Russian media paid no attention to the visit: Putin uninterested in Dodik's referendum

The President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, stated on Thursday that he received support from Russian President Vladimir Putin for his efforts to maintain stability in the Western Balkans as well as the Dayton Agreement, but that they did not specifically discuss the issue of the referendum in RS scheduled for September 25, the Patria News Agency reports. 

"Regarding the referendum, there were no specific discussions, except for the statement that it is the right of the people," Dodik told Radio-Television of RS (RTRS).

The Russian President received Dodik late in the evening, and the media in that country paid almost no attention to the meeting.

Information about the meeting could only be found on the website of "Rossiyskaya Gazeta," which stated that Putin and Dodik, who was presented as the leader of an entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina, discussed "the situation in the Balkans and mutual relations, as well as current international issues."

In Dodik's interpretation for the RS audience, the meeting was an opportunity to "inform Putin about the development of the political situation in BiH and to express his opinion on it."

"The most important topic was our economic cooperation and our economic relations," said Dodik, emphasizing cooperation in oil processing, specifically the refinery in Bosanski Brod, which was previously purchased by the Russian company "Zarubezhneft." 

Political issues, as Dodik explained, were related to the implementation of the Dayton Agreement, with Putin stating that he is very interested in stability in the region and respect for international treaties.

"Russia is dealing with the Dayton Agreement, and it was said that it will remain so," said Dodik, Hina reports.