Putin: Russia is focused on energy projects throughout BiH

BELGRADE, (Patria) - Ahead of his visit to Serbia on January 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a joint interview to the Belgrade newspapers Politika and Večernje novosti.

Putin spoke about Russia's cooperation with the entity of Republika Srpska and BiH, as a state of which RS is an integral part.

“Cooperation with Republika Srpska, which is an integral part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is based on mutual benefit, strictly in accordance with the Dayton Peace Agreement of 1995. We continue to focus on the implementation of projects in the energy sector, oil refining and fuel trade, banking, pharmaceuticals, and other areas, both in Republika Srpska and throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. We believe that promoting joint humanitarian initiatives is equally important, considering the growing interest of BiH citizens in the Russian language, Russian culture, and studies in Russia,” Putin said.

He pointed out that his country also has good relations with other countries that emerged from the breakup of former Yugoslavia.

“Relations with Slovenia and Croatia are progressively developing, despite the difficult times the dialogue between the European Union, of which these countries are members, and Russia is experiencing. Several meetings with the Croatian leadership were held last year. Trade is growing: with Slovenia, trade increased by almost 10 percent in the first three quarters of 2018, while with Croatia it increased by 27 percent. Last year, Russia and Slovenia successfully organized the “cross” Seasons of Culture, and a large exhibition of the State Hermitage Museum was organized in Zagreb, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the sister city ties between the Croatian capital and St. Petersburg. We will continue to develop relations of friendship and trust, which, I am sure, are fully in line with the interests of our peoples,” said the Russian President.

In the interview, Putin accused the United States and other Western countries of being a destabilizing factor in the Balkans.

“When we talk about the situation in the Balkans, a serious destabilizing factor here is the policy of the United States and certain Western countries, aimed at strengthening their dominance in the region. As early as 1999, NATO forces bombed Yugoslavia for two and a half months without UN sanctions, and then forcibly separated the Autonomous Province of Kosovo. And in 2008, Washington and its allies supported the illegitimate declaration of Kosovo's independence,” Putin believes.

The head of Russia also accused NATO of the way Montenegro was admitted to the Alliance.

“In 2017, despite the stance of half the population, Montenegro was drawn into NATO. They feared a referendum on this issue, and as a result, the country is going through a period of political instability. Last year, for the forced accession of the Republic of Macedonia to NATO, a process of adopting constitutional amendments and changing the country's name, revising the foundations of Macedonian national identity, was even initiated. At the same time, the will of the Macedonian voters was ignored – the referendum on changing the country's name failed, but external pressure continued.

Our country, knowing and understanding how complicated the Balkans and the history of this region are, has always considered it a space for constructive cooperation. Today, Russia has many friends here, among whom strategic partner Serbia holds a special place. Therefore, helping to strengthen regional security and stability is our unconditional priority. We advocate for the rights and interests of Balkan countries and peoples to be respected, and for international law to be respected,” Putin emphasized.