Assistant Minister for Cooperation with the Diaspora, Helena Krnetić, participated in the training of managers responsible for cooperation with the diaspora, which was organized by the Department for European Integration and International Cooperation of the Brčko District Government on 23 and 24 November 2022.

In the introductory part, the assistant minister for cooperation with the diaspora presented previous experiences and activities of the institutions of the Republic of Srpska in the field of cooperation with the diaspora. Krnetić stated that, after the importance of the diaspora for the Republic of Srpska had been recognized, the Ministry of European Integration and International Cooperation formed a sector for cooperation with the diaspora. This was followed by the adoption of the relevant legal framework – the Strategic Plan for Cooperation with the Diaspora, the accompanying 2021-2024 Action Plan, and Decree on the Establishment and Keeping of the Diaspora Register. The latter served as basis for the formation of the Diaspora Register, which is continually entered natural and legal persons from abroad. In fulfilling its coordinating role, the Ministry cooperates with competent institutions of the Republic of Srpska dealing with issues relevant to citizens in the diaspora, with local self-government units, and interested foreign organizations and clubs. Through the network of representative offices of the Republic abroad, the Ministry for European Integration and International Cooperation is in direct contact with our expatriates, which enables information and planning of various activities. Communication and exchange of information with the diaspora is also continuously maintained through the website www.dijasporars.com.

The training in Brčko was aimed at acquiring practical knowledge and exchanging experiences in the field of cooperation with the diaspora, diaspora profiles, and factors that influence their connection with the home countries, which will facilitate the planning and implementation of activities on cooperation improvement with the diaspora for managers in competent institutions.