Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked President of the Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik for maintaining relations between the two countries, according to Russian media.
"We are grateful to you for maintaining regular relations with Russia," the Russian leader said during a bilateral meeting in Kazan.
"Representatives of the leadership of the Republika Srpska regularly come to us. We cooperate in various spheres. And I am sure that this visit of yours will also be fruitful, we will be able to use the time to discuss bilateral relations in a number of areas," Putin added.
Putin also thanked Dodik for the Republika Srpska's support for many Russian endeavors.
Dodik, in turn, said he would not join the sanctions against Russia.
"We reaffirm the good relations that Srpska has and nurtures towards the Russian state and towards you. We reject any possibility of joining the West's sanctions against Russia," Dodik said, adding that Western countries put pressure on Republika Srpska every day.
Putin presented Dodik with the Order of Alexander Nevsky. / BGNES
