Minister Darmanović pays a working visit to Austria

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Srđan Darmanović paid a working visit to the Republic of Austria today, 20 April 2017, where he met with the Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs Sebastian Kurz.

Minister Darmanović expressed his gratitude for the support that Austria provides to Montenegro on its path towards European integration, both at working and at expert level. He emphasised the full commitment of Montenegro to the implementation of necessary reforms at the national level, with the expectation that each country will be assessed on its own merits and progress. He stressed that the upcoming Montenegro's membership in NATO will be in operation of strengthening stability in the region.

Minister Kurz reiterated strong support for the European perspective of Montenegro, stressing that the Western Balkans stands high on the priority list of Austria's foreign policy. Commitment of the Austria's foreign policy to the Western Balkans represents the result of a long tradition of historical ties, but also economic orientation towards the region.

Ministers agreed that the quality of bilateral relations is confirmed by meaningful cooperation in the field of defence, economy, culture, tourism and environmental protection. They noted that the implementation of activities under the Action Plan Montenegro – Austria 2017 will contribute to the deepening of cooperation in bilateral framework and continuation of the frequency of political dialogue through the implementation of a series of visits at high and working levels. The two ministers agreed to maintain a business forum with the aim of further strengthening of economic ties between the two countries.

At the meeting with Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Austrian National Council Josef Cap and members of the Committee, as well as during the meeting with Foreign Policy Advisor to the Federal Chancellor Bernard Wrabetz, Minister Darmanović discussed events after the parliamentary elections in Montenegro in October last year, and on this occasion the officials agreed that it is necessary to make great efforts in order to maintain the stability and security of the region. They exchanged views regarding the general security situation in the Western Balkans and the challenges that the EU is currently facing.