The Republic of Srpska

The ministers of the interior of the Republic of Srpska and Serbia, Mr Željko Budimir and Mr Ivica Dačić, signed today in Belgrade a Memorandum on cooperation in legal matters between  the Republic of Srpska and Serbia. The aim of the memorandum is to further harmonize legal systems in the areas of policing and other internal affairs, as well as procedures and legislative regulations.

Minister Budimir stated that the harmonization of regulations is of great importance in countering crime and for joint action and the implementation of all measures necessary to ensure faster and more efficient responses, particularly in addressing serious forms of crime.

He recalled that the Republic of Srpska and Serbia have an Agreement on Special Parallel Relations, as well as a series of documents strengthening these ties, with the goal of creating a safer security environment for citizens.

“Crime is transnational, and borders do not exist in that sense. That is why we must function in this way. Any form of strengthening cooperation between the police forces and the ministries of the interior of the Republic of Srpska and Serbia certainly benefits not only the Republic of Srpska and Serbia, but the entire region as well,” Minister Budimir said.

As an example, he cited the project “Find Me”, a system for notifying the public about missing minors, which was developed jointly by the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Srpska and the Ministry of the Interior of Serbia, with Serbia providing both technical and legislative support.

He also expressed gratitude to Minister Dačić, who has previously supported the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Srpska through various roles in the Government of Serbia, both as prime minister and as minister.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia and Minister of the Interior Ivica Dačić stated today at the Palace of Serbia that the Memorandum on on cooperation in the field of legislation signed today is one of the most important documents further strengthening cooperation in the field of internal affairs, which is vital for the security of citizens of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska.

The Minister pointed to the very good cooperation between the two ministries and police forces, noting that it has lasted for more than a decade and should continue to be enhanced.

He also emphasized the importance of cooperation in the field of emergency situations, recalling that several years ago the Ministry of the Interior of Serbia donated several helicopters and other police equipment to the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Srpska, stressing that this practice would continue in the future.

The signing of the Memorandum was attended by the police directors, Mr Siniša Kostrešević and Mr Dragan Vasiljević, along with delegations from the ministries of the interior of the Republic of Srpska and Serbia.