Stevandić: Relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Srpska are older than the Ukrainian conflict, in which we remain neutral

The delegation of the National Assembly of the Republic of Srpska, headed by President Dr. Nenad Stevandić, talked today in Moscow with the Deputy President of the Council of the Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Konstantin Kosačev, and after that, the conversation was led by President Stevandić and the President of the Federation Council the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matvienko.

The topic of the meetings was the relations between the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Russian Federation, as well as ways to strengthen bilateral and parliamentary relations.

After the meeting, President Stevandić stated that a common position had been reached that it is necessary to continue efforts to maintain peace.

He added that the Republic of Srpska will continue to preserve its neutrality, and that the Russian Federation has never done anything that would hurt Bosnia and Herzegovina. He emphasized that economic activities should be put in the foreground.

President Stevandić points out that he explained the specific position of the Republic of Srpska to his interlocutors.

"All conflicts must lead to peace and agreement." The Republic of Srpska cannot command Bosnia and Herzegovina with its decisions, but based on consensus it can preserve the balance between the European Union and other countries whose relations with Russia are currently deteriorating," he said.

He added that the relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Srpska are older than the Ukrainian conflict, and that the Republic of Srpska will continue to remain neutral in that conflict, as well as in all disputes that do not directly concern it.

"What is important to us is to preserve peace and the constitutional capacities of the Republic of Srpska, in which we have the support of the Russian Federation." The resolutions that were not adopted thanks to the Russian Federation did not come from Bosnia and Herzegovina, but from other countries. We in the Republic of Srpska have a balanced approach towards both the East and the West, and I hope that the policy of the Republic of Srpska will receive its verification and understanding in both the East and the West," added Stevandić and noted that the views expressed today in Russia are identical to those which he presented during his visit to Salzburg.

In addition to President Stevandić, the delegation of the National Assembly of the Republic of  Srpska consists of: MPs Igor Žunić, Darko Banjac, Dragomir Vasić, and Secretary General of the National Assembly Boran Bosančić.

The delegation continues its official visit to Moscow tomorrow.