Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko held a meeting with Nenad Stevandic, Speaker of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska.
Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko held a meeting with Nenad Stevandic, Speaker of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina).
The meeting was also attended by First Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Vladimir Dzhabarov and Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Yelena Afanaseva.
Valentina Matvienko noted that, despite the destructive stance of Western countries regarding Russia and the pressure on Bosnia and Herzegovina, the leadership of Republika Srpska remains committed to expanding mutually beneficial ties with the Russian Federation.
The Federation Council Speaker expressed satisfaction with the active development of interparliamentary dialogue.
“We are ready for close cooperation with the National Assembly of Republika Srpska to fulfil the agreements reached at the highest political level. We have many options for moving forward, including contacts between the specialised committees of our parliamentary chambers, and cooperation at interparliamentary and international parliamentary platforms,” said Valentina Matvienko.
She also pointed out that competent agencies and organisations are developing agreements on the implementation of projects involving practical cooperation between Russia and Republika Srpska. These matters remain under parliamentary control.
Valentina Matvienko and Nenad Stevandic discussed the expansion of trade and economic ties between the Russian Federation and Republika Srpska. They also covered cooperation in cultural and humanitarian affairs, including the possibility of increasing scholarship quotas for students from Bosnia and Herzegovina studying in Russia, and teaching the Russian language in the schools of Republika Srpska.
Valentina Matvienko suggested considering a sister city relationship between a city in Russia and a city in Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina).
The parties also focused on developing interregional links, particularly in creating a powerful technological hub in Banja Luka that could become a centre for Russian research in the Balkans.
Nenad Stevandic supported further strengthening and development of bilateral relations. He expressed confidence that the efforts of certain Western countries to persuade Republika Srpska to distance itself from Russia will not succeed.
Valentina Matvienko informed Nenad Stevandic that, with support from the Federation Council, the 11th Neva International Environmental Congress will take place on 23−25 May 2025 in St Petersburg. The Speaker invited representatives from Republika Srpska to attend the event.