Chairwoman Krišto at Round Table: „Energy Sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina - South Gas Interconnection as Strategic Step”

Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of BIH Borjana Krišto addressed today in Mostar to participants of the „Energy Sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina - South Gas Interconnection as Strategic Step” Round table.

Chairwoman Krišto said we are in the time when energy security, sustainability and economic prudence are not separate issues anymore, but rather intertwined challenges requiring a strategic approach. She underlined that it is today a matter of a long term capability of each country to counter global energy challenges.

When it comes to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Krušto added, we do not have our own sources of natural gas, we depend on import by one transport route, so diversification of sources of supply and development of sustainable energy system is more than justifiable.

“Rightly, the South Gas Interconnection is a key project ahead, relevant not only as an infrastructure project, but in terms of security and indication of dedication of our country for strengthening of regional cooperation, linking with global energy market and more secure future for all in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, Chairwoman Krišto said.

She emphasised that the Council of Ministers of BIH remains strongly committed to support projects contributing energy independence, investment attraction and speeded economic development. She added that we all have bear on mind that such project requires a coordinated approach by authorities at different levels.

She said that one of the key assumptions are amendments and supplements to the Law on South Gas Interconnection Gas Pipeline of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia, adopted last week at the Federation of BIH Parliament House of Representatives, and expected to be adopted at the House of People this week.

As to the procedure with the Council of Ministers of BIH, Krišto explained, it is in accordance with the Law on Conclusion and Execution of International Treaties, and it requires  the negotiations platform to define  essential elements relevant for conclusion of an international treaty, therefore a lot of energy was invested to negotiations so as to clarify procedure and finally to get by the end of last week a new text Draft Agreement harmonised with the Law Amendments.

She added that from that very moment, the Council of Ministers of BIH, having a legal basis, move to a procedure of conclusion of an international agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, expecting the process to be finalised within shortest time possible.

I am convinced that today’s round table is a chanceto exchange knowledge and experiences  through open discussions with our panellists and arrive to a proposal how to accelerate additionally implementation of this important project”, Chairwoman Krišto said.

Chairwoman Krišto urged all panellists to seize the moment and by their own example, through our institutions, show genuine dedication for development of a stable, safe and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina. She thanked to all international partners, especially genuine friends from the Republic of Croatia for intensive and high quality cooperation on the project.

Link for photos:

https:///www.flickr.com/photos/vijeceministara/albums/72177720333089846