On September 12, 2024, a meeting was held at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade between the Office for Combating Drugs of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Commission for the Suppression of Drug Abuse from the Republic of Srpska. The Office for Combating Drugs was represented by the Director, Mr. Milan Pekić, along with his associates, while the Commission from the Republic of Srpska was led by Mrs. Vesna Vipotnik, Assistant Minister of Health and Social Welfare of the Republic of Srpska and President of the Commission, along with its members.
After exchanging experiences in creating public policies in this field and collaborating with civil society organizations, as well as presenting best practices in the area of drug policy, the meeting focused on key steps to improve communication and establish long-term cooperation in combating drug abuse, which was recognized as a priority of mutual interest.
Representatives from both sides agreed on joint activities in the areas of raising awareness about the application of new approaches to addressing addiction issues, education, research, and the exchange of experiences and best practices. These efforts will culminate in the signing of a memorandum of cooperation in the field of combating drug abuse.
The Office for Combating Drugs and the Commission from the Republic of Srpska reaffirmed their commitment to further cooperation, emphasizing the importance of a regional approach in addressing challenges related to drug abuse. This meeting highlights their shared dedication to improving public health and safety through coordinated efforts and the responsible implementation of strategies.