In line with the regional cooperation policy implemented by the Office for Combating Drugs and based on the Agreement on the Establishment of Special Parallel Relations between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, as well as the similarities in drug policy approaches, the Office for Combating Drugs of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Commission for the Suppression of Drug Abuse in the Republic of Srpska signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the Fight Against Drug Abuse in Banja Luka on February 19, 2025.

The Memorandum was signed on behalf of the Office for Combating Drugs of the Government of the Republic of Serbia by its Director, Mr. Milan Pekić, and on behalf of the Commission for the Suppression of Drug Abuse in the Republic of Srpska by its Chairperson, Ms. Vesna Vipotnik. The signing ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare of the Republic of Srpska, Mr. Alen Šeranić, who emphasized that the signing of the Memorandum aligns with the Declaration adopted at the All-Serbian Assembly of the Serbian People and strengthens cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the Republic of Srpska. He further highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the fight against drugs, stressing that, in addition to prevention, attention should also be given to the rehabilitation of individuals struggling with addiction.

The goal of this Memorandum is to improve communication, exchange information, data, and experiences, and to promote cooperation in combating drug abuse. Accordingly, joint activities will be carried out in the following areas:

• Raising awareness of the need to strengthen cooperation in the implementation of drug policy;
• Raising awareness of the need to develop a new approach to addressing drug abuse issues;
• Education and research in the field of drug-related issues;
• Exchange of experiences and best practices;
• Enhancing existing programs and developing new ones in accordance with internationally recognized standards;
• Improving and developing regional cooperation.

The Office for Combating Drugs of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Commission for the Suppression of Drug Abuse in the Republic of Srpska will monitor joint activities and organize regular meetings, hoping to engage society as a whole in this fight to achieve positive results in prevention and rehabilitation.