SARAJEVO, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Tuesday highlighted the importance of energy cooperation and economic ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina(BiH) at the opening of the 27th International Economy Fair Mostar.
Amid global challenges including security risks, conflicts, supply chain disruptions and rising energy prices, Plenkovic said ensuring energy security has become a priority at the global, European and national levels. He added that such disruptions highlight the need for reliable partners willing to cooperate in times of crisis.
The latest Middle East tensions stem from a war that began in late February 2026, when the United States and Israel launched major strikes on Iran, triggering widespread retaliation.
The disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for roughly 20 percent of global oil and gas trade, during the tensions has severely affected global energy supplies and sent energy prices significantly higher.
Rising oil and petroleum product prices are directly affecting economic activity and fueling inflationary pressures, he said, stressing the need for coordinated international efforts to prevent further escalation of tensions, particularly in the Middle East, and to stabilize energy markets.
Plenkovic also emphasized that energy policy extends beyond technical and market considerations and is closely tied to national sovereignty.
He highlighted the strategic importance of the BiH-Croatia South Gas Interconnection project, describing it as key to diversifying gas supplies and strengthening energy security and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Pointing to strong bilateral ties, he noted that trade between the two countries reached a record 4 billion euros (4.71 billion U.S. dollars) in 2025. Croatia will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's reform efforts and its path toward European integration, he added. ■