Dr. Lagumdzija – Krivokapic: Construction of railroad Niksic – Capljina is in the interest of B&H and Montenegro



On 18 March 2014, in Sarajevo, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dr. Zlatko Lagumdzija met with the Speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro and Parliamentary Assembly President of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Ranko Krivokapic.

Dr. Lagumdzija and Speaker of the Parliament Krivokapic assessed that Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro have excellent and friendly relations, there are no open issues between the two countries as well as there are preconditions for improving cooperation in all areas.     

Dr. Lagumdzija informed his interlocutor about the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina in light of recent events, placing particular accent to the need for a new EU approach to B&H.  

Dr. Lagumdzija and Speaker of the Parliament Krivokapic exchanged information on European and Euro-Atlantic integration of B&H and Montenegro and views on the progress of countries in the region and, on that occasion, welcomed a new economic approach of the European Commission for Western Balkan countries whose focus will be strengthening competitiveness, increasing employment and economic development.  

In conversation was appraised that regional cooperation is at a high level and in the next phase should result in joint economic projects such as building the TAP/IAP pipeline for which exists political support, construction of the Adriatic-Ionian highway etc.

From economic point of view, construction of railroad Niksic – Capljina is an interesting project for B&H and Montenegro and a joint appearance before potential investors has been agreed with regard to the implementation of this project.    

It has been declared that a framework agreement, which is at a satisfactory level, represents a solid basis for expanding overall cooperation and an expectation was stated that the Agreement on Border between B&H and Montenegro will be signed soon. It was noted that economic relations should have a key role in forthcoming bilateral cooperation, especially in the field of energy, transport and tourism.    

At the meeting were discussed activities of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe as well as the situation in Ukraine. The concern was stated over the rise in political tensions in this country and worsening international relations in that regard.