Republic of Srpska stands firm against EU’s call for visa regime with Russia – President says

President of the Republic of Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik has said that the Republic of Srpska received a request from the European Commission to establish a visa regime with Russia but is unwilling to take such measures.

The politician emphasised his intention to inform Russian President Vladimir Putin about the request from the European Union (EU), Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“I will inform him about the constant pressure the West, namely, the EU member states, the US and the UK, are exerting on us, in particular, regarding their demand for us to join anti-Russian sanctions, which the Republic of Srpska will never do. We have a firm stance on this issue,” Dodik stated.

Previously, the president of the Republic of Srpska announced plans to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the BRICS summit, which is being held in Kazan from October 22 to 24. He specified that the meeting with President Putin is scheduled for October 24.

The BRICS group was established in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2011.

As of January 1, 2024, Egypt, Iran, the UAE, and Ethiopia became new members. The summit in Kazan marked the first participation of these countries as full-fledged members.

By Naila Huseynova