First-year second study cycle student at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Istočno Sarajevo, Nikola Lapčević, was unanimously elected today as President of the Students' Union of the Republic of Srpska

The constitutive session in Istočno Novo Sarajevo was also attended by the Minister of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, Draga Mastilović, who expressed satisfaction with the democratic atmosphere and unity demonstrated by students from Srpska, and congratulated the newly elected leadership of the Union.

He expressed confidence that good cooperation between the Ministry and the Students' Union and the student parliament will continue, given that they share many common topics and projects that have already been initiated or are in the process of implementation.

Minister Mastilović stated that the Government of the Republic of Srpska is committed to continuing to provide full support for the development of higher education, particularly student welfare.

"We face an important task, which is cooperation on drafting a new Law on Higher Education. We will hold discussions with student representatives and the academic community and, I hope, reach mutually agreed solutions that will improve higher education in Srpska," the Minister said.

Lapčević said that in the coming period he will continue to work towards improving student welfare and the quality of education.

"As before, we will work in the interest of all our colleagues, strive to launch as many new activities as possible, complete ongoing projects, and ensure that all students have equal treatment in the Republic of Srpska," Lapčević told reporters in Istočno Novo Sarajevo.

Vice-President of the Students' Union of the Republic of Srpska was elected to be Luka Krstić, a fourth-year student at the Faculty of Security Studies in Banja Luka, who said that continuous work will continue on improving student welfare and implementing projects.

The session was held at the premises of the Rectorate of the University of Istočno Sarajevo.