Forto on hearing before Anti-Corruption Commission: It is important to enable the development of airports in Bihać and Trebinje

(Patria) - Minister of Transport and Communications of BiH Edin Forto issued a press release today confirming that he will gladly respond to the invitation of the Anti-Corruption Commission of the House of Representatives of the BiH Parliamentary Assembly for a hearing, in relation to the Southern Interconnection project and the Law on BHANSA, at the beginning of February.

“Regarding the Southern Interconnection, it will be my pleasure, from the position of the President of Our Party, to emphasize that Our Party was the key player in the adoption of the Law on the Southern Interconnection with our amendments that made it feasible and effective,” stated Minister Forto.

He emphasized that this is a crucial step in ensuring BiH's energy independence, i.e., gas diversification, which we have been waiting for too long due to blockades from one side, and a lack of courage from the other, to take steps of strategic interest for all citizens of BiH.

“I can speak on this topic as the leader of Our Party, but the mentioned subject matter has no connection with the Ministry of Communications and Transport of BiH. I remind you that in accordance with the Law on Ministries and Other Administrative Bodies of BiH, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations is competent for performing tasks and duties within BiH's jurisdiction relating to defining policy, coordinating activities, and harmonizing the plans of entity authorities and institutions on the international level in the areas of: agriculture, energy, environmental protection, development and use of natural resources, and tourism,” stated Minister Forto.

The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations is also the proposer of the BiH Framework Energy Strategy until 2035, adopted in 2018, one of whose chapters deals with gas and clearly indicates the competent authorities in the field of gas transport and distribution, as well as the construction of new gas pipelines, which are under the jurisdiction of companies for gas supply, transport, and distribution, which are accountable to entity ministries of energy for their operations.

Regarding the commission's request for a hearing on the Law on BHANSA, it concerns the Law on the Agency for Air Navigation Services of BiH (BHANSA), which was adopted in 2008 and whose amendments are necessary and prepared in accordance with the best European practices and strategic goals for the growth and development of BHANSA, and thus for the contribution to the economic progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“I have no problem repeating the reasons why amendments to the existing Law are necessary for us. It is particularly important for us to enable the development of airports in Bihać and Trebinje, including the establishment of airport and air traffic control services. There is also the issue of managing drone operations through U-Space services, and initiating commercial training for air traffic controllers, the significance of which is highlighted by the fact that there is a global shortage of 15,000 controllers, and by amending the Law, we would create an opportunity for BHANSA to take a key position in the global market for controller education,” stated Minister Forto.