Milorad Dodik said he held another successful meeting on Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his associates, focusing on finalizing previously discussed areas of cooperation between Republika Srpska and Israel.
Dodik said the talks covered economic and cultural cooperation, as well as the transfer of new technologies in agriculture, artificial intelligence and other areas.
“Above all, we discussed economic cooperation, cooperation in culture and the economy, as well as the transfer of new technologies in agriculture, artificial intelligence and everything else that needs to be completed. We received Netanyahu’s full agreement and confirmation that he will do everything possible to establish and organize a framework within which we can work in the coming years, and that Republika Srpska can count on Israel as a partner just as much as Republika Srpska stands with Israel,” Dodik said.
Dodik said Israel remains under constant pressure, including from actors outside the region.
“In recent days, they have learned that Britain is conducting major operations that threaten Israel itself, that their relations are at a very low level, and that European countries, including EU member states, are inclined to interfere in Israel’s internal affairs. That is simply unacceptable in every respect,” Dodik said.
He argued that Republika Srpska and Israel share an approach that places the interests of their people, institutions and freedom at the center of policy.
“What we have in common, and what we confirmed again today, is that Republika Srpska and Israel put the interests of the people, the state and freedom first. The guarantee of that freedom is a strong community, strong institutions, strong government and borders. That is important for us as well, because we previously did not allow migrants to remain in Republika Srpska, which has enabled us to have a relatively easier situation today than we otherwise would have had,” Dodik said.
He stressed that national interests, defense and security must remain priorities, describing Israel as a global leader in protecting its population and institutions.
“We must focus on defending ourselves and ensuring our security. Israel is a world leader when it comes to protecting its people and the state. We also need to ensure that any damage inflicted on Republika Srpska, its economy or its environment is quickly addressed, and that any further escalation of such damage is rapidly prevented,” Dodik said.
He added that cooperation should also focus on countering espionage and what he described as hostile activities that could threaten security.
“I learned here that there is nothing that should not be done when it comes to the security of the people and the state. Republika Srpska acts and will continue to act accordingly. We do not believe in the common narrative about BiH and its security,” Dodik said.
He claimed that arrangements involving Bosniak political actors, Islamic countries and Türkiye in the area of military cooperation raise concerns for Republika Srpska.
“We see arrangements that are unclear to us, involving Muslims, Islamic countries and Türkiye, concerning certain forms of military cooperation and many other things, and that raises suspicions. We cannot allow ourselves to be surprised. We cannot allow ourselves to be caught unprepared, and we must not pretend to be naive,” Dodik said.
He added that the coming period would require greater vigilance from political leaders.
“The time ahead requires much more than simply observing events. Those of us responsible for the fate of our institutions and people must do everything possible to recognize potential dangers and respond to them. That is why it is important to be here and speak with Israeli officials,” Dodik said.
The Republika Srpska delegation visiting Israel was led by Dodik and also included Acting Director of the Republika Srpska Office for International Cooperation Ana Trišić Babić and Republika Srpska Interior Minister Željko Budimir.
Source: RTRS
