Lavrov: Russia will respect the electoral will of the citizens

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Igor Crnadak, Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH, said after talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that the visit has huge significance.

- I emphasize my satisfaction that his visit will be realized in Sarajevo, East Sarajevo, and Banja Luka. Relations with Russia are friendly and excellent, and we discussed how to improve them in the areas of economy and foreign trade - said Crnadak.

He thanked Minister Lavrov for resolving the clearing debt of 125 million dollars and for opening the Russian market for products from BiH, especially fruit.

- We also signed a cooperation plan between the two ministries for 2019 and 2020. We have about 40 agreements that form our cooperation, and we have agreed to continue working on these agreements. We are grateful to Russia for its principled stance on the internal relations of BiH, and we appreciate that. We have strong support from Russia for the Dayton Agreement, the principle of internal agreement - said Crnadak, adding that the Dayton Agreement provided a basis for peace and coexistence for all people living here.

He pointed out that Russia and Republika Srpska have a special relationship that is not an obstacle to the development of relations with BiH, but will be an additional incentive for the further development of these relations. During the meeting, the situation in the region was also discussed, as well as the relations between Pristina and Belgrade, and it was emphasized that reaching an agreement would be a recipe for lasting stability and peace in the region.

- We have good cooperation with Russia on the international stage so far, and I am convinced that this will continue. Our positions will not change in relation to Russia when it comes to sanctions against Russia, the issue of Kosovo, and NATO membership - said Crnadak.

Minister Lavrov emphasized that today's meetings at the Presidency of BiH and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH were substantive. He said that there is no alternative to the Dayton Peace Agreement.

- We support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH and fully support the constitutional powers of the two entities and three constituent peoples in BiH. We are interested in the election results being based on these principles - said Lavrov, adding that both sides are interested in strengthening cooperation.

- Trade between our two countries is growing, and there is a tendency for growth in the export of fruits and vegetables to Russia. This year, Russia and BiH are celebrating 40 years of gas connection. We continue to supply gas to BiH without problems, and Gazprom has two contracts with RS and FBiH.

It was emphasized that there are ties between the two countries in cultural cooperation, education, and now in the area of labor and employment.

When asked by journalists whether official Russia has its favorites in the General Elections in BiH, which is often heard in the BiH entity of RS, the Russian minister gave a precise answer. 

- We have our favorites, and they are the people who are the favorites of the citizens of BiH who will cast their votes. We never recommend who to vote for when it comes to elections in other countries. We will respect the choice of the citizens, and we will cooperate with whomever the citizens give their trust - said Lavrov.

One of the questions also concerned the letter from the group of citizens Justice for David, which was sent to Minister Lavrov and Crnadak, and whether he would visit this group. Lavrov said that he had not yet read the letter, given that he arrived late last night. 

Minister Crnadak said that he conveyed the invitation from the Justice for David group to Lavrov.

- This is an event that has attracted people's attention, and everyone wants it to be resolved. It is difficult to arrange for colleague Lavrov to be there due to the protocol foreseen. But I am grateful to him for showing interest in getting acquainted with that letter.