UN Secretary General: Montenegro makes remarkable progress since restoring independance

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Podgorica, Montenegro (23 July 2012) – Prime Minister Igor Lukšić met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for talks on political and economic situation in Montenegro and the region in the light of the integration processes and the cooperation with the United Nations.

UN Secretary General congratulated Montenegro on the opening of accession negotiations with the EU and pledged support for the overall progress achieved since restoring independence. He pointed out that Montenegro's success on its European path came as a result of stable politics and reforms pursued in all areas, and he encouraged the country to continue the final stage of its integration path.

Montenegro has been a constructive partner whose actions contributes to the stability of the region, UN Secretary General noted. He said he is impressed by Montenegro’s progress, its efforts to advance human rights and willingness to cooperate with the neighbours, thus confirming that a small country can play an important role in the region.

Prime Minister Lukšić thanked the Secretary General on his visit, which is a signal that the progress has been made in the entire region. Since it joined the UN in 2006, Montenegro has been showing its commitment to the partnership with all the member states and the determination to carry on the necessary reforms based on democratic principles of the international community.

“Montenegro is a country which is moving forward dynamically. We are aware of the challenges on our further integration path and therefore we will use the upcoming process to carry on the transformation of our society with the aim of empowering institutions and the quality of life for all citizens,” PM Lukšić remarked.

The two officials agreed that Montenegro is a committed and reliable member of the United Nations. The cooperation will be continued through the UN programmes and Montenegro’s support for peacekeeping missions sponsored by that organisation.

The Prime Minister and the UN Secretary General exchanged views on the situation in the region and on global tends in the context of strengthening peace and democracy.