DPM Pažin meets with Norwegian Ambassador Bjornstad

Podgorica, Montenegro (1 February 2017) – Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Internal and Foreign Policy and Minister of Justice Zoran Pažin met today with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway Arne Sanes Bjornstad, who was paying an official visit to Montenegro.

DPM Pažin pointed out that Montenegro and the Kingdom of Norway have excellent bilateral relations and thanked for Norway's support to Montenegro and stressed that this cooperation will be continued in the future. He expressed particular appreciation for the support that the Kingdom of Norway provides to the Ministry of Justice in the implementation of projects aimed at improving the efficiency of the judicial system in Montenegro.

In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister particularly expressed his satisfaction with the fact that the Kingdom of Norway will continue to support further implementation of the ICT Strategy for the Judiciary, which is aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency and accountability of the judiciary, as well as to facilitate Montenegrin citizens the access to justice.
DPM Pažin also stressed the importance of the project dedicated to strengthening the capacity of the Government of Montenegro for the accession negotiations with the European Union under Chapter 23, which is also supported by the Kingdom of Norway. This support includes a range of activities such as: creation of portal for monitoring the implementation of the Strategy for the Reform of the Judiciary, the provision of expert opinions, as well as the exchange of experiences with other countries.

Ambassador Bjornstad stressed that the Kingdom of Norway provides full support to Montenegro in achieving its foreign policy priorities – membership in NATO and the EU. The construction of an open, democratic and civil society is a direct benefit to all citizens and Montenegro will have the support and assistance of the Kingdom of Norway. Norwegian Ambassador also said that the partnership between the two countries will be continued in the future through a series of joint activities.

The two officials also discussed the current political situation in Montenegro and the region. They agreed that all Montenegrin political parties should contribute to the achievement of a functioning democracy in Montenegro through dialogue in Parliament.