DPM Marković hosts US Congress delegation

VIDEO RECORDING: Deputy Prime Minister Duško Marković meets with US Congressman Michael Turner

Podgorica, Montenegro (31 May 2016) – Deputy Prime Minister Duško Marković hosted today delegation of the United States Congress, led by Congressman Michael Turner.

DPM Marković expressed gratitude for the support of the Government and people of the USA, and informed the delegation about the progress of Montenegro in NATO and the European integration, and the results achieved in the field of the rule of law.

"The partnership between Montenegro and the United States cannot be viewed only through the prism of US strong support of Montenegro's Euro-Atlantic future. The United States was in the last decade one of the key partners of Montenegro's path towards renewal of independence, because United States believed in Montenegro and its capacities in times of serious challenges," the Deputy Prime Minister stated.

DPM Markovic commented on the bilateral relations between the two countries, noting that the United States believed in Montenegro's political and legal system, and that two countries worked together on complex issues such as strengthening the rule of law.

Congressman Turner congratulated Montenegro on independence anniversary, noting that it has serious integration potential, and when it comes to NATO membership and European integration Turner congratulated on the political agreement between the government and the opposition and on the election of the new government.

"The young democracies don't have a long tradition of conflict resolution. In this regard, Montenegro also showed maturity," Turner noted.

The officials exchanged views on current regional and global security risks, and assessed security agencies cooperation between the two countries as excellent.

"Montenegro is a small country, and its abilities to influence the global security are not large, but Montenegro will be a reliable and generous partner to the United States in matters of mutual interest," the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.

US Ambassador to Montenegro Margaret Ann Uyehara also attended the talks.