Flynn: Energy security is key to BiH stability

(Patria) - President of the American company AAFS Infrastructure and Energy LLC Joseph Flynn was a guest on Federal Television's Dnevnik D evening news tonight.

Flynn says the Southern Gas Interconnection project is strategically important for BiH and the region, as it contributes to energy security, economic development, and political stability in the Western Balkans.

He states that his company has been monitoring infrastructure and energy opportunities in BiH and the region for four years, and sees this project as a long-term investment.

- This is not a project that happened overnight. We have been monitoring the situation in BiH and the region for four years. Projects like this bring jobs, energy security, and economic development - Flynn emphasizes.

Speaking about his company's role, he stated that AAFS brings together various expert and financial partners who work together on the project's realization.

- We bring together engineers, financiers, contractors, and investors. We act as conductors of a large orchestra. That is the best analogy for our role - Flynn says.

He adds that the company collaborates with major international banks and private investors to secure capital for the project's realization.

Flynn emphasized that the Southern Interconnection is also important for the United States, as it reduces the region's energy dependence on Russia.

- For the US, energy security is a matter of national security. We do not want the region to be dependent on a single energy source - Flynn stated.

He also notes that the U.S. Embassy in BiH fully supports this project.

According to him, strengthening energy infrastructure directly impacts economic growth and stability.

- When you have energy security, you also have economic prosperity. This means more jobs and safer living conditions for citizens - Flynn explains.

He claims that projects like this cannot guarantee political stability, but they can create prerequisites for long-term development.

Speaking about planned gas power plants, Flynn explained that they are necessary for the efficient use of the pipeline's capacity.

- The pipeline must have enough points for gas uptake and distribution. Without that, the project does not make full sense - he states.

The goal, he says, is to ensure a stable supply for households and businesses throughout the region.

Responding to criticism that AAFS is a newly established company without experience, Flynn said it was formed precisely for the needs of this project.

- This legal entity was established to coordinate a large number of partners and investors. It has over 150 years of combined experience behind it - Flynn explained.

He also points out that institutional support is necessary for the realization of infrastructure projects.

- We are grateful for the support of the Government of the Federation of BiH and the U.S. Embassy - Flynn said.

He denied that his brother, former General Michael Flynn, has any connection to lobbying in favor of Milorad Dodik.

- My brother is a private citizen and does not speak on behalf of the U.S. administration. The United States clearly supports the Dayton Agreement - Flynn stated.

Speaking about prices, he said that no one can guarantee the final price of gas, but that greater competition can lead to more stable and lower prices.

- When you have multiple supply sources, prices are usually lower and more stable - he explains.

And regarding deadlines, he stated that the project's completion by the end of 2027 is possible, but it depends on the speed of administrative procedures.

- Time is crucial. If we quickly secure the contract and funds, we can move forward with implementation - Flynn responded.

He confirmed that discussions have already taken place with the American company Bechtel, but a final decision has not yet been made.

- We are talking to several companies. Bechtel is one of the possibilities, but the decision depends on the conditions and price - he states.

At the end of the conversation, he said that transparency is key to public trust.

- This is an important project for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we want the public to be clearly informed - Flynn concluded.