PM Marković, Ambassador Kemp: Full support of UK for achieving Montenegro's goals

Podgorica, Montenegro (30 May 2017) -- Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković met today with the newly appointed Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Montenegro Alison Kemp. After formalising membership in NATO on 5 June, Montenegro will seek to intensify the negotiation process with the European Union, while ensuring economic growth and development, as well as the defence of national interests against third-party interference in internal affairs. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will, as always, support Montenegro in achieving these intentions, as stated at the meeting.

The officials emphasised excellent bilateral relations between the UK and Montenegro, expressing hope for continued dialogue at the highest political level, but also the need to enrich these relations by strengthening economic cooperation. The Prime Minister informed Ambassador Kemp about strengthening the rule of law, strengthening institutions and the intention of further implementation of structural reforms, what makes our business environment favorable and attractive for foreign investment.

Ambassador Kemp apprised a strong interest of the British Government to continue strategic partnership, assessing that the UK will continue to be present in the Balkans. When it comes to Montenegro, cooperation priorities will remain the same – the rule of law, the fight against organised crime, public administration reform and English language learning.

Assessing that Brexit is not a limitation for cooperation, but it offers new opportunities, the Prime Minister said that Montenegro remains committed to meeting the European agenda. The EU, as he said, is the best framework for Montenegro, which plans to complete negotiations in the next four to five years. He emphasised the importance of the enlargement policy for the Western Balkans, adding that this policy is crucial to the preservation of peace and stability in the region.

The officials agreed that Montenegro's membership in NATO will provide new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. The Prime Minister underlined the importance of the stability of the political system, and in this context, parliamentary opposition boycott is unacceptable and undemocratic.

PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE