Budapest: Hungary strongly supports Montenegro's EU, NATO bids

Budapest, Hungary (7 April 2016) -- Outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Montenegro Igor Lukšić paid an official visit to Budapest, where he met with  his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijarto.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister praised Montenegro's achievements towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration, and stressed the firm commitment of Hungary to continue providing full support to Montenegro. In that context, he pointed out that Hungary will be one of the first countries to ratify the protocol of Montenegro's accession to NATO.

The meeting also discussed the Government of Montenegro's candidacy for the post of the UN Secretary-General. Mr Szijarto noted that the DPM Lukšić's visit to Hungary is of great importance in the context of future election of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, adding that the appointment of the Secretary-General from the region of Southeast Europe would be of particular significance for Hungary, expecially in terms of stability of the Western Balkans.

Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić thanked Mr Szijarto for Hungary's strong political and expert support in meeting criteria for membership in the EU and NATO, especially in the period of intensified and focused talks, having in mind Hungary's role as NATO contact point embassy in Montenego. He outlined the basic elements of the programme he is going to present in New York next week, as part of the UN General Assembly's informal dialogue with candidates for the role of Secretary-General.

The two heads of diplomacy also discussed the process of European integration. DPM Lukšić spoke about the dynamics of the negotiation process and stressed that the Government will continue to fulfill obligations from the European agenda with the same inensity. He also thanked Hungary for their active role in the promotion of European and Euro-Atlantic perspective of the Western Balkans, with special emphasis on Montenegro, which is recognised as a regional leader in the integration process.

The two officials agreed that, although the cooperation in the previous period had been concentrated on activities aimed at fulfilling integration requirements, Montenegro and Hungary will make continue making efforts towards strengthening bilateral relations in all fields, especially the economic ones.