The Minister of Energy and Mining of Republika Srpska, Petar Đokić, visited Hungary yesterday, where he met with the Hungarian Minister of Energy, Csaba Lantos, in Budapest. Minister Đokić also held discussions with Peter Holics, Deputy State Secretary for International Relations and EU Affairs.
The meetings focused on joint project implementation and intensifying cooperation between Hungary and Srpska in the fields of energy and mining.
Minister Đokić stated that during the meetings with Hungarian officials in Budapest, a commitment to improving cooperation between Srpska and Hungary through joint investments in the energy and mining sectors was confirmed.
Minister Đokić noted that this is a significant development, especially since Srpska has concluded its activities with the German KfW Bank, making it possible to discuss establishing new relationships for the construction of the “Hrgud” wind power plant, a strategic project for Srpska and the company “Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske.”
“The Hungarian side will further analyze all the documents we have provided so far regarding the Hrgud wind power plant. They are examining the feasibility study and all the parameters important for evaluating this project to be sufficiently motivated to establish a partnership between Srpska and Hungary, specifically between ERS and the Hungarian company MVM,” said Minister Đokić.
He emphasized that during the discussions with the Hungarian Minister of Energy and Mining, Csaba Lantos, and Deputy State Secretary for EU Affairs in the Ministry of Energy, Peter Holics, as well as the Director of MVM, Gergely Horváth, the potential for elevating overall cooperation to a much higher level than before was confirmed.
He mentioned that other energy projects, such as the Trebinje solar power plant and other solar projects, were also discussed, with decisions to be made by the Hungarian side after further consultations and analyses.
“Interest was also expressed in cooperation in the mining sector, particularly in geological research in Srpska and the results we have achieved so far. Hungary wishes to develop cooperation with Republika Srpska and other regional countries in this regard, which is an encouraging fact,” said Minister Đokić.
He pointed out that Hungary has shown an extremely objective approach to the politics and position of Republika Srpska in international relations and fully understands the situation in BiH, believing that Srpska can be a credible partner.
“In this context, we have recognized the importance of the earlier partnership between Republika Srpska and Hungary at the highest level, characterized by meetings between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik,” said Minister Đokić.
He indicated that such established relations now open opportunities for further enhancing bilateral cooperation between Hungary and Republika Srpska.
“I am very pleased with today’s discussions, and we will continue our cooperation. By the next meeting, we will prepare a memorandum of cooperation and understanding regarding the projects of interest to Hungary and Srpska, which should be signed no later than early September,” said Minister Đokić.
He added that following this, Srpska and Hungary will enter a new phase of operational activities on joint projects.
Source: Glas Srpske
