PMs Marković, Rama: Montenegro, Albania, cherish good neighbourly relations, no outstanding issues

Podgorica, Montenegro (3 April 2017) – The prime ministers of Montenegro and Albania Duško Marković and Edi Rama said earlier today after formal talks that the two neighbouring and friendly countries have no outstanding issues and that they will cooperate particularly in the field of energy, infrastructure and tourism and hold a joint session of the two governments in October, probably in Shkoder.

"Today's visit of the Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama is another strong confirmation of good neighbourly relations between Montenegro and Albania and at the same time a powerful impetus to work not only to preserve this level of good neighbourly relations, but also on their improvement," PM Marković said at a joint press conference.

Prime Minister Marković said that this visit was an opportunity for the two sides to agree on the mutual objectives in terms of European and Euro-Atlantic Agenda, adding that Montenegro is grateful to Albania regarding its Euro-Atlantic integration.

In order to enhance cooperation, the prime ministers announced meeting of the Economic Committee of Montenegro and Albania in Podgorica after the meeting held in 2013 in Tirana and stated that the reconstruction of the Sukobin border crossing will be addressed within regional initiatives and that this project will be further promoted at the Trieste Summit this July.

"This was also an opportunity to state very good relationship or partnership and good position of the Albanian minority in Montenegro and very good cooperation of the Albanian national parties with the ruling coalition in Montenegro and to strengthen coalition cooperation in the current government. The Albanian community, i.e. the Albanian minority in Montenegro is strongly dedicated to Montenegro and its interests; it strongly supports Montenegro's integration into NATO and the EU, and of course strongly supports the internal development of the country. We will continue to work on improving this cooperation, as well as on its development and expansion," Prime Minister Marković said, adding that his counterpart informed him that representatives of the Montenegrin minority will soon participate in the Parliament of Albania thanks to new legislation which is important for us.

PM Marković said that the two countries will continue to work together on reaching higher level of cohesion in the Western Balkans, which will contribute to stability in the region and establish dialogue as a key tool for stability and peace.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Albania was very pleased with the fact that the US Senate ratified Montenegro’s Accession Protocol.

"This is a very important thing. Albania has strongly supported Montenegro during ratification process. This is a historic event not only for Montenegro, but for the whole region," Albanian Prime Minister said.

Speaking about the relations between the two countries Prime Minister Rama said that Montenegro and Albania remain good neighbours who are very close and whose paths are clearly defined - side by side in the coalition of countries of the free democratic world and thanked for the hospitality, adding that in Montenegro he feels like home.

During the visit the foreign ministers Srđan Darmanović and Ditmir Bushati signed an agreement between the two countries on cooperation in the field of health.