During a two-day working visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković emphasized the importance of long-term support that Croatia provides to its fellow citizens in that country. Plenković participated in a ceremony awarding 199 contracts with a total value of 6.5 million euros, intended for various projects of key importance for the quality of life of Croats in BiH. These projects encompass a wide range of sectors, including education, culture, healthcare, and agriculture, aiming to improve the overall quality of life in BiH. The Prime Minister highlighted that this financial support is not limited only to Croats but contributes to the broader development of society in BiH, which is one of the key priorities of Croatian foreign policy.
The mayor of Mostar, Mario Kordić, expressed his satisfaction with the implementation of these projects, emphasizing their exceptional importance for all citizens of BiH, regardless of their ethnic background. He particularly noted the significance of the University Clinical Hospital in Mostar, which provides healthcare services to the entire region and plays a crucial role in delivering quality medical care. Prime Minister Plenković also visited the University of Mostar and the construction site of the Croatian National Theatre, two strategic projects that Croatia actively supports financially and technically. These projects not only strengthen the cultural identity of Croats in BiH but also ensure the long-term sustainability and development of the entire region, creating a favorable environment for young people to stay in BiH and contribute to its development.
The Prime Minister emphasized that during two terms of his government, more than 340 million euros have been invested in various projects across BiH, from Posavina to Herzegovina. These investments cover projects in various sectors, including education, healthcare, culture, and infrastructure, aiming to create better living conditions for all citizens, especially the youth. Plenković highlighted that one of the main priorities is to encourage the return of Croats to their native regions by creating conditions for sustainable economic and social development. In this context, he particularly emphasized the importance of educational and cultural projects, which play a crucial role in strengthening social cohesion and the identity of Croats in BiH, as well as in creating opportunities for young generations.
The economic cooperation between Croatia and BiH was also a central part of Plenković's visit. The Prime Minister highlighted that trade between the two countries is expected to exceed 3.8 billion euros this year, indicating a deepening economic connection. Plenković noted that this cooperation contributes to the stability and prosperity of both countries and announced further investments in strategic projects that will enhance economic relations. One of the key projects is the South Gas Interconnection, which will significantly improve energy security in the region and provide more favorable conditions for industrial development. This project is also of strategic importance for the energy independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, contributing to the long-term sustainable development of both countries.
The political aspect of the visit was also an important part of Plenković's stay in BiH. During a meeting with Dragan Čović, Chairman of the House of Peoples of BiH and President of the Croatian National Assembly of BiH, Plenković reiterated Croatia's strong support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's European path. He emphasized the importance of BiH continuing with reforms that will enable faster accession to the European Union. In this context, Plenković highlighted the need for electoral law reform to ensure fairer political representation of all constituent peoples. The Prime Minister warned of the importance of equal rights for Croats in BiH, stressing that political stability and equality are crucial for long-term peace and progress in the country.
One of the most significant events during the visit was the ceremonial opening of the new "Herzegovina" bridge, an impressive infrastructure project that spans the Neretva River and connects BiH with European transport corridors. The bridge, nearly a kilometer long, symbolizes the joint effort of Croatia and BiH in creating better transport and economic connections. Plenković highlighted that this project will significantly improve transport connectivity between the two countries, contributing to strengthening economic cooperation and facilitating faster movement of people and goods. This project also has a broader significance as it contributes to the economic development of the region and improves the living conditions of all residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The visit to Mostar was not only symbolic but also represented concrete support from Croatia to Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to the European Union. Croatia will, according to Plenković's words, continue to provide support to BiH through financial, technical, and political channels, with the aim of ensuring stability and prosperity for all its citizens. Plenković emphasized that education, culture, and healthcare are three key pillars on which Croatia bases its support for Croats in BiH, as well as for all other peoples living in the country. This support, according to the Prime Minister, will not cease but will continue in the future, aiming to further strengthen the ties between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Creation time: 05 September, 2024