BEGLOV: RUSSIA'S SUPPORT FOR SRPSKA REMAINS STEADY

SAINT PETERSBURG, JUNE 18 /SRNA/ - Russian support for Republika Srpska remains steady, and Russian President Vladimir Putin is confident that Republika Srpska will overcome all difficulties, said Saint Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov during a meeting with the Republika Srpska delegation led by President Milorad Dodik.

"Dear President Dodik, I would like to assure you that our support for your efforts to protect the interests of Republika Srpska remains steady and unchanged," Beglov emphasized.

He said that Putin is aware of the difficulties Republika Srpska faces and the obstacles and challenges it is going through.

"Putin expressed confidence that you, with your character and the spirit of the citizens of Republika Srpska, will overcome all hardships," Beglov emphasized.

Beglov also stated that Russia highly appreciates Republika Srpska's decision not to impose sanctions against Russia.

"We highly appreciate your firm stance against BiH joining Western sanctions. Despite all difficulties, we continue to expand our cooperation," said Beglov.

He noted that relations between Republika Srpska and Russia are based on strong friendship and trust, and pointed out that Dodik maintains dialogue with Putin, reports RTRS.

In addition to Dodik, members of the Republika Srpska delegation attending the meeting with Beglov in Saint Petersburg included the Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education Željko Budimir, the Minister of Trade and Tourism Denis Šulić and the Minister of Health and Social Welfare Alen Šeranić.

The meeting is taking place on the sidelines of the International Economic Forum, which will also be attended by a delegation from Republika Srpska led by Dodik.

The Republika Srpska delegation includes the Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations in the Council of Ministers Staša Košarac.

Twenty thousand participants from 140 countries have confirmed their participation in this year's 28th International Economic Forum.

The forum will include more than 150 events, including forums of the SCO and BRICS, the G20 regional business community forum, and a plenary session featuring the participation of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.