The Assistant Minister for Cooperation with the Diaspora in the Ministry of European Integration and International Cooperation, Helena Krnetić, attended the reception organized by the Mayor, Zoran Adžić, on the occasion of marking the Day of the City of Gradiška. The reception was also attended by representatives of several prominent associations of citizens operating in the diaspora.

Discussions on that occasion covered cooperation between the city of Gradiška and the diaspora in the economic, cultural and sports spheres, establishment of the Office for the Diaspora within Gradiška city administration, citizens joining the Diaspora Register, as well as other important topics related to cooperation between the motherland and the diaspora.

The Assistant Minister for Cooperation with the Diaspora said that cooperation between the Ministry of European Integration and International Cooperation and the city of Gradiška was particularly important in the field of the diaspora, and that special emphasis was placed on the Diaspora Register. It was noted that the Diaspora Register was a project of the Ministry of European Integration and International Cooperation, and that all-encompassing registration of our citizens abroad would be a significant step in connecting the Republic of Srpska and the diaspora. The Assistant Minister added that such meetings were important in terms of strengthening and promoting cooperation between the republic and the local level of government.

The President of the Association of the Motherland, Diaspora, Serbs in the Region and Friends of Serbia Koreni (Roots) and the Association of Serbian Businessmen of Switzerland noted that successful models of providing conditions for diaspora investment in the motherland were presented, and that the importance of conferences and events bringing together the diaspora and local authorities in the Republic of Srpska was discussed.

The present guests were organized a presentation of economic potentials of Gradiška, i.e. a visit to business zones, duty-free zone area along the bridge at the border crossing with Croatia, allowing for the expansion of economic capacities, and a modern sports hall.

Source and photo: Ministry of European Integration and International Cooperation