German Ambassador Fischer: Montenegro serious candidate, first in line for NATO membership

Podgorica, Montenegro (20 June 2014) -- Prime Minister Milo Đukanović hosted earlier today German Ambassador Pius Fischer on his farewell visit.

He thanked Ambassador Fischer for his diplomatic engagement in Montenegro, which further improved relations between the two countries, adding that intensive political contacts between Montenegro and Germany bolstered the overall cooperation, especially in the areas crucial for Montenegro’s further progress towards NATO and EU membership.

"The integration process of Montenegro and the Western Balkan establishes a supportive framework for the implementation of social reforms which are prerequisites for further development and stability," the Prime Minister noted, pointing out the importance of economic progress of the region in overcoming its historical backwardness.

Ambassador Fischer reiterated that Germany supports NATO's open door policy and stressed that Montenegro is a serious candidate and first in line for the membership.

Both sides agreed there is room for strengthening economic cooperation, and that the existing cooperation in the  fields of development and the rule of law has produced positive results.