The Minister for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, Prof. Draga Mastilović PhD, met today with the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to BiH, Igor Kalabukhov, and Embassy Secretary Yuriy Pichugin to discuss strengthening cooperation in the fields of science, research, and higher education, as well as possibilities for implementing joint projects and exchanges of students and researchers.

During the meeting, the strategic importance of cooperation between the Republic of Srpska and the Russian Federation in the areas of science, technology, and higher education was emphasised. Discussions also covered signed memoranda of cooperation aimed at developing joint programmes and projects, as well as strengthening direct links between educational and scientific institutions.

Particular emphasis was placed on cooperation between the University of Banja Luka and the University of Istočno Sarajevo with Russian higher education institutions, as well as between the Science and Technology Park of the Republic of Srpska and the Technopark Saint Petersburg in the field of innovative technologies.

It was stated that relations between the Republic of Srpska and the Russian Federation are not only institutional, but also historical, cultural, and spiritual, and that the Russian Federation will continue to provide support to the Republic of Srpska, particularly in the areas of higher education and scientific and technological development.