GOGANOVIĆ MEETS WITH US DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENCE FOR EUROPEAN AND NATO POLICY

SARAJEVO, JULY 31 /SRNA/ – The United States remains a key partner in the defence system, emphasized Deputy Minister of Defence Aleksandar Goganović during his meeting today with David Baker, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for European and NATO Policy, stressing that Republika Srpska is not pursuing a secessionist policy.

Goganović told SRNA that Baker’s key message was that the U.S. respects the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multiethnic character of BiH and calls on all local politicians to contribute to de-escalation of the political crisis and support dialogue between the leadership of Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH.

During the meeting, Goganović emphasized that, as a representative of Republika Srpska in the Council of Ministers of BiH, politically, he can confidently state that Republika Srpska, under the leadership of its president Milorad Dodik, does not pursue secessionist policies and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH.

He points out that Republika Srpska insists on adherence to the Dayton Peace Agreement and that decisions should be made with the consent of both entities and all three constituent peoples.

Following the meeting with Baker, Goganović noted that he highlighted the importance of monitoring global conflicts and their potential impact on BiH, as well as the importance of cooperation with the U.S., the EU, and other international partners, along with good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation.

During the discussion, he also expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for his efforts to end global conflicts and voiced optimism about the future and stability of the region.

The Minister of Defense in the Council of Ministers, Zukan Helez, also attended the meeting.