The meeting was also attended by the Federal Minister of Energy, Mining, and Industry, Vedran Lakić, as well as representatives of the Embassy of the United States of America in Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by Chargé d'Affaires John Ginkel.
The meeting particularly welcomed yesterday's nearly unanimous adoption of the Draft Law on Amendments to the Law on the "Southern Interconnection between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia" in the House of Representatives of the FBiH Parliament, with the assessment that this represents an important step toward the realization of one of the most strategically significant energy projects in BiH.
The interlocutors reminded that for the law to enter into force, it must also be adopted by the House of Peoples of the FBiH Parliament, whose session is scheduled for next week, after which the focus will be on finalizing the interstate agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia.
Prime Minister Nikšić expressed his commitment to the earliest possible start of the project's implementation, which, as he emphasized, goes beyond economic significance.
"We perceive 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 significant results that this Government of the Federation can leave behind," stated the Federal Prime Minister.
Volz and Ginkel congratulated on yesterday's success in the House of Representatives, emphasizing that this project holds broader significance for the partnership between the two countries.
"This is a strategically important project that further brings together the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It confirms that BiH is ready for investments in the energy sector and to be part of the security and stability in Europe," said Volz.
It was also assessed that the adoption of the law sends a strong message to investors.
"This is a project that opens space for new investments and further strengthens the interest of American investors in Bosnia and Herzegovina," said Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in BiH, Ginkel.
Prime Minister Nikšić conveyed that the Government will undertake everything within its authority to accelerate the next steps and see concrete results on the ground as soon as possible. Additionally, Special U.S. Envoy Volz emphasized that, with the support of American partners, activities to prepare for the project's implementation are continuing immediately.
"As the formal steps are being completed, we are simultaneously working on engaging expert resources to launch the project as soon as possible," conveyed Volz.
Furthermore, Minister Lakić pointed out the importance of the next phase.
"Ahead of us are key steps, primarily the conclusion of the interstate agreement, to ensure an unimpeded start of the project's implementation," said Lakić.
It was underscored that the Southern Interconnection also represents one of the key projects for further strengthening cooperation between BiH and the U.S. in the energy and infrastructure sectors, including joint consideration of measures that could contribute to stabilizing the energy market and creating 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 upcoming planned measures related to the normalization of fuel prices in our country, and it was conveyed that there is a mutual commitment to accelerating all joint activities on the economic development of the Federation of BiH.