PM Đukanović meets with German ambassador Hans Günther Mattern

Podgorica, Montenegro (3 October 2016) -- Prime Minister Milo Đukanović met today with newly appointed Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Montenegro, Hans Günther Mattern.

On behalf of the Government of Montenegro and on his own behalf, the Prime Minister Đukanović wished Ambassador Mattern a successful mission and expressed willingness to continue the excellent cooperation between two countries. He congratulated Ambassador on the Day of German Unity, and he sent best wishes to further progress and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Germany and its citizens. He thanked the German Government for the development assistance and for the continuous support to Montenegro's membership in NATO and the EU, as well as the leading role of Germany that it has on the European path of the Balkan countries, particularly through the Berlin process. This is of great importance for our region, but also for the EU, the Prime Minister said.

Ambassador Mattern expressed his satisfaction over assuming position of the Ambassador in Montenegro and over the forthcoming cooperation with Montenegrin institutions in all areas of common interest. He conveyed the interest of the Government of Germany for Montenegro to become a member of NATO and the EU soon. On this journey, Montenegro can count on the support and help of allies, the Ambassador said.

Both sides highlighted the significance of cooperation at the bilateral level, especially in the enabling of the Montenegrin institutions to strengthen the rule of law. Ambassador Mattern thanked the Government for consent to the remains of German soldiers from the World War II to be buried in a common cemetery in Podgorica. In this regard, they talked about the importance of reconciliation in the Western Balkans, for which a German-French model can be an example.

They also exchanged the opinions on the current situation in Montenegro in the upcoming parliamentary elections on 16 October.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO