Cooperation between Montenegro and IOM to be intensified through comprehensive approach to regional migration challenges

Podgorica, Montenegro (29 April 2015) -- High-quality and successful cooperation between the Government of Montenegro and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) will be further intensified through comprehensive access to regional migration challenges, Deputy Prime Minister Duško Marković, IOM Regional Director Renate Held, Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Western Balkan Gianluca Rocco and Head of IOM’s Office in Montenegro Dušica Živković, agreed at today's meeting in Podgorica. 

DPM Marković commended constructive cooperation developed between the Government of Montenegro with the International Organisation for Migration, which has made significant results in creating an effective legislative framework for pursuing migration policy.

"Migration challenges in the region and its spillover across EU countries require effective prevention of current illegal migration and asylum problems, and the government of Montenegro is strongly committed to being a cooperative part of the European policy in this area," Deputy Prime Minister Marković pointed out.

IOM Regional Director Renate Held underlined importance of regional cooperation not only within the Western Balkan, but beyond as well, and voiced IOM’s willingness to support Montenegro in developing strategies for implementing migration policies.

Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Western Balkan Gianluca Rocco supported Montenegro taking over the chairmanship of the MARRI and its positioning in the region.

Head of IOM’s Office in Montenegro Dušica Živković praised adoption of the new Law on Foreigners, adding that the next step should be to provide institutional support and cooperation in its implementation.

The meeting also discussed next steps in resolving issues of asylum and relations with the Diaspora. Both sides agreed that Montenegro's role as a key partner at the regional level is essential for further boosting cooperation among neighbourly countries in the field of migration.