Montenegrin, Italian officials dicsuss police, judicial coperation

Podgorica, Montenegro (16 October 2013) – Traditionally successful cooperation between Montenegro and Italy, as two friendly and neighbouring partner countries, will be intensified at project and operational levels in the field of strengthening the rule of law, through joint training programmes and continuation of joint actions, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Duško Marković and General Luciano Carta, Head of Italian Financial Police, agreed at a meeting earlier today.

DPM Marković acquainted General Carta with Montenegro's activities in the field of rule of law and fight against organised crime and corruption aimed at gradual elimination of the identified challenges and enhancing professionalism and sustainability of institutions, particularly referring to the planned reorganisation of the judicial network and the concentration of prosecutorial and judicial capacity and competence.

The two officials exchanged views on the recently introduced institution of financial investigation, where Italy has extensive experience and good practices that Montenegro can use through joint projects in this field. They also recognised the scope for cooperation in the areas of improving legislative framework regulating management of seized criminal assets.

The meeting highlighted importance of immediate and regular operational cooperation between the competent institutions of the two countries, primarily the border police, but also the Montenegrin and Italian customs administrations.