KARAN HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF COOPERATION AND DIALOGUE

BANJA LUKA, MAY 27 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska President Siniša Karan said at a reception in Banja Luka ahead of tomorrow's first European Summit on Economy and Security that, in today's era of complex geopolitical relations, new security challenges and major shifts in global economic trends, the need for dialogue and cooperation has never been more important.

Karan stressed that it was a special honor for Republika Srpska to have the opportunity to host the first European Summit on Economy and Security.

"We therefore express our great gratitude to the Gold Institute for International Strategy for organizing this event", Karan added.

He said the summit brings together representatives of the political, economic, security and academic sectors, as well as a large number of distinguished individuals who, through their work and experience, participate in shaping important processes on the international stage.

"We would therefore especially like to thank President Milorad Dodik, Serb member of the BiH Presidency Željka Cvijanović, and Director of the Republika Srpska Office for International Cooperation Ana Trišić-Babić. They have continuously worked on strengthening international contacts, creating new opportunities for cooperation, and positioning Republika Srpska as a reliable partner and a place for dialogue", Karan said.

He wished the participants a successful summit and a pleasant stay in Republika Srpska.

The reception was attended by Serb member of the BiH Presidency Željka Cvijanović, Serb delegate in the House of Peoples of the BiH Parliamentary Assembly Radovan Kovačević and President of the Gold Institute for International Strategy Eli Gold.

More than 100 participants from over 20 countries are expected at the summit, including prominent figures from the worlds of business, security, diplomacy and politics.

The summit will include panel discussions on the topics "Development of the European and Transatlantic Security Architecture and Its Implications for the Balkans" and "Economic Resilience, Regional Integration and Investment Opportunities in Balkan Economies", according to the Gold Institute website.

Additional panel topics include "Hybrid Threats, Information Operations and the Struggle for Influence in Southeast Europe", "Energy, Infrastructure and Connectivity as Tools of Both Cooperation and Coercion" and "The Role of Democratic Institutions, Governance and the Rule of Law in Supporting Security and Growth".

The event will also officially mark the opening of the first Gold Institute office for Europe, headquartered in Banja Luka, with additional details to be announced later, the institute said.

The reception ahead of tomorrow's summit was held at the Terme Hotel in Banja Luka.