Prime Minister Đukanović hosts Speaker of Parliament of Albania Ilir Meta

Podgorica, Montenegro (12 July 2016) -- Prime Minister Milo Đukanović hosted earlier today Speaker of the Parliament of Albania Ilir Meta.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the development of good neighbourly relations, as well as the level of political dialogue and overall cooperation between Montenegro and Albania, which can serve as an example to other countries in the region. He thanked Albania for its unconditional support for Montenegro's Euro-Atlantic bid, as well as the swift ratification of the Accession Protocol, which represents a gesture of friendship and encouragement to other members of the Alliance. He also pointed out that Montenegro will continue to support Albania's European path, and share experience and expertise in order to jointly achieve good progress with respect to integration of the Western Balkans into the EU.

The Prime Minister emphasised that providing support for minority nations is significant for European emancipation of Montenegro. The Albanian minority has played a significant role in all Montenegro's success, said the Prime Minister, adding that minorities are important bridges of trust consolidated over the last decade and reliable foundation for the development of future relations.

Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Ilir Meta fully agreed with Prime Minister Đukanović's views and welcomed the progress Montenegro has made in the last 10 years since the restoration of independence, adding that Montenegro's progress is in Albania's national interest as well. He said that he is honored to present Prime Minister Đukanović with Albania's highest decoration - the National Flag Order, awarded by President of Albania Bujar Nishani to foreign officials for their contribution to boosting cooperation and strengthening stability in the region. The Prime Minister thanked Mr Meta for the award and pointed out that he sees it as a recognition for the state of Montenegro, noting that both countries deserve acknowledgement for what is the essence of good neighborliness in the region.

It was agreed it is necessary to continue strategic partnership not only at the bilateral level, but also within the regional framework, in particular through the Berlin Process that has brought a new level of Brussels' policy towards the Western Balkans. This has opened up the possibility of better infrastructure connections, improvement of economic cooperation and overall relations in the region. The two officials underscored that it is crucial for the countries of the region to strengthen bridges of cooperation and that multiculturalism and multi-ethnicity play a significant role in that regard.