The Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations in the Council of Ministers, Staša Košarac, assessed today that continuous efforts of the Republic of Srpska Representative Office in Thessaloniki on presenting economic, business and cultural potentials of Srpska to the Greek public were a good contribution to increasing foreign trade between BiH and Greece.

– The Republic of Srpska is working on its promotion in an organized manner, among other things, through diplomatic activities of its representative offices. One of them is the Thessaloniki Representation, whose operation strengthens economic, cultural and tourist ties with Greece – said Košarac during his visit to this representation.

He noted his support to the determination of the Republic of Srpska, by promoting economic capacities, to open possibilities for placement of domestic products on the Greek market, as well as to intensify cooperation in the field of tourism for mutual benefit, announced the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of the Council of Ministers.

– In view of the fact that Greece is a leader in tourism development, its experiences are of great importance and we can adopt examples of good practice in order to develop tourism as potentially the strongest branch of economy in the Republic of Srpska and BiH – Košarac emphasized.

He noted that activities had been intensified on cultural connection of Greece with the Republic of Srpska and BiH in the past period, recalling opening of Greek Corners in many cities in the country, as well as the fact that this year Banja Luka and Trebinje symbolically marked 200th anniversary of the Greek war of independence.

– I conveyed a message from the city of Trebinje to the Republic of Srpska representation about the need for connection with the city of Thessaloniki, in order to work together on the affirmation of historical events that bind the past of the Greek and Serbian people. Also, there is serious potential for the development of religious tourism, in view of the capacities of Trebinje and Republic of Srpska in that context – said Košarac.

He expressed hope that the Republic of Srpska Representation would launch diplomatic activities in the coming days aimed at twinning between Trebinje and Thessaloniki.

– It is especially remarkable that there is great interest in Serbian director Emir Kusturica in Greece. I have been informed that promotion of his films will be organized in Thessaloniki in the coming period – Košarac added.

The head of the Republic of Srpska Representation in Thessaloniki, Jelena Jovanović, expressed her gratitude to Košarac for today’s visit.

– This way, we are showing our determination to work together to improve overall cooperation and better connect the Republic of Srpska, BiH and Greece – Jovanović pointed out.

Source and photo: SRNA