The Minister of European Integration and International Cooperation, Zlatan Klokić, told Srna that the Government had been submitted for adoption the Decree for the establishment and keeping of the diaspora register, a step required to enable Srpska to register the diaspora and plan adequate cooperation accordingly.

- This will specify our data about the number of emigrants, the structure and qualifications of diaspora members. This information will enable us to plan activities more adequately, and to include certain individuals, associations and organizations in their implementation - Klokić emphasized.

Klokić pointed out that the Ministry’s intent was to create a network that was active and conducive to communication, exchange of knowledge and experiences among the diaspora.

- I emphasize that the cooperation is mutual, meaning that the diaspora will also be able to propose appropriate activities. Our task is to be in contact with diaspora associations, to recognize the challenges facing our citizens abroad, and to design our actions to benefit the citizens both in the Republic of Srpska and in the diaspora - said Klokić.

Klokić invited the citizens in the diaspora to visit the diaspora website dijasporars.com and fill out the form to register.

- A wider promotional campaign will be organized soon in cooperation with our representative offices abroad in order to inform as many citizens as possible about this initiative and encourage them to join the Register - Klokić emphasized.

Klokić added that the diaspora website would enable citizens to follow the news and activities of interest, and to learn about the announced events, round tables and conferences.

He pointed out that cooperation with the diaspora was of great importance for the institutions of the Republic of Srpska, and that the intention was to raise that cooperation to a higher level and regulate it by appropriate documents.

According to Klokić, the goal is to create conditions for achieving several objectives and priorities set by the strategic documents of the line ministry.

Klokić noted the fact that significant number of our citizens was living in the diaspora while wishing to maintain ties with the Republic of Srpska for family, friendship and business reasons.

- The idea of comprehensive institutional cooperation with the diaspora has existed for several years, starting with the diaspora forums held in 2018 and 2019. The main goals of the forums were to deepen the ties between the Republic of Srpska and the diaspora, to establish cooperation at the institutional level, to promote and preserve national identity in the diaspora, and to establish mechanisms for involving the diaspora in the development of the Republic - Klokić reminded.

According to him, the conclusions of the diaspora forums were the basis for the preparation of the document Strategic Plan for Cooperation of the Republic of Srpska with the Diaspora, which defines the priorities of cooperation, ways to improve mutual relations and achieve better cooperation.

- This can be achieved through various initiatives, such as organizing diaspora forums in the form of public debates to determine future directions more precisely, through investment and business programs and cooperation in the fields of culture, science and sports - Klokić added.

He reminded that a few days ago the Government of Srpska had adopted the Action Plan, which would concretize the priorities from the Strategic Plan. The significance of the Action Plan, says Klokić, lies in the clearly defined activities by area, and clearly indicated responsible parties, deadlines and indicators.

- By its structure, the Action Plan follows the Strategic Plan for Cooperation with the Diaspora, meaning that it specifies activities for five strategic goals, namely strengthening overall relations with the diaspora, preserving national identity, involving the diaspora in economic activities, and cooperating in the fields of science and innovation, and in the fields of youth and sports - stated Klokić.

Klokić said that the Action Plan provided for many activities, including organizing national and local diaspora forums, establishing the Diaspora Council, establishing the said Diaspora Register, preparing newsletters and bulletins on the activities relevant for the diaspora, investment conferences and meetings, media promotion of cooperation with the diaspora, organizing summer schools for children from the diaspora etc.

Source: SRNA