DODIK: REPUBLIKA SRPSKA RESPECTED IN RUSSIA, WE ARE COMMITTED TO STRATEGIC RELATIONS

MOSCOW, MAY 8 /SRNA/ - SNSD Leader Milorad Dodik saysthat Republika Srpska is respected in Russia, as demonstrated by the announced meeting between the Republika Srpska delegation and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Tomorrow we will meet with Putin several times, before and after the parade, after which we will have a joint lunch and then a bilateral meeting. That speaks to the level of respect Republika Srpska enjoys," Dodik told media outlets from Republika Srpska in Moscow.

Dodik reiterated that Republika Srpska and Russia have strategic relations, meaning that they are developing excellent relations in all areas and supporting each other mutually.

"Srpska prevented sanctions from being imposed on Russia. All official Sarajevo’s lies about Russia have fallen apart. Our relations are at a strategic level and we want to preserve that," Dodik said.

He stressed that this was a response to those claiming that Republika Srpska was turning away from Russia.

"Before the lifting of US sanctions, we discussed this here in Moscow, as well as the need to rehabilitate relations with the new US administration," Dodik said.

He pointed out that US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin speak frequently, while a delegation from the Russian Duma had also visited the US Congress.

"Our relations have not changed at all. We may be small territorially and demographically, but we have shown that we possess political character greater than that of much larger countries," Dodik emphasized.

He stated that Russia has the right to defend itself.

"Russia is fighting in Ukraine against Europe and the West," Dodik said, adding that paranoia about Russians is spreading throughout the West.

The Republika Srpska News Agency is broadcasting live on its YouTube channel statements by members of the Republika Srpska delegation visiting Russia.