Putin meets Serb member of Bosnia-Herzegovina Presidential Council

Milorad Dodik says meeting with Putin ‘strengthens’ his position in Bosnia-Herzegovina

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday met with Milorad Dodik, the Serb member of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Presidential Council.

"We know you as a friend of our country, and I am glad to see you and have the opportunity to discuss the situation in the region and our bilateral relations with you," Putin told Dodik at a meeting in Moscow.

For his part, Dodik said the meeting with Putin was "an important event for him," and that he is committed to cooperation with Russia.

"We are a small community, and the fact is that maintaining communication with you strengthens our position," he added.

Dodik said he lobbied for a friendly match between Russian and Bosnian football teams which is scheduled for Nov. 19 in St. Petersburg and expressed hope that it will take place despite “opposition.”

To this, Putin responded that "sport should unite and not divide people."

"So, I hope that sports events will take place and it will play a role in the development of sports and humanitarian interpersonal ties," he said.

Kaynak: