Vladimir Putin met with President of the Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik. The meeting took place following the Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix auto race at the Sochi Autodrom at Olympic Park.
Putin noted that relations between Russia and Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina are developing successfully, including in the economic sector.
He added that trade with Russia amounts to some 75 percent of RS overall foreign trade, with companies operating in the oil and oil processing sectors.
“We have made direct agreements on our natural gas deliveries. There are also promising ideas and plans for developing a plant involved in aviation equipment repair, including engines,” Putin said.
“And, of course, a major project is converting an oil refinery on the border with your neighbours to natural gas to solve environmental concerns. I do not think that the oil refinery is actually creating such big issues. This is more about switching to a more environmentally friendly type of fuel and your neighbours’ housing and utility services. Yet, this concern should be addressed, and we will do this together with you,” Putin added.
Putin emphasized that on the October 7, the elections in BIH will take place, and wished success.
“I hope everything proceeds within the legal framework and successfully, and will contribute to further stabilization in the republic.”
President of the Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik said that they are cooperating successfully in the economy, and that RS wants to develop this cooperation further.
“Indeed, we want to solve all environmental issues with our neighbours, but, as you correctly said, this is not so much about problems as it is about a desire to create the appearance of problems,” Dodik said.
“We would also like to implement the reconstruction of two thermal power plants with your companies. We are holding corresponding talks and hope that this will be successfully implemented. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov recently visited us, and it was a special event for us to which we paid particular attention,” Dodik added.
