FBiH Government and US partners discussed the South Interconnection gas pipeline

(Patria) - A delegation of the Government of the Federation of BiH, led by the Federal Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry Vedran Lakić and the Federal Minister of Displaced Persons and Refugees Nerina Dizdar, met today at the seat of the Government of the Federation of BiH with the Chargé d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina John Ginkel, and delegations from the Global Energy Industry Team of the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and the American company Bechtel.

The USTDA delegation was led by Chief Legal Counsel Sam Kwon, while the Bechtel delegation was headed by President for Regional Affairs and Corporate Relations Justin Siberell.

During the meeting, opportunities for supporting the advancement of economic development and energy independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina were discussed, with a focus on the implementation of the South Interconnection gas pipeline construction project.

Federal Ministers Lakić and Dizdar emphasized that the presence of American investments and companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina represents a guarantee of stability. They expressed gratitude for the support and potential assistance from the American Agency and Bechtel in key infrastructure projects.

The meeting highlighted the position of the Government of the Federation of BiH that the construction of the South Interconnection gas pipeline is an energy sector priority and is considered a key project for energy stability of exceptional importance for all citizens and the domestic economy.

Furthermore, the guests were informed that the Government of the Federation of BiH has supported the intensification of activities on the realization of this gas pipeline construction project, including the continuation of the procedure for concluding an intergovernmental agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia, and that the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining and Industry has initiated activities to prepare amendments to the South Interconnection Law in order to enable the project's realization through other models, including the granting of a concession.

US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires in BiH Ginkel pointed out that American companies are very interested in investing in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He stated that the United States considers the construction of the South Interconnection gas pipeline to be of key importance for the energy security and economic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the entire region, and that this project further strengthens the partnership between the US and BiH.

USTDA representatives emphasized the past activities and interest of American companies in investing and operating in overseas countries. The particular significance of today's meeting was precisely in the presence of representatives from the US Trade and Development Agency, which finances feasibility studies and pilot projects.

Bechtel representatives presented their company, highlighting their operations in the region and their status as one of the largest engineering and construction companies in the world, recognized for building energy and road infrastructure. The meeting participants concluded that there are many opportunities for further improvement of cooperation.