The diaspora represents a significant potential in the economic development of both the Republic of Srpska and Serbia, said the Assistant Minister of European Integration and International Cooperation of the Republic of Srpska, Helena Krnetić.

On the eve of the Diaspora Vidovdan Assembly Unity and Strength – Serbia at the Serbian Army House in Belgrade, Krnetić noted that the diaspora was not only a representative of Serbian history, culture and tradition, or just a guardian of these values, but also a representative of the Serbian people internationally.

She stated that cooperation between Srpska and Serbia in the field of diaspora was intensive and better than ever, just like cooperation in all fields, from the economy to culture and education.

‘Joint cooperation with the diaspora is very important, because the diaspora represents a link between the Serbian people and the world,’ said Krnetić.

She pointed out that the Ministry of European Integration and International Cooperation, whose purview includes the field of the diaspora, had very good cooperation with the office of Minister Đorđe Milićević, who is in charge of relations with the diaspora and Serbs in the region in the Serbian Government.

‘Minister Milićević and Srpska’s Minister of European Integration and International Cooperation Zlatan Klokić signed a Memorandum of Joint Cooperation several years ago. We take part in joint projects, organize meetings, have excellent communication and exchange information, data, everything that is needed,’ she said.

Assistant Minister for Cooperation with the Diaspora in the Government of the Republic of Srpska Helena Krnetić said that the gathering was a confirmation that Serbs were always united around the idea of common existence and shared destiny of our people, wherever they live abroad.

She added that our people in the diaspora were not only guardians of culture and identity abroad, but they also participated in a way in the economic development of the state.

‘They are representative of our potential and international ambassadors of the Serbian people. Our idea is to be united and to act together in the future, in future times, because only in this way can we achieve good results and a good future for our people,’ said Krnetić.

At the Diaspora Vidovdan Assembly in Belgrade, we discussed how we can strengthen cooperation together, connect people, and create new opportunities for development, investment and progress.

Cooperation between the Republic of Srpska and Serbia in the field of diaspora is stronger than ever, and our people around the world are one of our greatest potentials.

This weekend, the traditional Vidovdan gathering Unity and Strength – Serbia was held in Belgrade with 200 participants from more than 30 countries.

This is the largest gathering of umbrella organizations and associations that bring together Serbs outside Serbia to discuss topics of interest and importance for improving relations between the diaspora and the motherland. Joint plans and projects of the Republic of Srpska and Serbia were also discussed.

Source: Ministry of European Integration and International Cooperation – Nezavisne novine – RTRS – Politika