Economy Minister Kavarić in Tirana: Montenegro and Albania set to upgrade infrastructural cooperation

Tirana, Albania (24 February 2015) – Montenegro fully supports the idea of regional cooperation regarding the implementation of infrastructural projects which are not only of national and regional significance, but also have larger economic impact, Minister of Economy Vladimir Kavarić said at the meeting with Albanian Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Entrepreneurship Arben Ahmetaj.

The meeting discussed projects of regional interest and agreed to draft a joint document which will be presented at the EU Conference in Vienna scheduled for August 2015.

Minister Kavarić’s visit was organised within the process of strengthening infrastructural connectedness of the Western Balkan, which was initiated at the conference organised last year in Berlin. He thanked his colleague for Albania’s continued support for the initiative, adding that Montenegro and Albania cherish traditionally good relations which could be improved in many areas.

The two countries should identified projects of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on their funding, which can be supported by the EU, Minister Kavarić stressed.  n that regard, he underlined that the Government of Montenegro has identified three main projects of regional significance: the Adriatic-Ionian Pipeline, Adriatic-Ionian Highway and Bar-Belgrade railway.

The two officials agreed the two countries have similar economies and if they join their forces, they can be more competitive in European and world's market. Signing an agreement on joint infrastructural projects would mark a step forward in achieving the objective.

Minister Ahmetaj told his Montenegrin counterpart that Albania and Serbia have established joint working teams for road and railway infrastructure. They also appointed national coordinators who will identify projects of regional interest within financial support of the EU. He also urged Montenegro to appoint its national coordinator as quickly as possible to join the working team and take part in the implementation of the important projects.