DPM Lukšić in London: United Kingdom strongly supports Montenegro's EU, NATO bid

London, the United Kingdom (31 October 2013) -- Montenegro enjoys strong support from the UK government for its European and Euro-Atlantic bid, UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Hague emphasised at the meeting with Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Igor Lukšić in London on Wednesday.

He said that the UK government has shown great commitment and enthusiasm for the EU enlargement policy concerning the Western Balkans, as it is vital for the countries of the region. He also voiced his country’s willingness to help further Montenegro’s journey towards EU and NATO membership.

Mr Hague was particularly interested in strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries. By the same token, he informed DPM Lukšić about the British companies’ interest for investing in energy projects in Montenegro. In terms of boosting economic ties, he also welcomed the initiative to organise a Montenegrin-UK investment forum next year.

Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić thanked the United Kingdom for the valuable projects aimed at supporting Montenegro’s integration process. He acquainted Mr Hague with Montenegro efforts in key accession areas, pointing out that Montenegro is aware of the responsibility when it comes to the new approach, having in mind that its experience in the negotiating chapters 23 and 24 serves as a good example to other countries in the region on their path towards the EU.

In the field of Euro-Atlantic integration, DPM Lukšić emphasised that Montenegro has started implementing the fourth action plan for NATO membership, which addresses all key issues from the agenda, expecting the maintenance of the Alliance's open-door policy based on individual merits.

DPM Lukšić also informed the UK official about the Western Balkan Six initiative, aiming to boost cooperation between the countries of the region in order to implement projects and initiatives significant for the citizens. Mr Hague said that such concrete initiatives can help the pre-accession process of the Western Balkan’s countries.

Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić also met in London with Lord Timothy Boswell, Chairman of the European Union Committee of the House of Lords, who praised the impressive progress Montenegro has made to date, noting that the country is on the right track when it comes to EU integration. He added that the UK will continue to support Montenegro’s accession process, noting that regional cooperation is an important aspect of the Western Balkans’ countries integration into the EU.

Lord Boswell also commended pragmatism of the concept of the Western Balkan Six initiative, underlining that the joint appearance of the countries of the region will contribute to better utilisation of the EU funds and economic development as well.

He also said there is significant room for advancing parliamentary cooperation through transfer of experience.