Milorad Dodik, the outgoing Serb member of Bosnia's tripartite Presidency, said he exchanged opinions on strategically important matters with his “dear friend,” Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Thursday, adding that their cooperation has reached the highest level.

“Our relations are excellent, indeed. Hungary is an EU member state, the one that proved to be objective and knows the Balkans well,” said Dodik following the meeting in Budapest, announcing development of a project in agricultural sector.

He also noted that these are difficult moments for energy sector, which poses a problem for Hungary.

“Hungarians as a people want to preserve their identity in Europe, you need to be original and have your own stance,” Dodik concluded.

He also praised Orban for providing “open support” and “acting with no calculations” towards Republika Srpska, Bosnia's Serb majority region, just like Hungary does as well.

On this occasion, Orban congratulated Dodik on the “recent election victory,” which came on the day when Bosnia's top electoral body started election recount for the post of Republika Srpska President that Dodik ran for due to alleged irregularities.

So much winning in one picture. Congratulations, @MiloradDodik, on your recent election victory! pic.twitter.com/x9n92Gjjp7

— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) October 13, 2022

According to his Twitter post, Dodik gifted the Hungarian official with a painting of Banja Luka, administrative seat of Republika Srpska.

Са драгим пријатељем @PM_ViktorOrban размијенио сам мишљење о свим стратешки важним питањима и билатералној сарадњи, за коју смо констатовали да је на највишем нивоу до сада. pic.twitter.com/spHkhIsicb

— Милорад Додик (@MiloradDodik) October 13, 2022