DODIK: WE PERSIST IN OUR FRIENDSHIP WITH RUSSIA DESPITE CHALLENGING CONDITIONS

SAINT PETERSBURG, JUNE 18 /SRNA/ - During a meeting with the Governor of Saint Petersburg Alexander Beglov, Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik said that Republika Srpska persists in its partnership and friendship with Russia, expressing gratitude for Russia's consistent support of Republika Srpska.

"We are a small community, and we value your determination to maintain our partnership. We are truly under pressure; the entire leadership of Republika Srpska is facing some form of persecution by foreign actors in BiH. In the West, they are trying to create a whole hysteria around Russia and Russians. They often tell us that our problem is that we are pro-Russian. I tell them they're wrong, we are not pro-Russian, we are Russian people," Dodik said in Saint Petersburg during his meeting with Beglov.

He emphasized that Russia is aware that Republika Srpska is under immense pressure from BiH for its refusal to impose sanctions on Russia.

"You've noticed that our entire leadership is under U.S. sanctions. The circumstances are difficult and complex, but we remain persistent. Our friendship with you gives us the will and strength to endure," Dodik stressed.

He reiterated that there is no High Representative in BiH and expressed gratitude to Russia for properly understanding and presenting this situation at the United Nations Security Council.

He noted that this is his third visit to Russia this year and that he intends to come again.

In addition to Dodik, members of the Republika Srpska delegation attending the meeting 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, RTRS reports.

Dodik told the Russian newspaper Izvestia that he also plans to hold talks with the leadership of Tatarstan, with whom Republika Srpska aims to further improve good relations, and with numerous officials from the region and the world who will attend the Forum as guests.

President Dodik stated upon his arrival in Saint Petersburg that participating in the International Economic Forum will be an opportunity to strengthen ties with the Russian Federation and other friendly countries.

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.