TRIŠIĆ BABIĆ MEETS US COMPANIES TO BOOST ENERGY AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

ISTOČNO SARAJEVO, JANUARY 15 /SRNA/ – Acting President of Republika Srpska Ana Trišić Babić emphasized that Republika Srpska conducts politics of stability, development, and open cooperation with all relevant international partners. She noted that relations with the United States are on an upward trajectory, with increasing mutual understanding and respect for the interests of peoples and institutions in BiH, particularly in the context of the administration of President Donald Trump.

Trišić Babić has met today in Istočno Sarajevo with a delegation from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Global Energy Team, led by Chief Legal Advisor Sam Kwon, as well as with a delegation from the American company Bechtel, headed by President for Regional Affairs and Corporate Relations Justin Siberell, in the presence of US Charge d’Affaires John Ginkel. The discussions focused on potential cooperation in energy and strategic infrastructure projects. The Bechtel delegation expressed its readiness to enhance economic cooperation and implement joint projects in collaboration with the Government of Republika Srpska. The meeting highlighted the new dynamic in RS-US relations, which opens space for broad economic cooperation, including investments and a greater presence of US companies in Republika Srpska. Trišić Babić also noted that such a developmental approach has not always been present for projects of vital importance to the Serb people and Republika Srpska, which, she said, have often been blocked or challenged by political authorities in Sarajevo without rational justification and contrary to the spirit of partnership. Trišić Babić stressed that Republika Srpska remains fully committed to the Dayton Peace Accords and pointed out the issues that represent a "red line" for Srpska institutions. "The issue of property and attempts to deprive Republika Srpska of the right to manage its assets represent a `red line` for our institutions and all political entities in Republika Srpska. Any attempt to impose or seize this matter from Republika Srpska will lead to the end of decision-making at the BiH level," Trišić Babić said. Participants assessed that there are significant opportunities to intensify cooperation on developmental and infrastructure projects, and that open dialogue is the best path toward stability and prosperity for all peoples in BiH.