Republic of Srpska President Meets with Delegation of Republic of Croatia

The President of the Republic of Srpska, Željka Cvijanović, spoke today with the delegation of the Republic of Croatia, headed by the President of the Committee for Regional Development and European Union Funds of the Croatian Parliament, Marko Pavić.

The meeting, also attended by the Republic of Srpska Prime Minister, Radovan Višković, and his associates, discussed political and economic topics in the Republic of Srpska, BiH and the region, as well as other current matters.

Interlocutors also discussed the possibilities of improving economic co-operation and strengthening infrastructural connections between the Republic of Srpska and the Republic of Croatia. In this context, the importance of building a bridge on the Sava River near Gradiška was particularly emphasised, and it was stated that this is an important project of infrastructure for Srpska and BiH, as well as for Croatia and the entire region.

The belief was expressed that the bridge over the Sava, the border crossing, the customs terminal, as well as the necessary access roads, will be in function by the end of 2022.

Furthermore, it was assessed that the matter of the repair of the bridge and the re-categorisation of the freight-traffic border crossing Novi Grad – Dvor, will be resolved by next year, which will significantly stimulate the economy and employment in the municipality of Novi Grad.

The participants to the meeting concluded that there are numerous opportunities for cross-border co-operation and partnership, through joint application for projects under the INTERREG IPA programme.

The visit of the Croatian delegation to the Republic of Srpska is a continuation of the talks that the Serbian member of the Presidency of BiH Milorad Dodik had in Zagreb in September of this year with the highest officials of the Republic of Croatia.