DPM Marković: Coordination of state authorities and international partners crucial for quick response to possible migration pressures

Podgorica, Montenegro (8 September 2015) -- Montenegro is not heavily exposed to the current migration flows, which is an advantage in terms of early warning in case of the spreading of the crisis to its territory, today's meeting between Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister Duško Marković and a delegation of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) concluded.

Noting that the current migration route covers the territories of Macedonia and Serbia, IOM’s Regional Coordinator for the Western Balkans Gianluca Rocco pointed out that in case of changes that may be caused by these states’ actions, the route could be redirected through Albania and Kosovo. In this case, Montenegro would have enough time to prepare for responding to the influx of migrants to its territory. 

Speaking of the increase in the number of migrants moving to Italy, the IOM’s representatives informed Deputy Prime Minister Marković about the situation in that country and the response being followed by the IOM's support provided to that country. The meeting emphasised importance of a country’s response to this kind of challenge, as well as the IOM’s willingness to cooperate in order to determine the direction of possible action in a more quality manner.

DPM Marković thanked the IOM’s Office for the successful cooperation established with the Government of Montenegro, stressing the attention Montenegro is paying to regional cooperation and the strengthening of stability and security in the region, including cooperation in terms of the migration policy. He said that the current migration crisis is one of the biggest challenges for Europe, highlighting Montenegro's readiness to contribute to its solution.

"Close cooperation with IOM and continuous coordination between state authorities and international partners is of paramount importance for rapid response to possible migration pressure on the borders of Montenegro," DPM Marković concluded.