KOŠARAC: OPPORTUNITY FOR SRPSKA TO PRESENT ITS POTENTIAL TO THE WORLD

BELGRADE, MARCH 10 /SRNA/ - Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH Staša Košarac said that Republika Srpska will use Expo 2027 in Belgrade to present its potential to the world, primarily in terms of cultural heritage and tourism.

"This is a serious opportunity for us, and I am certain that Republika Srpska will make use of it. It seems to me that there is a delay in the Federation of BiH /FBiH/. They need to be constructive and take part in these preparations," said Košarac, who is participating in the second meeting of Expo participants in Belgrade. He announced that talks with representatives of the FBiH regarding their participation will be held very soon. "We in Republika Srpska recognize the importance of that platform. We believe it is necessary to prepare adequately. Based on the invitation letter from the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, the Council of Ministers of BiH adopted a decision on participation, as did the Presidency of BiH. Now the operational part remains, to establish organizing committees so that the next steps can be taken," Staša Košarac explained. Košarac assessed that the organization of Expo 2027 in Belgrade is a victory for Serbia and its leadership on the international stage, and that it will be a good international platform on which Republika Srpska, as well as other parts of BiH, can present themselves. "We must not forget that Republika Srpska has been identified as a place for safe investment, and based on various analyses, it has been determined that we belong among the ten most attractive and promising markets, and of course, we should make use of that," Košarac said. He pointed out that Srpska should take advantage of the proximity of Belgrade, the host of Expo 2027, and further strengthen its event-hosting capacities by organizing events in Bijeljina and Banja Luka. "We should use the opportunity provided by the three months of the Expo to enable a significant number of people who come here to also visit Republika Srpska," Košarac emphasized. He reiterated that this will be an opportunity for Republika Srpska to reaffirm the policy of openness toward regional and other forms of cooperation outlined by President Milorad Dodik. The gathering at the Sava Center is attended by representatives from 138 countries, including the United States, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and China. Representatives from Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are also present, as well as from the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, along with South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Over the next three days, foreign delegations will be presented with further plans for the development of the Expo 2027 complex, the program concept of the exhibition, and key logistical and organizational steps that will determine the next phase of preparations. The specialized exhibition Expo 2027, themed "Play for Humanity – Sport and Music for All," will be held from May 15 to August 15, 2027, in Belgrade.