The Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska Draga Mastilović said today in Novi Sad that he expects the first meeting of the Coordination team of the Republic of Srpska and Serbia for cooperation in the field of science and technology to be held by the end of August.

Following a meeting with Serbia's Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation Bela Balint, Mastilović stressed that the relevant ministers are heading the Coordination Team.

"Each scientific field will provide one representative, and the task of the teams is to define the main strategic directions for scientific and technological cooperation between the Republic of Srpska and Serbia. We expect very concrete results in the coming period when it comes to this cooperation," Mastilović told Srna.

Minister Mastilović said that today's meeting had been preceded by numerous activities and that his visit to Novi Sad, which also included a tour of the Science and Technology Park, had convinced him that the Republic of Srpska does not need to look far when it comes to science and technological development, as Novi Sad is a regional leader.

"We do not need to go far to find examples of how things are done in a good and responsible manner. We do not need to look beyond our mother country Serbia in order to gain truly valuable experience and models, as well as support in the future when it comes to the development of science and technology," Mastilović said.

The Minister noted that he had also been introduced today to the work of three very important institutes operating within the University of Novi Sad, which is of great importance for the Republic of Srpska.

"We know that the Republic of Srpska faces a major investment cycle in the coming period when it comes to the development of science and technology. The experience we have gained through meetings with the management of the institutes here and learning about their work is invaluable for the further development of science in the Republic of Srpska, and we will certainly know how to make use of that experience," Mastilović concluded.