Nikšić with Volz: Southern Interconnection is a strategic project for BiH's security and development

(Patria) - Federal Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić met today in Sarajevo with the Special Envoy of the United States Department of Energy, Joshua Volz.

The meeting was also attended by the Federal Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry, Vedran Lakić, as well as representatives of the US Embassy in BiH, led by Chargé d'Affaires John Ginkel.

The adoption yesterday of the Bill on Amendments to the Law on the "Southern Interconnection Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia" in the House of Representatives of the Parliament of the Federation of BiH was particularly welcomed at the meeting, with the assessment that it is an important step towards the realization of one of the most strategically important energy projects in BiH.

The interlocutors recalled that for the law to enter into force, it needs to be adopted by the House of Peoples of the Parliament of the Federation of BiH, whose session is next week, after which the focus will be on concluding the intergovernmental agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia.

Nikšić expressed his commitment to the earliest possible start of the project's implementation, which, as he emphasized, goes beyond economic significance.

- We see this project not only as economic, but also as a security one. Its realization represents an important step for the long-term stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is one of the most important results that this Government of the Federation can leave behind - emphasized the Federal Prime Minister.

Volz and Ginkel congratulated on yesterday's success in the House of Representatives, emphasizing that this project has broader significance for the partnership between the two countries.

- This is a strategically important project that further brings the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina closer. It confirms that BiH is ready for investments in the energy sector, but also to be part of security and stability in Europe - said Volz.

It was also assessed that the adoption of the law is a strong message to investors.

- This is a project that opens up space for new investments and further strengthens the interest of American investors in Bosnia and Herzegovina - said Chargé d'Affaires Ginkel.

Nikšić stated that the Government will undertake everything within its competence to accelerate the next steps and see concrete results on the ground as soon as possible.

Volz emphasized that, with the support of American partners, activities on preparing the project's implementation will continue immediately.

- As formal steps are completed, we are simultaneously working on engaging expert resources to launch the project as soon as possible - said Volz.

Minister Lakić pointed out the importance of the next phase.

- Key steps lie ahead of us, primarily the conclusion of the intergovernmental agreement, in order to ensure the smooth start of the project's implementation - said Lakić.

It was emphasized that the Southern Interconnection also represents one of the key projects for further strengthening the cooperation between BiH and the US in the energy and infrastructure sectors, including the joint consideration of measures that could contribute to the stabilization of the energy market and the creation of more favorable conditions for citizens and the economy.

In this regard, support was also expressed for the Government of the Federation of BiH in the next planned measures related to the normalization of fuel prices in our country, and it was stated that there is a mutual commitment to accelerate all joint activities on the economic development of the Federation of BiH.