Keepin touch

Whether you have a question, comment, suggestion or any problem in the purview of the government, send us your message and we will try to respond as soon as possible. If your problem is not in our purview, we will forward your message to the relevant institution.

The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Agreement reached on strengthening cooperation between Serbia, Republika Srpska

Banja Luka, 6 September 2007

Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica said today in Banja Luka that the Council for Cooperation between Serbia and Republika Srpska which was formed today will create even better conditions for mutual cooperation, which was until now excellent.

Author: Tanjug

Presidents and prime ministers of Serbia and Republika Srpska Boris Tadic, Milan Jelic, Vojilsav Kostunica and Milorad Dodik took part in the constitutive session of the council which was held today in Banja Luka.

At a press conference held following the session, it was stated that the session concluded with agreement regarding methods of improving cooperation between Serbia and Republika Srpska.

Author: Fonet

Kostunica told the press conference that the agreement on establishing special parallel relations between Serbia and Republika Srpska was signed a year ago, while it was ratified this year in Serbian parliament and the Republika Srpska parliament.

The Prime Minister pointed to the fact that we can say with pride that we have intensive cooperation in regional development and joint values and the determination of Serbia, Republika Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina to enter the EU.

He said that until now excellent cooperation was realised in the area of telecommunications, insurance and banking, and added that today we are also examining the question of integrating the electricity industries and use of water resources.

Kostunica said that the model of cooperation will be simple and explained that prior to each following session relevant ministries should form working groups, which will suggest concrete measures to the council.

He recalled that such a working group was formed for electricity industry and added that it will prepare the first session of the council, which will be held in the first half of October.

Kostunica said that a good initiative was launched today, which is that the two governments prepare a joint project on the basis of which the “Serbia” elementary school will be built on the territory of Republika Srpska.

Author: Fonet

Serbian President Boris Tadic said that Serbia wishes to contribute to stability and close cooperation in the region.

Tadic said that Serbia is interested not just in cooperating with Republika Srpska but also with Bosnia-Herzegovina and this confirms the fact that Serbia respects all international acts, including the Dayton Agreement.

He said that this is practical proof that Serbia respects the territorial integrity of Bosnia-Herzegovina and such an approach is directed towards the well being of all states and peoples in the region.

We respect the Dayton Agreement, Kumanovski Agreement as well as the UN SC Resolution 1244 and it is only in this manner that we can treat the legal basis for further realisation and establishment of stability in the entire region, keeping in mind all political processes with which we are confronted, said Tadic.

He said that Serbian firms have a legitimate interest in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Republika Srpska as firms of these countries have in Serbia. He added that at the meeting of the council economic cooperation between Serbia and Republika Srpska was examined, as well as the question of cooperation within the region in case of natural disasters.

Author: Fonet

President of Republika Srpska Milan Jelic said that the next session of the council will be held in Belgrade, and its host will be President Tadic.

He said that at today’s session quick and efficient establishment of regional links was discussed, so that agreements on stabilisation and association with the EU are signed as soon as possible.

Jelic said that agreement was reached on forming a joint goods reserve for Serbia and Republika Srpska, which would be of great use to Republika Srpska.

Stressing that the council will have the task of monitoring realisation of the agreement on establishing special parallel relations between Serbia and Republika Srpska, he said that the session of the council will be held at least once in three months, and that joint projects will be prepared and realised by relevant ministries in the two governments.

Expressing satisfaction with the fact that the council has been formed, Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik stressed that this will continue realisation of the agreement on establishing special parallel relations, which is in keeping with the Dayton Agreement.

Author: Fonet

Dodik said that the governments of Serbia and Republika Srpska will talk on building the school “Serbia” and the construction of hydro centers Buk Bijela and Foca, in which the two governments will be partners.

At today’s session, head of the cabinet of Prime Minister Dodik Srebrenka Golic and head of the cabinet of Prime Minister Kostunica Aleksandra Nikitovic were elected as secretaries of the council.

The presidents and prime ministers of the two countries visited the Church of the Saviour Jesus in the centre of Banja Luka where they were welcomed by Bishop Jefrem.

This Serbian church was built in Banja Luka in the period between two world wars, and was destroyed during the Second World War. Its renovation began in 1993, while the first service was held ten years later.