MINIĆ: TALKS WITH SACHS CENTERED ON GLOBAL ECONOMIC TRENDS AND CHALLENGES FOR SRPSKA

BANJA LUKA, SEPTEMBER 27 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minić said today in Banja Luka that his meeting with one of the world's best-known economists, Columbia University professor Jeffrey Sachs, focused on global economic trends as well as the challenges facing Republika Srpska.

"We discussed our opportunities and how to navigate global economic developments so that they do not cause major disruptions to our economy," Minić told reporters after the meeting between Srpska officials and Sachs.

Minić said he was particularly pleased that this would not be Sachs' last visit to Banja Luka, adding that there was both willingness and readiness for future cooperation that Republika Srpska would certainly need.

"The design of certain economic measures in Republika Srpska is, to a degree, tied to economic developments in Europe and the wider world. When you have an expert of this caliber as a partner, you can certainly shape those measures in the best possible way," Minić stressed.

He expressed satisfaction that Republika Srpska's top leadership had the opportunity to meet today with a renowned international expert.

"For those who may not know the details, in the late 1980s and early 1990s Sachs served as an adviser to Prime Minister Ante Marković. He is one of the world's most respected economic experts," Minić said.

Minić added that the distinguished American economist and Columbia University professor would receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Banja Luka tomorrow.

The meeting at the Republika Srpska Government headquarters was attended by Prime Minister Savo Minić, Serb member of the BiH Presidency Željka Cvijanović and President Milorad Dodik.

Also present were Minister of Finance and Treasury in the Council of Ministers Srđan Amidžić, Republika Srpska Interior Minister Željko Budimir, acting Director of the Office for International Cooperation Ana Trišić Babić and acting Rector of the University of Banja Luka Ranko Škrbić.