DPM Marković meets representatives of Visegrad Four: Montenegro’s efforts aimed at getting invitation to join NATO by end of 2015

Podgorica, Montenegro (7 May 2015) – The Visegrad Four will continue supporting Montenegro's efforts towards achieving its European and Euro-Atlantic objectives, particularly when it comes to NATO membership, political directors of foreign ministries of Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia stressed at yesterday's meeting with Montenegro's Deputy Prime Minister Duško Marković in Podgorica.

DPM Marković commended traditionally good relations and partnership established between Montenegro and the Visegrad Four countries and the continued support the countries provide to Montenegro in pursuing its foreign policy goals – membership in NATO and EU. One of the top Montenegro’s priorities at this moment is getting the NATO invitation letter, he added.

“Montenegro should demonstrate its willingness not only to respect international standards, but also to implement them successfully”, DPM Marković emphasised.

Montenegrin Government should be focused on the rule of law, as the key precondition of the overall progress, DPM Marković added, stressing that additional efforts should be made towards improving effectiveness of the judiciary and fight against the corruption. He informed the officials about the tangible results already achieved within the legal framework, adding that all further activities will be aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and credibility.

The officials commended Montenegro’s progress in reforming its judicial and intelligence system, stressing the importance of Montenegro’s membership in NATO. In that regard, the Visegrad Four will continue sending positive messages when it comes to Montenegro’s NATO bid, the officials concluded.