PAVIĆ: MAINTAINING STRONG RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA THROUGH DODIK'S VISIT

BELGRADE, MAY 27 /SRNA/ - Political analyst Aleksandar Pavić said in comments to SRNA that the visit of SNSD leader Milorad Dodik and the Republika Srpska delegation to Moscow represents continuity in preserving and developing excellent relations with Russia, at a time when relations with the United States are also improving.

Pavić stressed that the participation of the Republika Srpska delegation at the International Security Forum in Moscow demonstrates that Republika Srpska is capable of keeping pace with the most important decision-making centers. "It is very important that improving relations with the United States has not come at the expense of relations with the Russian Federation. On the contrary, the Russians appreciate and even support what the leadership of Republika Srpska is doing," Pavić stated. He added that Republika Srpska's presence at the International Forum in Moscow is also significant. "It is very important that Dodik is there and that he continues to be treated as the de facto leader of Republika Srpska," Pavić emphasized. He added that Dodik will soon travel to Russia again, where he will participate in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. "This is a continuation of the excellent foreign policy pursued by Republika Srpska," Pavić concluded. The Republika Srpska delegation, consisting of SNSD leader Milorad Dodik and Interior Minister Željko Budimir, arrived in Moscow yesterday, where the International Security Forum has begun. According to the Forum agenda, Dodik is scheduled to address the plenary session tomorrow at the 14th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues on the topic "Challenges and Threats to International Security in the Context of the Formation of a Multipolar Order". A meeting between the Republika Srpska delegation and Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu is also scheduled for the same day.