Minister Darmanović participates in high-level segment of 34th session of Human Rights Council

Geneva, Switzerland (01 March 2017) -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović participated in a high-level segment of the 34th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC).

Minister Darmanović reiterated Montenegro's commitment to the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of human rights as a precondition for sustainable peace and security. He emphasised the importance of completing the culture of impunity for the numerous violations of human rights in the world as well as the importance of cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and special procedures. He also presented the priorities of Montenegro in the field of human rights, with a particular focus on the promotion of non-discrimination, gender equality, promotion and protection of the rights of vulnerable groups.

On the sidelines of the 34th session of the Council, Minister Darmanović had bilateral meetings with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Alfonso Dastis and Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Concetta Fierravanti-Wells.

Spanish Minister Dastis confirmed an unequivocal support for Montenegro's integration process in the EU and NATO. He announced the ratification of the Protocol on Montenegro's accession to NATO over the next few weeks. The officials agreed to continue the political dialogue and discussed the possibilities of strengthening cooperation, especially in the fields of economy, tourism and education.

During a meeting with Australian Minister Fierravanti-Wells, Minister Darmanović informed her about the results achieved in terms of EU and NATO integration. He expressed expectation that the Protocol on Montenegro's accession to NATO will be ratified by the USA, Spain and the Netherlands as soon as possible, which will make the process of Montenegro's accession to NATO finalised. They announced the continuation of communication in order to intensify political contacts and to enhance the bilateral cooperation.