PM Đukanović hosts US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence

Podgorica, Montenegro (12 July 2016) – Prime Minister Milo Đukanović met today with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence Michael Carpenter, who is visiting the region.

The Prime Minister thanked the Government and the people of the United States for the support to Euro-Atlantic integration of Montenegro, as well as for the initiative for ratification of the Accession Protocol in the Senate, and shared impressions of the recent NATO Summit in Warsaw in which Montenegro for the first time participated as invitee. PM Đukanović spoke about the progress of the negotiation process with the EU. When it comes to the results in achieving strategic priorities, Prime Minister Đukanović said that the time has shown that Montenegro had a clear vision when it decided to restore independence. He emphasised that Montenegro is a good promoter of Euro-Atlantic values in the Western Balkans, and that its membership will positively impact on the stability of the region. The Prime Minister underlined that the reforms, the rule of law and the creation of favorable conditions for attracting foreign investment and rapid economic development are the path toward further economic and democratic progress of Montenegrin society.

Mr Carpenter congratulated Prime Minister Đukanović on the tenth anniversary of independence, and reminded that Montenegro is practically from the first day in the Partnership for Peace on the road to Euro-Atlantic integration. Acknowledging the reforms achieved in the military, defence and intelligence sector, as well as the reforms regarding the rule of law, and assessing that the level of political culture in the society is raised through the willingness of the authorities to cooperate with the opposition, Carpenter emphasised that these are elements that led Montenegro to this stage, and to the NATO Summit in Warsaw, where he participated as a member of the American delegation. Carpenter informed Prime Minister Đukanović that the White House forwarded the necessary documents to the Senate for ratification of the Accession Protocol of Montenegro with NATO, and expressed confidence that the process will be completed within the mandate of the current American administration.

The two officials exchanged views on the current developments in the Western Balkans, and agreed that the commitment to fight against corruption and the rule of law are essential for progress in the integration of all countries individually, and the region as a whole.