PM Đukanović hosts President Mattarella: Italy pledges full support to Montenegro's EU and NATO aspirations

Podgorica, Montenegro (2 May 2015) – Earlier today Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Đukanović hosted Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who is paying an official visit to Montenegro.

The first visit of the President of Italy to the independent state of Montenegro is the crown of the political and overall relations established between the two countries and acknowledgment of their friendship, the two officials concluded at today’s meeting in Podgorica.

Prime Minister Đukanović thanked President Mattarella for Italy’s contribution to regional stability, restoration of Montenegro's independence and support for Montenegro and the region’s integration efforts.

"Montenegro and Italy share universal democratic values that have special importance in the areas intertwined with differences, such as the Balkans. Therefore, the issue of stability in the region is the key to overall economic and democratic progress, "said Prime Minister Đukanović, and pointed out that "integration is synonymous with stability of the Balkans."

He also stressed the Montenegro government’s commitment to reforms being undertaken with the aim of boosting the quality of life of the citizens, attracting investors and full integration of Montenegro into EU and NATO.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella emphasised Montenegro’s extraordinary contribution to preserving regional peace over the years full of temptations. He particularly underlined that Montenegro is an example of how to restore independence, preserve multi-ethnic harmony, promote coexistence and tolerance, and contribute to regional cooperation, which is a prerequisite for further integration of the Balkan countries.

European Union has to contribute to the stability of the Western Balkan through its active engagement, President Mattarella pointed out, adding that the EU will be complete only in case that the countries of the region are fully integrated.

Montenegro is successfully overcoming parts of its path towards EU and NATO accession, the Italian President underscored, hopeful that based on the results Montenegro is achieving it will get the membership invitation by the end of the year.

Prime Minister Đukanović and President Mattarella concluded that the two countries will continue enhancing successful economic cooperation through the implementation of major projects in the field of energy, and encouraging the expansion the investors’ community in Montenegro.

The two officials also positively assessed the importance of exchanging experience concerning education and science, youth mobility and recognition of their social engagement in the communities they live in.

It was agreed that the implementation of joint infrastructure projects that will link countries of the region with each other and with the European Union will make a contribution to further development and overall progress.