Prime Minister, Ambassadors: Montenegro next in line to join EU, NATO, integration important for regional stability

Podgorica, Montenegro (19 November 2013) – Prime Minister Milo Đukanović met yesterday with newly appointed ambassadors of France and Hungary, with whom he discussed the importance of Montenegro’s and region’s EU and NATO integration for overall prosperity and stability. The Prime Minister and the ambassadors also discussed economic cooperation and new investment.

In his meeting with Ambassador of France Verionique Brumeaux, Prime Minister Đukanović stressed the importance of French support to Montenegro’s reform processes and noted that Montenegro views its tasks towards reaching EU and NATO standards as domestic needs of societal and economic development. Prime Minister and Madam Ambassador concurred on the importance of Western Balkans’ integration into the EU and NATO for the overall stability of the region.

Ambassador Krisztian Posa reiterated Hungary’s determination to continue supporting Montenegro towards EU and NATO membership and stated he is confident Montenegro would be the next country in line to join both communities, having in mind it has made the most notable progress in the region since restoring independence.

“The continuation of NATO enlargement policy in accordance with individual achievements of aspiring countries is of great strategic importance for the Western Balkans regional stability, and the Government will continue working hard towards meeting the preconditions required for an invitation to the alliance membership,” the Prime Minister told Mr Posa.

Prime Minister Đukanović and the ambassadors also discussed bilateral cooperation in various areas. He and the French Ambassador agreed on the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation in culture and education, and Madam Ambassador stressed France’s readiness to support Montenegro’s further development.

Prime Minister told Ambassador Posa that Montenegro highly regards its excellent political and economic cooperation with Hungary and the two officials identified possibilities to broaden this cooperation in the areas of agriculture and food-processing. Ambassador Posa underscored Hungary’s sustained interest to continue investing in Montenegro, as a country providing an excellent starting point for other markets in the region.