Belgium pledges commitment to European, Euro Atlantic future of Montenegro and Western Balkan

Podgorica, Montenegro (16 February 205) -- Prime Minister Milo Đukanović spoke earlier today in Podgorica with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium Didier Reynders.

PM Đukanović thanked the Belgian Government for its continued support and assistance, stressing the visit testifies to Brussels’ commitment to European and Euro- Atlantic future of Montenegro and the region as a whole.

He voiced hope that Montenegro will receive an invitation for NATO membership by the end of the year and that it will achieve further progress in negotiations with the EU.

The meeting reiterated importance of economic growth and development, strengthening of the rule of law and reform of the society as a whole. In that context, the meeting also addressed Montenegro’s investment potential and possibilities of enhancing bilateral cooperation, with special emphasis on further expert and other support to Montenegro in strengthening administrative capacity.

Head of the Belgian diplomacy welcomed Montenegro’s economic and democratic progress, noting that his country will continue to support its European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, as well as European perspective of the Western Balkans. He particularly underscored the importance of media freedom and strengthening the rule of law.

In addition to bilateral cooperation, and the support Belgium provides to the Western Balkan countries through membership in NATO and EU, Mr Reynders referred to possibilities for cooperation between the region and the Benelux countries, which presidency is currently hold by Belgium.