Minister Pejović in London: United Kingdom supports Montenegro's reform effort

London, the United Kingdom (1 February 2017) – Minister of European Integration Aleksandar Andrija Pejović met in London with Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Alan Duncan for talks on Montenegro's EU accession process.

Mr Alan Duncan commended Montenegro's progress in implementing reforms and voiced the United Kingdom's willingness to continue providing expertise and technical support in order to contribute to the overall democratic and economic progress of the country. He highlighted the importance of the new approach in conducting the negotiations, stressing the Government of Montenegro's efforts in achieving results in chapters 23 and 24, which have a tremendous influence on all the other areas and dynamics of the negotiation process itself.

Minister Pejović thanked Mr Duncan for the continued support of his government for Montenegro's EU accession process, particularly when it comes to the rule of law, finance and public administration reform throughout the implementation of various projects aimed at strengthening the internal capacities and meeting the requirements within the EU agenda.

During his visit to London, Minister Pejović also met with Lord Boswell of the UK's House of Lord, with whom he discuss reforms in the rule of law, particularly emphasising the interim benchmarks in chapters 23 and 24. He informed lord Boswell about the results achieved in this area, noting that Montenegro has adopted more than 60 reforming laws during the past three years and established key institutions related to these areas.

Lord Boswell commended the progress achieved in judiciary system, fundamental rights, fight against corruption and organised crime, adding that the European Commission's reports are showing Montenegro's positive results within the EU accession process. In that regard, he voiced the expectations that Montenegro will continue making progress and pursuing its foreign policy goals.

These meetings also discussed possibilities for boosting cooperation between Montenegro and the Great Britain in various areas of the mutual interest, as well as the forthcoming plans and requirements within the EU and NATO accession processes.