BAŠTINAC: ENERGY IS REPUBLIKA SRPSKA'S KEY STRENGTH

BANJA LUKA, MAY 28 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska Assistant Minister for Energy Milan Baštinac has said today that one of Republika Srpska's greatest strengths is its energy wealth, stressing that the goal is for Republika Srpska to become more developed, self-sufficient and independent in that field.

Speaking at the first European Summit on Economy and Security organized by the Gold Institute in Banja Luka, Baštinac said that improving the energy sector is among Republika Srpska’s priorities, noting that it has excellent opportunities and abundant natural resources in energy and mineral deposits. "Our task is to develop this sector with the help of new partners and investors who understand Republika Srpska’s position in the context of certain limitations coming from European institutions", Baštinac said during the panel titled "Energy, Infrastructure and Democratic Governance". He reminded that Republika Srpska aims to remain a major exporter of electricity. "Energy is one of our strengths. It brings us not only economic stability, but political and every other kind of stability as well", Baštinac explained. Gary Rabine, a member of the Advisory Board of the Gold Institute for International Cooperation, said Republika Srpska and Balkan countries should strengthen entrepreneurship and turn toward innovation and modern technologies in order to support their development. He added that major US companies could effectively help Balkan countries in that process. The first European Summit on Economy and Security, organized by the Gold Institute for International Strategy, is being held today in Banja Luka with more than 100 participants from over 20 countries attending.