MOSCOW'S MESSAGE ON STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP - GREAT THING FOR SRPSKA

BELGRADE, MAY 30 /SRNA/ - Political analyst Stevica Deđanski told SRNA that deepening ties with Russia strengthens the position of Republika Srpska internationally and emphasized that the message voiced during President Milorad Dodik’s visit to Moscow - that Srpska is a strategic partner of Russia - is an excellent development for Srpska.

“With that statement, Russia is almost recognizing Republika Srpska as a state. Of course, it is part of BiH, but it possesses all the prerogatives of a state, so with this statement, Russia is showing that it sees and understands it that way,” Deđanski emphasized.

He also pointed out that Hungary behaves in a similar manner, as evidenced by strong cooperation, visits, and communication.

“More and more countries are recognizing that Republika Srpska is a source of peace and stability, not a problem - as the Western countries try to portray it, with the help of the Muslims. That’s extremely harmful to all of BiH. But we should not get involved in that, we should focus on doing our job,” Deđanski noted.

He described Dodik’s recent visit to Moscow and his participation in the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues as a fantastic move and as further confirmation that the Serbs and Republika Srpska can count on Russia internationally.

“It’s very good to maintain those contacts, even improve them. We’ve seen an intense diplomatic effort by President Dodik recently, as he’s visited Moscow multiple times, including for the Victory Day celebration,” Deđanski said.

He stressed that deepening relations with Russia serves the purpose of preserving Republika Srpska’s presence and influence internationally.

“As long as we have such a power standing behind us, it will continue to be the case. It’s much easier for us Serbs when we have Russia backing us,” Deđanski stated.

Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik took part between May 27 and 29 in the International Conference of High Representatives for Security Issues in Moscow, which brought together 126 delegations from 106 countries.

During the forum, Dodik met with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, who reiterated that Russia supports Republika Srpska and is focused on maximum cooperation based on the Dayton Accords principles.