Prime Minister Milo Đukanović meets US Senator Ron Johnson in New York

New York, the USA (19 September) – On the first day of his stay in New York, Prime Minister Milo Đukanović met with US Senator Ron Johnson.

The Prime Minister thanked the US Senate and Senator Johnson for having launched the procedure for the ratification of the Protocol on Montenegro’s Accession to NATO, and the United States for its continued assistance and support for Montenegro and the region on the path towards Euro-Atlantic integration. He pointed out that Montenegro remains a reliable promoter of Euro-Atlantic integration in the Western Balkans, which is the only perspective for lasting stability of the region.

"This makes the Washington's support important for our country, which is a positive example for our neighbours," said the Prime Minister. He reminded Senator Johnson of the long-term partnership and trust that have been built through the relationship, commending the United States for the return of stability in the region, which enabled the start of the integration process in the Western Balkans.

Senator Johnson said he was honoured to have chaired the Foreign Political Committee of the US Senate last week, which discussed the ratification of the Accession Protocol. He said that despite the upcoming elections in his country, they will do everything to complete the ratification procedure as quickly as possible. Acknowledging Montenegro for the results achieved, Senator Johnson, in the context of the upcoming presidential elections in the United States, stressed that Washington, regardless of their outcome, will remain committed to the strategic goal – Europe - whole, free and at peace, and that membership of Montenegro in NATO makes a contribution to attaining that goal.

The Prime Minister and Senator Johnson also exchanged views on the current processes in the Western Balkan region.