation—from cultural and educational to tourism. Tatarstan holds a special status within the Russian Federation, and the agreement signed between the President of Tatarstan and the President of Srpska clearly states that cooperation will begin soon, and this visit is the first concrete result. A large delegation is arriving, and we are starting with specific projects,” Budimir said.
He added that Republika Srpska and the Russian Federation are ready to cooperate at a special and strategic level, highlighting that despite sanctions and customs barriers, the Russian Federation continues to find space for Serb products.
“The delegation includes the Deputy Prime Minister, and the focus will be on the economy, though cooperation in tourism and youth exchange will not be neglected. They have great potential for sports development. The presence of the Deputy Prime Minister indicates a high diplomatic level of cooperation,” Budimir stressed.
When it comes to production in Tatarstan, Budimir pointed out that the region is a leader in petrochemical manufacturing, and also produces helicopters and airplanes.
“Tatarstan is one of the most advanced regions in Russia in terms of information technology and the application of artificial intelligence. This is not just any Russian region—it holds a special status. For Republika Srpska, cooperation with Tatarstan can be compared to working with the most developed European country. Their economic indicators and revenues are so significant that even cooperation solely with them would be more than enough for Republika Srpska,” Budimir emphasized.
He recalled that the Russian Federation considers Republika Srpska a strategic partner, a position confirmed by the Russian president himself.
“Srpska maintains a principled stance on the Ukraine crisis, while Russia has supported the Dayton Agreement and is one of its guarantors. If we are to name one global power that has consistently supported Srpska, it is the Russian Federation—and that is a fact all parties in BiH should recognize,” said Budimir.
Asked about Tatarstan’s view on the situation in BiH, Budimir explained that Tatarstan is a multiethnic community functioning in perfect harmony.
“Perhaps that model can serve as inspiration for a solution in BiH—if there is interest from the Islamic community in BiH. Tatarstan is a healthy multiethnic society, and through religious ties, it has a good understanding of the situation in BiH,” Budimir stated.
Tatars are a prominent presence in the Russian Federation, and Budimir reminded that this part of Russia hosts strategic production sectors.
“Their agricultural production is vast, which presents a great opportunity for our exports. We expect to have unhindered cooperation. It’s important to note that a special cooperation agreement between chambers of commerce will be signed. Also, municipalities, cities, and regions from Tatarstan will visit Srpska and meet with the Association of Municipalities and Cities of Republika Srpska to identify a wide range of opportunities,” Budimir emphasized.
When asked what Republika Srpska can offer this major Russian region, Budimir stressed that Tatarstan is interested in everything.
“They are interested in everything—from high technology to investing in municipalities, cities, and agricultural projects. They’ve shown interest in mining, technology transfer, and all of this can be applied from the republic level down to local communities. Republika Srpska already has experience in cooperation with the Russian Federation, and we should build on that. At this moment, Srpska can offer cooperation in heavy industry, energy, and petrochemicals. There is potential for cooperation in all sectors, and Tatarstan makes it possible to realize this collaboration at all levels. What’s needed is the will and readiness to act, because this partnership can become strategic across the board,” said Budimir.
The Tatarstan delegation will be in Republika Srpska from July 22 to 24. Meetings will be held with the Ministry of Tourism as well as the Ministry of Family, Youth, and Sports.
Budimir also pointed out that the Serbian language is studied at the philological faculty in Kazan, Tatarstan.
“There is much room for cooperation, and it is up to us to put that into practice, to intensify it. In the time ahead, Tatarstan will be a strategic partner of Srpska. Meetings will be held with the Government and the President of Srpska, who has remained consistent in his positions even during difficult times and has not abandoned cooperation with Russia. The Russian Federation is a global power, and anyone who avoids cooperating with such a power is making a long-term mistake,” Budimir concluded.
Source: RTRS
