Israel Opens First Trade Office in Bosnia's Republika Srpska

For the first time, an Israeli trade office has been established in Banja Luka, the capital of Republika Srpska, a region within Bosnia and Herzegovina. The office aims to deepen economic and business ties between Israel and the entity.

The establishment of this representative office is intended to leverage the warm relations between Israel and Republika Srpska, translating them into practical economic benefits. This will be achieved through promoting trade, attracting mutual investments, fostering broad cooperation, and facilitating the entry of Israeli companies and businesses into the local market.

This move signifies a further strengthening of diplomatic ties, following recent meetings between Republika Srpska leadership, including former President Milorad Dodik, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister G Gideon Sa'ar, and President Isaac Herzog over the past year.

The opening ceremony was attended by Republika Srpska's current President, Sinisa Karan, former President Milorad Dodik, and other senior officials. Israel was represented by Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli and Israel's Ambassador to Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Galit Peleg. Amir Kabiri will serve as the head of the trade office.

During the ceremony, President Karan presented awards to Minister Chikli and Ambassador Peleg in recognition of their contributions to strengthening relations. Ambassador Peleg read a message from President Herzog. Minister Chikli emphasized the deep friendship between the two sides, particularly since the October 7th attacks, stating that "Israel does not forget its friends and stands by those who stood by it." As part of his visit, Minister Chikli also met with leaders of the local Jewish community and visited the memorial room dedicated to the tens of thousands of victims at the Jasenovac concentration camp.