Baghdad-INA
Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik a high Russian medal, the Kremlin said, in the latest sign of close relations between the two leaders.
Putin awarded Dodik the Alexander Nevsky Medal, which is considered one of the highest Russian honors, during a meeting in Kazan, the capital of the Russian Republic of Tatarstan.
Dodik received the medal “for his contribution to developing cooperation between the Russian Federation and Bosnia and Herzegovina and strengthening the partnership with Republika Srpska,” according to a Kremlin statement and a report broadcast by Republika Srpska’s state television, “RTRS.”
Russia is a historical ally of Serbia and the Serbs, but the close relationship between Dodik and Putin has raised concerns, especially since Dodik has been opposed for months to the post-war governance structure in Bosnia.
Dodik also pledged to continue to oppose any steps to bring Bosnia closer to NATO “despite continuing pressure.”
“It is neither logical nor natural for us to accept NATO membership,” he said, according to what was reported by the official Srpska TV.
Putin praised the “long-term” and “completely constructive” relations between Moscow and Republika Srpska, saying, “I very much expect that we will do more in our relations,” according to the Kremlin.
He added, “We know that the situation in the republic is not easy. We are ready to discuss this matter as well.”
2024-02-22 22:56:43