KALUŽA: SRPSKA EQUAL INTERLOCUTOR GLOBALLY

BANJA LUKA, FEBRUARY 3 /SRNA/ – International relations expert Lučiano Kaluža told SRNA that Republika Srpska officials’ diplomatic activities prove that Srpska is an equal participant in dialogue, including in places where the most important decisions in the world are made, as demonstrated by recent visits.

"The visits are aimed at strengthening the economic and diplomatic ties of Republika Srpska, which will bring prosperity to the people," Kaluža said.

He emphasized that the Republika Srpska delegation is demonstrating a proactive approach to international relations that is confident and results-oriented.

"Republika Srpska is not in a waiting room, it is not isolated not is it a passive observer. It is building its future and choosing partners who respect its autonomy, working for the interests of its people. That is the strength of Republika Srpska, not the opposition and negation, but the affirmation of its policies that make it stronger," Kaluža said.

He stressed that the visit of SNSD leader Milorad Dodik to Washington, preceded by visits to Israel and Hungary, is strong confirmation that he is not isolated, as is persistently portrayed in Sarajevo or by parts of the international community.

"Milorad Dodik is one of the most active and recognizable leaders in the Balkans, who directly addresses key centres of power in the world. He builds bridges that did not previously exist and opens doors to concrete cooperation," Kaluža stated.

He added that the announced participation of Republika Srpska delegation at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, together with top U.S. officials, business leaders, religious figures, and leaders of other countries, shows that Srpska is present where decisions are made and interests are shaped.

"This is not a symbolic gesture, but proof that Republika Srpska is engaging on an equal footing in dialogue with the most influential factors in the world," Kaluža said.

He emphasized that further evidence of this claim is the meeting between the Serb member of the BiH Presidency, Željka Cvijanović, and Howard Lutnick, the U.S. Commerce Secretary in the President Donald Trump administration.

"This is just one in a series of steps that demonstrate the practical dimension of the visit. Discussions on the southern interconnection, energy projects, infrastructure, and U.S. investments are not directed against anyone, but toward economic progress, new jobs, and strengthening the energy stability of Republika Srpska," Kaluža said.

He pointed out that, on the other hand, official Sarajevo continues to function on the principle of objections and complaints, as well as calls for external intervention.