Dutch Ambassador Stokvis: Montenegro makes significant progress in implementing integration agenda

Podgorica, Montenegro (29 June 2015) -- Prime Minister Milo Đukanović hosted earlier today a farewell visit by Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Laurent Louis Stokvis.

The Netherlands continues to strongly support Montenegro’s EU and NATO bids, appreciating the positive results achieved in implementing the integration agenda, Ambassador Stokvis said, commending Montenegro’s achievements in the fields of justice and the rule of law, and in strengthening economic stability, at the same time voicing her country’s willingness to continue to support the Montenegrin government in overcoming challenges.

The Dutch Ambassador commended the government’s efforts towards making significant results in improving civil and minority rights, and in particular the status and rights of the LGBT population, confirmed by the successful organisation of the IDAHO conference in Budva. The two sides also discussed the need to further strengthen media standards and develop media self-regulation.

Ambassador Stokvis voiced belief that the Montenegrin institutions will make further progress when it comes to the demanding integration path, stressing the significant role of the prime minister for Montenegro’s full integratiom into the community of European nations.

The Prime Minister welcomed the improved relations between Montenegro and the Netherlands, and the platform for further development of relations and cooperation, reiterating how significant the Dutch development assistance for Montenegro is.

"Cooperation in the fields of the rule of law, fight against corruption and human and minority rights promotion, will be one of the priorities in the coming period, as well as the intensification of economic cooperation and creation of conditions for significant investment activity of the Netherlands in Montenegro," Prime Minister Đukanović noted.

Both sides voiced pleasure over the dynamics of the Damen’s operation in Montenegro, referring to the necessity to link the two countries' business communities.