US Senator Murphy: Montenegro confident and credible partner of USA in Western Balkan

Podgorica, Montenegro (17 October 2014) – Prime Minister Milo Đukanović hosted Thursday US Senator Christopher Murphy, Chairman of the Subcommittee on European Affairs at the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

PM Đukanović thanked the USA for the overall support provided to Montenegro in its democratic and economic development, emphasising that continued support from the government and Congress in terms of reform process and stability of the state and the entire region is crucial for NATO and EU membership.

European and Euro-Atlantic accession process of the Western Balkans is a formula for the region’s stability, precondition for development and progress of every single state and secure way for meeting European standards aimed at raising the quality of life of citizens of the region, PM Đukanović stressed.

Senator Murphy thanked PM Đukakonivć for his personal contribution to strengthening bilateral cooperation and highlighted the significance of his leadership in current processes. He particularly praised Montenegro's contribution to the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, adding that Montenegro is the most credible and confident partner of the USA in the Western Balkan.

The meeting also discussed further dynamic of the EU and NATO accession process, stressing that Montenegro should continue pursuing reforms in the key areas in order to get an invitation to become the NATO member by the end of 2015.