PRESIDENT PUTIN AND DODIK RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVANCING COOPERATION IN ALL AREAS

SOCHI, SEPTEMBER 24 /SRNA/ - The Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations in the Council of Ministers Staša Košarac and Co-Chairman of the BiH–Russia Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation Anton Shalaev assessed today in Sochi that cooperation in all areas continues to move upward, thanks primarily to the friendly ties and responsible policies of the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik, and the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.

Košarac told SRNA that at today’s bilateral meeting with Shalaev in Sochi, they discussed current political and economic issues, with a focus on further strengthening and advancing relations with the friendly Russian Federation. He added that he emphasized the fact that BiH has not imposed sanctions on Russia, which is a direct result of the policy of President Dodik, the institutions of Republika Srpska, and its representatives at the level of BiH. "We are a bulwark against the onslaught of the malign influences of the EU and part of the West, which are fighting against the sovereignty of Republika Srpska," Košarac emphasized, adding that he pointed to the enormous pressure faced by Dodik and the institutions of Srpska because they do not deviate from nationally responsible policies, both domestically and internationally. Košarac emphasized that the policy of Republika Srpska and its representatives has always been clear – respect for the letter of the Dayton Agreement and agreement between the two entities and the three constituent peoples in BiH, without foreign interventionism, and especially without the legal violence of the illegitimate /High Representative/ Christian Schmidt. "We do not consent to occupation," Košarac said, adding that he took the opportunity to express once again sincere gratitude to President Putin and Russia for their principled respect for the Dayton Agreement and international law. Russia, Košarac emphasized, is a guarantor of the Dayton Agreement and maintains a balanced approach toward all peoples in BiH. "Russia is our brotherly and friendly country, which extends a sincere hand of cooperation based on mutual respect, partnership, and good relations. I particularly stress that it has never set any conditions for us, unlike the EU and certain Western countries," Košarac said. He stated that Srpska will remain committed to friendship and strengthening ties with the Russian Federation. "This is our interest, our choice, and our desire, because we love and respect the brotherly Russian people," Košarac concluded. The meeting between Košarac and Shalaev was held ahead of the third session of the Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between BiH and Russia.