Minister for European Affairs Repentin: France remains strict but fair Montenegro’s partner on its path towards EU

Paris, France (10 October 2013) -- France remains a strict but fair Montenegro’s partner on its path towards the EU membership and will provide expertise and other assistance so that Montenegro can successfully implement obligations under the Action Plans for Chapters 23 and 24, French Minister for European Affairs Thierry Repentin underlined at a meeting with Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Duško Marković in Paris on Wednesday.

He praised intensive bilateral relations that have been established between Montenegro and France, stressing the importance of economic cooperation and expectations of greater French presence in Montenegro in terms of investments.

In the context of the country’s EU integration process, DPM Marković informed Minister Repentin about Montenegro’s negotiating positions for the chapters 23 and 24, which were submitted to the Lithuanian presidency, and highlighted the importance of implementing measures that are already underway in these strategic documents, primarily the adopted constitutional amendments and justice laws.

The meeting also discussed the active participation of France in twinning projects in Montenegro, particularly referring to the projects already implemented in the area of justice and home affairs.

Both sides agreed that DPM Marković’s visit and the announced signing of a joint statement on cooperation between the two justice ministries are important from the standpoint of the imminent opening of the negotiating chapters 23 and 24.