BUDIMIR: TRAINING CENTRE IS BACKBONE OF MoI

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 2 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska Minister of Interior Željko Budimir, marking the 10th anniversary of the Training Centre of the Republika Srpska Ministry of Interior, stressed that it is one of the Ministry's most important capacities, having played a key role over the past decade in the education and training of police officers.

"In the past 10 years alone, around 7,000 members have gone through the MoI, and a large part of that process took place right here. This is the backbone of the MoI, and it will remain so in the future. The Training Centre is where we create new generations of our members and prepare them for the responsible and complex work that awaits them," Budimir said.

He recalled that at the time, thanks to the enthusiasm of then-Minister of Interior Dragan Lukač and the determination of President Milorad Dodik, a request from Brussels to establish a migrant reception center at this location had been rejected.

Budimir stressed that Republika Srpska must continue investing in its institutions, particularly in the people who are responsible for their work.

"Today, we can be proud of our members, especially the young people who are joining us, but also of what we have accomplished when it comes to new weapons, equipment and working and training conditions. None of this would have been possible without the support of the Government of Republika Srpska," Budimir said.

He thanked Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minić and the Government for their continued support for the MoI.

"There was not a single Government session at which the needs of the MoI were not considered. The Government recognised our requests and needs and provided support whenever it was necessary to improve our capacities. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for the support he has provided," Budimir said.

He also thanked Training Centre Commander Vedran Simić, who, together with the instructors, is doing a good job.

The minister said that the development of the Training Centre and the MoI would continue.

"We live in a time of major changes, a time in which our institutions are required to provide new responses and demonstrate greater readiness. We have shown that we know how to adapt and develop our capacities. We will continue investing in people, knowledge, equipment and infrastructure, because that is the only way we can have a strong and modern MoI," Budimir stressed.

He pointed out that it is particularly important that the Training Centre brings together people who pass on their knowledge and experience to new generations of police officers.

"These 10 years are not merely 10 years of one facility or institution. They are 10 years of work, knowledge, experience and people who have built the system together. Today, we have generations of members who have passed through this center and who have demonstrated through their work that we are on the right path," Budimir said.

Budimir congratulated members of the Seventh Class on completing their training.

"Thank you to all members of the MoI for their work and dedication. To you, members of the Seventh Class, I congratulate you on completing your training and wish you much success, responsibility and professionalism in your future work. You are the future of the Republika Srpska Ministry of Interior," Budimir said.