Bosnian Serbs award Hungary's Orbán same state honour they gave to Putin last year

As part of a series of events held on the occasion of the Day of Republika Srpska, the entity's leader Milorad Dodik presented a number of honours to individuals "who have left their mark on the republic's life". One of this year's honorees was Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who was not present at the ceremony, vijesti.ba reported.

"Today, as we celebrate our republic, we proudly remember all those who have contributed to the existence and survival of Republika Srpska. My team and I have been following the activities of many and we have decided to award medals to those who have made a lasting contribution. One such person is Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who was delighted to receive the award and will personally receive it sometime in February," Dodik said, praising the Hungarian Prime Minister.

He added that Orbán's acceptance of Republika Srpska's highest award is a source of pride for the republic. "We are grateful to this man for seeing us as a genuine political actor," Dodik said, explaining why Orbán was chosen.

The president recalled that last year's recipient of the same state honour was Russian President Vladimir Putin, and stressed that the two leaders are friends of Republika Srpska and acknowledge so openly, which is not something that has happened until recently. Orbán and Dodik have had a good relationship in recent years, and at their last meeting, the Hungarian Prime Minister promised 118 million euros to the Serbian entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Most recently, Dodik has drawn attention to himself by saying that if Donald Trump wins the US election, he will declare the independence of Republika Srpska from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, adding that he now regrets not doing so during Trump's first presidential term. Last October, the US imposed sanctions on members of Dodik's family and business circle.