Estonia to accelerate negotiation process between Montenegro and EU

Podgorica, Montenegro (20 February 2017) -- After taking over the EU Council presidency in the second half of this year, Estonia would like to ensure greater progress of Montenegro in the field of European integration, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Sven Mikser said at a meeting with Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković.

Prime Minister Marković thanked the Estonian Government and people for their trust and continuously provided support regarding implementation of the Montenegrin national interests and objectives. He emphasised the importance of stability in the Western Balkans and the importance of global security, given that the challenges in this area can not be stopped in any of the border.

The Prime Minister informed his colleague on the progress in meeting the commitments of the European agenda, and stated that the ultimate goal is not only to open and close the negotiation chapters, but also to achieve better results and more benefits which will be felt by the citizens. As he pointed out, the Government of Montenegro is dedicated to the growth of the economy, reducing of public debt and deficit, and acceleration of the infrastructure projects development.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia stressed that his country will stand up for the greater dynamics of the process of European integration of Montenegro, which would mean opening new chapters, but also the closure of those which are ready for it. Minister Mikser expressed the hope that the ratification of the Protocol on Montenegro's Accession to NATO will be finalised as soon as possible, because it is a contribution to peace and stability, as the prerequisites of growth and prosperity. Estonian Minister affirmed the right of every country to choose her own path and allies.

Both sides agreed that there are significant opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the field of IT sector, electronic government, as well as agriculture. Prime Minister Marković emphasised the interest of the Government to strengthen the agricultural sector in order to link it with tourism.