DODIK: POSSIBLE HIGH-LEVEL VISIT TO REPUBLIKA SRPSKA, AHEAD OF TRIPS TO USA AND RUSSIA

BANJA LUKA, MARCH 22 /SRNA/ - SNSD President Milorad Dodik said that a major visit to Republika Srpska could take place before his planned trips to the United States and Russia.

"I cannot announce that major visit at this time because it has not yet been confirmed, but discussions about the timing are ongoing, and I believe we will know more in the coming days," Dodik told RTRS.

He stated that he will travel to Chicago around April 25, where he is to receive an award from an institute focused on democracy and freedoms, traditionally presented to distinguished figures in politics and the humanitarian sector.

"This year, I will receive it for democracy and the promotion of freedom," Dodik said.

He added that during his stay in the United States, in addition to Chicago, he will visit other cities with a delegation and hold several important meetings.

Dodik said he will return to Republika Srpska on May 3 to prepare for and celebrate his patron saint’s day, Đurđevdan, on May 6, and will travel the following day to Moscow to attend the Victory Day parade on May 9.

He also announced that he will return to Moscow later in May for a security conference he traditionally attends, and that in early June he will be in St. Petersburg for an economic forum.

Dodik noted that a major SNSD party convention will be held in May as part of preparations for upcoming elections, aimed at demonstrating the party’s organizational strength.

"In the meantime, there will certainly be additional visits. I plan to go again to Israel and Hungary, travel to Italy to meet with representatives of political parties we cooperate with, and possibly even to France. It will be a very dynamic period in the coming months and this summer," Dodik said.