Transport Minister Brajović: SEETO forum to help Montenegro incorporate road network in regional, European networks

Brussels, Belgium (3 December 2013) – Montenegro’s delegation, headed by Transport Minister Ivan Brajović, took part at the 9th Annual Meeting of Western BalkanTransport Ministers in Brussels. The meeting discussed the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of South East Europe Core Regional Transport Network.

In his opening address, European Transport Commissioner Sim Kallas pointed out that regional transport cooperation is significant for building relationships and future integration of the region into the EU. Cooperation within the South East Europe Transport Observatory (SEETO), in his words, is a successful example enabling to raise efficiency of transport, services and expansion of business activities. Along with increasing territorial cohesion, it also affects economic growth of the countries of the region. Signing of the transport community treaty would be a qualitative leap towards establishing a single transport market, thus creating conditions for quick and high quality merchandise trade, as well as better, safer, faster and cheaper transport, the European Transport Commissioner stressed.

Montenegro’s Transport Minister Brajović in his speech referred to the development of transport strategies, efforts and Montenegro’s commitment to integrated transport policy and connectivity in the region. In this context, he underlined Montenegro will strive to maintain a balance between continuity and reconstruction and maintenance of existing infrastructure and building new ones, with obvious need for evolving transportation policy if the country is to keep pace with changes and optimise the use of the existing trasport network..

Western Balkan transport ministers agreed that regional cooperation and collaboration on priority projects is essential for boosting connectivity and regional cooperation, as well as for enhancing economic growth and greater progress towards the EU.

SEETO Supervisory Board meeting, also held in Brussels yesterday, discussed strategic framework for developing a comprehensive network of initiatives for presenting a regional project titled Flagship Project Initiative.Participation in the work of SEETO forums, documents preparation and decision-making process is of great importance for Montenegro, as it enables the country to present its transport policies and priorities, and contribute to better incorporation of the national road network in the regional and European networks. The inclusion of Bar- Boljare highway into the SEETO comprehensive regional transport network as Route 4 is the best confirmation of that approach.