PM Marković, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Yee: Montenegro's membership in NATO will boost foreign investment

Budva, Montenegro (12 May 2017) – Prime Minister Duško Marković met earlier today with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Hoyt Brian Yee. The officials stated that Montenegro's membership in NATO will give an incentive to foreign investors to further invest in the country, what is the best and fastest way to grow the economy.

At the meeting, held on the sidelines of the Forum To Be Secure in Budva, they welcomed the upcoming Montenegrin membership in NATO, and the two officials assessed last week's meeting between the Prime Minister and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Washington as particularly significant for further development of strategic partnership between Montenegro and the United States.

They agreed that it is extremely important to continue efforts to consolidate public finances (reducing public debt and deficit) and to establish full functionality of the political system.

PM Marković reiterated his personal and Government's readiness to carry dialogue with the opposition in order to find a common solution to overcome the challenges, adding that dialogue does not mean blackmail and that the opposition should be responsible towards state and not politically biased.

The Prime Minister informed Mr Yee that fiscal consolidation measures are yielding results, that revenues have increased compared to the same period last year, and the consumption has been reduced. He pointed out that the measures do not harm business environment, and it is encouraged by increased foreign direct investment from the beginning of the year and announcements of new investments by the end of 2017.

The Prime Minister's assessment that Montenegro will provide 2 percent of GDP for defence until 2024, Yee rated as positive and confirmed the continuation of the US support to Montenegro regarding further reforms needed for full membership in the EU, which is Montenegro's next foreign policy priority.

Prime Minister Marković expressed his gratitude for the US support and pointed out that Montenegro's successes, including the integration into NATO, represent joint success of the two countries, that cooperate friendly and as partners on numerous issues.

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER