Chinese Ambassador to BiH discussed vaccine procurement with Novalić.

Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Fadil Novalić received today, at the headquarters of the FBiH Government in Sarajevo, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to BiH Ji Ping, with whom he discussed vaccine procurement and the construction of Block 7.

Regarding the negotiations for the procurement of coronavirus vaccines, Prime Minister Novalić informed the Chinese Ambassador about the efforts that competent representatives of the Federation of BiH are continuously making to procure a larger quantity of vaccine doses for the needs of citizens in FBiH as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Novalić stated that, when it comes to direct vaccine procurement, analyses and market research have shown that Chinese companies have respected all deadlines and agreements. The Federation of BiH has directly negotiated for the procurement of 500,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine, all demands of the Chinese side have been met, and this contract is currently in the signing phase. He also emphasized that by signing this contract, the Federation will not give up on the direct procurement of Sputnik and Pfizer vaccines, for which contracts are also in the final stage, because the goal is to vaccinate as many citizens of the Federation as possible.

Prevention and control are the best way to suppress the spread of the pandemic and its consequences, the interlocutors agreed, and vaccination is the fastest way to protect what is most important, the health of the citizens.

Ambassador Ping emphasized that the Chinese government supports the achieved cooperation, and that, despite the need to vaccinate their own citizens, their commitment is that the Chinese vaccine is a public good for all people.  

During the meeting, the Prime Minister and the Ambassador also exchanged information on the project of constructing Block 7 of the Tuzla Thermal Power Plant. Prime Minister Novalić reiterated the FBiH Government's commitment to implementing this project, and emphasized that within its competences, the Federal Government has fulfilled all steps for the realization of this significant energy project. It was stated that all involved parties should find the best solution for the implementation of this project through joint contribution and additional consultations, thereby contributing to energy stability.