PLENKOVIĆ: COOPERATION WITH SRPSKA INTENSIFIED

BANJA LUKA, DECEMBER 11 /SRNA/ – Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković expressed satisfaction that cooperation between Republika Srpska and Croatia has intensified in recent years, with the aim of providing better living conditions for Croats in Srpska.

"Croats who live here are very important to us, and I am grateful that the authorities in Srpska have helped bring this project to fruition. I expect this cooperation to continue," Plenković said at the opening of the exhibition of sacred art from the treasury of the Marija Zvijezda Abbey in Banja Luka. He noted that this exhibition represents only a part of the continuous support provided to the Croatian people in Republika Srpska and BiH. Plenković emphasized that Croatia takes care of BiH’s interests and advocates for the acceleration of its EU path. "We do this sincerely and wholeheartedly because we consider it our duty, as well as working for a better life for all three constituent peoples in BiH, and especially caring for Croats, as this is our constitutional obligation," Plenković said. Banja Luka Bishop Željko Majić said the exhibition features only a portion of the invaluable sacred heritage that the ancient Marija Zvijezda Abbey has carefully collected for decades. Majić thanked Plenković, noting that this is his third visit to Banja Luka since Majić took office as bishop, which, he said, clearly shows the support Croatia provides to the Croatian people in Republika Srpska. He also thanked Milorad Dodik, who, as the then President of Republika Srpska, promised to help realize the exhibition and fulfilled that promise. "I want to remind officeholders at all levels that they have a political responsibility to lead the country in a way that ensures citizens, regardless of their religious views, live in unity, not merely next to one another, and certainly not against one another," Majić said. Earlier today, Plenković laid the foundation stone for the cultural-pastoral student center in Petrićevac, whose construction is being co-financed by the Government of Croatia.