Republika Srpska has made significant progress in strengthening its international position and establishing itself as a legitimate partner in international dialogue, Minister for European Integration and International Cooperation Zlatan Klokić said during an appearance on RTRS’s morning program.
Klokić emphasized that improving Republika Srpska’s international standing remains one of the ministry’s most important priorities, particularly following changes in the US administration.
“Our most important activities focus on positioning Republika Srpska internationally. Following the change in the US administration, we became partners, and establishing ourselves as a partner with the legitimate right to express our positions is precisely what we are striving for,” Klokić said.
Republika Srpska seeks equal treatment in European integration
According to Klokić, Republika Srpska possesses almost all the elements of statehood, which he said are protected under the Dayton Peace Agreement.
“For us, Republika Srpska is a state, and we are preserving the elements granted to us by the Dayton Peace Agreement,” he stated.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the approach of certain European Union member states and EU institutions toward Republika Srpska.
“We are not satisfied with the attitude of certain EU countries and the EU itself, which do not want to recognize Republika Srpska as an equal interlocutor and an equal participant in the European integration process,” Klokić added.
International representative offices strengthen diplomatic outreach
Klokić highlighted the importance of Republika Srpska’s representative offices abroad, noting their contribution to improving its international visibility and establishing contacts with foreign partners.
He pointed to representative offices in Moscow, Austria, France and Germany as important channels for international cooperation.
“For a long time, international discussions frequently presented only one side of the story. This was one of the main reasons Republika Srpska decided to become more actively involved in international affairs,” Klokić explained.
He added that Republika Srpska is now increasingly recognized by international partners, describing this development as a source of pride.
Diaspora seen as a bridge to international economic opportunities
The minister also emphasized the importance of the Serb diaspora, arguing that its role should extend beyond financial contributions and remittances.
“We must not view our diaspora merely as an important source of money flowing into Republika Srpska from abroad, but rather as a bridge connecting us with influential centers around the world,” Klokić said.
He announced plans to organize business forums in several German cities to strengthen economic ties and promote Republika Srpska internationally.
“We are currently organizing a business forum in Frankfurt, and we are also planning events in Munich and Düsseldorf. We want to be present wherever our diaspora lives so that we can present Republika Srpska in the best possible light,” Klokić concluded.
Source: RTRS
