Željka Cvijanović, the Serb member of the Presidency of BiH, has emphasized that the current U.S. administration has demonstrated a balanced approach toward BiH, opening new opportunities for economic cooperation in the energy, infrastructure and defense industry sectors.
“The United States has demonstrated a balanced approach during this period, taking into account the needs of the country’s representatives, constituent peoples and institutions,” Cvijanović told the Srna news agency.
She explained that the current U.S. administration’s policy toward BiH is based on locally developed solutions, respect for domestic institutions and representatives of the constituent peoples, the preservation of peace and stability, and the promotion of economic cooperation.
“We have not sought any preferential status. We have simply asked that no one else be placed in a privileged position and that everyone be treated equally,” Cvijanović stressed.
According to Cvijanović, conditions have emerged for a different approach to political relations within BiH, without the pressures and measures previously directed against Republika Srpska.
Energy, infrastructure and defense industry offer opportunities
Discussing the potential economic benefits of closer contacts with the U.S. administration, Cvijanović highlighted several sectors where cooperation could be developed.
She identified energy as a particularly promising area, alongside the defense industry and infrastructure development.
Cvijanović acknowledged that implementing major projects would require time, especially given the political circumstances in BiH, but emphasized that serious discussions were already underway and that there was genuine interest in cooperation.
“This is an area for cooperation, not a place to be governed with a heavy hand as it once was. I believe some important projects will indeed be implemented,” she said.
She also argued that stronger economic cooperation could help translate political relations into concrete results by connecting the interests of different parties through joint projects.
Cvijanović welcomes pragmatic U.S.-Russia cooperation
Commenting on U.S. President Donald Trump’s cooperation with Russia, Cvijanović described the current approach as pragmatic and free from what she characterized as artificial and ideological divisions.
She said initiatives aimed at improving relations between major powers should be welcomed, particularly when they could help stabilize economic conditions and ease the difficulties faced by citizens and businesses.
“I see this as a practical, pragmatic measure intended to address certain disrupted relations, primarily in the economic sphere, but also in terms of the lives of citizens and the business community, who are suffering because of those tensions,” Cvijanović said.
“Such activities should be welcomed,” she concluded.
Source: RTRS
