KAZAN, February 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Milorad Dodik, the president of Republika Srpska, an entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for maintaining relations between the two countries.

"We are grateful to you for maintaining regular relations with Russia," Putin said at their meeting in Kazan. "Representatives of the Republika Srpska’s leadership visit us regularly. We cooperate in a wide variety of areas. And I am sure that this visit of yours will also be beneficial. We will be able to spend time to discuss bilateral relations in a number of areas."

The Russian president also thanked Dodik for the support that Republika Srpska provides to many Russian efforts, "including such a noble, in my opinion, event to commemorate the victims of Nazism."

"You even personally attend the march of the Immortal Regiment," Putin said.

Putin noted that Russia and Republika Srpska established relations long ago and the ties are absolutely constructive.

"We are very happy with what has been done. And I very much expect that even more is to done in our relations," the Russian president said.

He also commented on the situation in Republika Srpska.

"We know that the situation in the republic is difficult. We are ready to talk about that, too," Putin said.