The role of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) in strengthening the identity of Serbs in Republika Srpska (RS) and Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) was very important, said RS President Milorad Dodik, adding that it was a conclusion reached in the meeting he had had with Patriarch Irinej of Serbia Thursday.

Dodik told reporters who gathered in front of the Patriarchate that he and the Patriarch had discussed the relations between the Church and the authorities in RS, which had been assessed to be at the "best possible level." He said that he informed Patriarch Irinej about the current situation and political developments in BiH.

Dodik noted that the talks also touched on the need to complete the construction of the SPC Seminary in the town of Foca, the purchase money for which had been allocated by the Serbian Government, and added that now the facility remained to be adapted.

He announced that the seminary would be consecrated by Patriarch Irinej, which would represent a great honor to the people of the RS and to him personally.