Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) could use regional capital projects in the energy sector as an opportunity to develop their economies, said the Minister of Mining, Oil, and Gas and Coordinator of the Ministry of Energy, Admir Šahmanović and the Ambassador of BiH, Branimir Jukić.
Šahmanović and Jukić discussed the possibilities of strengthening bilateral cooperation, with a special focus on energy and joint infrastructure projects of regional significance.
The two officials emphasized that the relations between the two countries are already based on mutual trust and support, but also acknowledged there is room for further improvement, especially through concrete joint initiatives that could contribute to economic development and strengthen regional stability.
“With an open approach and mutual support, bilateral relations between the two countries have continuously remained at a high level. However, there is always room to enhance cooperation, and work should be done on conceptualizing regional capital energy projects that both BiH and Montenegro should recognize and use as an opportunity for economic development,” Šahmanović and Jukić jointly stated.
In this context, Šahmanović specifically highlighted the importance of the Adriatic-Ionian gas pipeline project, which has been realized up to the city of Vlorë in Albania.
This infrastructure project represents not only an opportunity for revenue through transit fees but also a chance to further strengthen the energy independence and international position of both countries.
Šahmanović called on Jukić to initiate a review of the current status of the project within the relevant institutions of BiH and to consider potential joint steps toward its realization.
The two officials also exchanged views on other current topics in the energy sector, including the Bileća Lake project and issues related to fee collection, as stated in the release.
Šahmanović emphasized the importance of relevant state institutions sitting down together to concretize further actions that have already been initiated and expressed readiness to support solving these issues within their competencies.
“Developing and constructing strategic infrastructure must be among the priorities of our countries. With modern technologies and the possibility of adaptation for transporting green hydrogen, the gas pipeline can become not only a pillar of energy security but also a foundation for long-term sustainable development,” stated Šahmanović.
Both Montenegro and BiH, as the officials noted, have the capacities, vision, and partnership.
“Let’s use our shared potential to build a more stable, connected, and prosperous future for our citizens and the entire Western Balkans region,” they concluded.
