Macut: Serbia a reliable pillar of support for the RS; Minic: Drina is our backbone, and Serbs are one people

Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut stated today in Banja Luka that Serbia will continue to be a reliable and strong pillar of support for the Republic of Srpska.

Macut met today in Banja Luka with the Republic of Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minic as part of the continued intensive cooperation between Serbia and the Republic of Srpska aimed at strengthening institutional ties and implementing joint projects, according to a statement from the Serbian Government.

Macut stressed that politics must be measured by concrete results and emphasized that the goal of joint action is to implement projects that bring direct benefits to citizens.

"Infrastructure connectivity between Serbia and the Republic of Srpska is one of our priorities, because every new road, bridge, or transport link contributes to faster development, a stronger economy, and a better quality of life," Prime Minister Macut said.

He also pointed to the importance of cooperation in science and higher education, assessing that investing in knowledge is the most important investment a society can make. According to him, there is room for stronger cooperation among universities, scientific institutions, and researchers through joint projects.

Macut also emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and educational cooperation through support for exchanges of pupils, students, artists, and researchers, as well as through the preservation of a shared language, traditions, and cultural heritage.

"Serbia will continue to be a reliable and strong pillar of support for the Republic of Srpska and will continue to develop partnership relations with its institutions based on mutual respect, responsibility, and a shared vision of development," Macut said.

The Republic of Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minic stressed that today's meeting was just another step in the good relations.

"The activities we have carried out have involved a range of joint projects and forms of cooperation, from agriculture, culture, and science to certifications, licenses, and the establishment of working groups. When it comes to participation in the Republic of Srpska's scientific funds, the models involve the creation of consortia in the form of educational and scientific partnerships that could become part of projects supported by the Government of Serbia. We want to realize the idea that the Drina is our backbone, that we are one people, that we want to integrate in every sense and take advantage of the benefits that brings. We want all our activities to move in that direction," Minic said, as reported by RTRS.

He added that key infrastructure projects were also discussed.