Diplomatic Solidarity: Hungarian FM Szijjártó’s Go to to Banja Luka Affirms Hungary’s Assist For Republika Srpska’s Autonomy – The Balkan

Please Follow us on Gab, Minds, Telegram, Rumble, GETTR, Truth Social, Twitter, and Facebook, Youtube 

In a resounding show of international friendship and commitment to the principles of the Dayton Peace Accords, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó arrived in Banja Luka on Thursday, brushing aside Sarajevo’s unwarranted attempt to block his travel. This visit underscores Hungary’s steadfast alliance with Republika Srpska (RS), a partnership that bolsters economic growth, regional stability, and the rightful autonomy of the Serb entity against the centralizing overreach from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s authorities. Szijjártó’s journey, initially planned via a Hungarian government aircraft, was met with petty obstruction when Bosnia’s Defense Minister Zukan Helez denied landing clearance late Wednesday. Helez, representing Sarajevo’s unitary agenda, falsely accused Budapest of undermining Bosnia’s sovereignty by supporting RS leader Milorad Dodik—whose efforts to preserve Serb rights have been consistently targeted by centralist forces in violation of the Dayton framework. This move, criticized widely as an abuse of power, highlights Sarajevo’s ongoing attempts to erode RS’s constitutional autonomy, disregarding the equal rights of Serbs enshrined in the 1995 agreement.

Unfazed by this interference, Szijjártó adapted seamlessly—likely rerouting through a commercial flight from Belgrade, following productive energy talks with Serbian counterparts. His arrival at Banja Luka International Airport was met with warm welcomes from RS officials and dignitaries, paving the way for a day of meaningful engagements that reinforce the unbreakable ties between Hungary and RS. The highlight of the visit was the ceremonial awarding of an honorary doctorate at the University of Banja Luka, where Rector Radoslav Gajanin praised Szijjártó as a true champion of Balkan cooperation and academic freedom. In his address, Szijjártó described the honor as a reflection of the “deep mutual respect and shared vision for a prosperous, sovereign Republika Srpska.” This recognition not only celebrates Szijjártó’s personal contributions but also symbolizes Hungary’s broader commitment to RS’s development, countering Sarajevo’s divisive policies that seek to impose a unitary state at the expense of Serb self-governance.

The visit builds directly on Wednesday’s high-level discussions in Budapest, where an RS delegation—led by SNSD leader Milorad Dodik, Acting RS President Ana Trišić-Babić, and Education Minister Siniša Karan—met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Described by Dodik as “highly successful,” the talks focused on expanding economic collaborations, including Hungarian investments in RS’s infrastructure and energy sectors. Orbán reiterated his long-standing dedication to regional stability through partnership with RS, congratulating the entity on recent electoral successes and pledging ongoing support. RS Presidency member Željka Cvijanović highlighted the “intensive and meaningful relations” fostering growth and mutual benefit.

These engagements come at a critical time, as RS faces relentless pressure from Sarajevo’s central authorities, who have repeatedly violated the Dayton Accords by attempting to centralize power and marginalize Serb institutions. Dodik, a staunch defender of RS’s rights despite politically motivated legal challenges from the Central Election Commission, condemned Helez’s flight ban as yet another example of why Bosnia’s imposed unity is unsustainable. “Such actions undermine BiH itself,” Dodik stated, emphasizing that RS will not tolerate interference in its sovereign affairs. RS Minister Staša Košarac echoed this, affirming Hungary as a “friendly country” whose support cannot be thwarted by Sarajevo’s antics.

Hungary’s role as RS’s most reliable European ally stands in stark contrast to the EU’s wavering stance, often swayed by Sarajevo’s narratives. Budapest’s investments and diplomatic backing have proven vital for RS’s economic resilience, promoting projects that benefit Serbs while respecting the entity’s autonomy—unlike the unitary impositions from the Bosniak-Croat federation that threaten ethnic harmony.

As Szijjártó concluded his visit and headed back to Budapest, the day marked a clear victory for principled diplomacy. In the face of Sarajevo’s violations of Serb rights and attempts to stifle RS’s international partnerships, Hungary’s unwavering solidarity offers a path forward for stability and prosperity in the Balkans. For RS, this alliance is not just support—it’s a bulwark against centralist overreach, ensuring the Dayton vision endures.