Minister Konjević visits Berlin: Germany to continue to support Montenegro's fight against corruption and organised crime

Berlin, Germany (19 May 2015) – Interior Minister of Montenegro Raško Konjević paid an official visit to Berlin, where he met with his German counterpart Thomas de Maizière for talks on strengthening cooperation between police forces of Montenegro and Germany, expertise exchange and operational support.

The meeting particularly discussed the forthcoming activities aimed at enabling Montenegro's Police Directorate to conduct the most complex financial investigation, prevention and fight against terrorism, as well as further strengthening of capacities related to fight against human trafficking and dealing with a very apparent abuse of modern technologies and social networks in carrying out criminal activities. German Federal Ministry of the Interior and Federal Police Force are willing to remain a credible partner of Montenegro’s security services, with a particular emphasis on the implementation of measures contributing to Montenegro’s progress towards the accession processes, the meeting pointed out.

Minister Konjević stressed Montenegro’s commitment to carrying out the activities related to the implementation of the reforms in order to achieve positive results in providing the needed conditions for attracting new investments and improving economic partnership. German support in all these activities will be crucial for the upcoming implementation of the activities and measures prescribed by European and Euro – Atlantic agenda, Minister Konjević highlighted.

According to the Joint Statement of Intent between the ministries of the interior of Montenegro and Germany, the two countries intend to expand and intensify mutual cooperation, as a result of the previous effective coordination and mutual understanding. German Ministry of the Interior will continue providing assistance in terms of building capacities of the Montenegrin Police Directorate in combating organised crime, prevention of corruption, as well as implementing other activities for securing the rule of law as a key precondition for further progress towards the EU and NATO membership the meeting pointed out.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Konjević met with German State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of the Interior Emily Haber, President of the German Federal Police Force Holger Münch, representatives of the German Foreign Ministry and President and other members of the Committee on Internal Affairs of the German Bundestag.