PM Marković hosts farewell visit by Czech Ambassador Ivana Hlavsova

Podgorica, Montenegro (11 July 2017) -- Montenegro has made significant progress and achieved some of its strategic goals, primarily membership in NATO, said Czech Ambassador to Montenegro Ivana Hlavsova during her farewell visit to the Montenegrin Prime Minister Duško Marković.

Czech Ambassador commended Montenegro's administration that, despite all the challenges, managed to achieve good results in terms of Montenegro's foreign objectives. Agreeing with her, Prime Minister Marković stressed that Montenegro will remain strongly committed to meeting the obligations arising from membership in the Alliance, but that additional efforts will be directed towards the continuation of the European integration process. The Government, he explained, remains committed to reforms aimed at strengthening institutions and raising society's awareness.

The Prime Minister noted that the path towards the EU has been successful and thanked the Czech Republic, its Government and people for their support and partnership in this and other processes aimed at transforming society and adopting European values and standards.

Pointing out that Montenegro and the Czech have became allies, Ambassador Hlavsova emphasised excellent bilateral cooperation, adding that there is room for further strengthening of economic cooperation in many areas, primarily in the fields of energy, infrastructure and tourism.

Referring to the Ambassador's conclusion that more and more Czech investors are interested in investing in Montenegro, Prime Minister Marković informed her about the good results of fiscal consolidation measures that did not jeopardise the business environment. He pointed to an increased inflow of foreign direct investments, stressing that the economic growth of 3.2% has been achieved.

Prime Minister Marković also said that Montenegro is committed to boosting cooperation in the region and supporting the initiative on regional economic area. Ambassador Hlavsova praised Montenegro's constructive role in the region, adding that the country can set an example to others. In that context, PM Marković emphasised the importance of the EU enlargement policy which means not only stability and security, but also economic prosperity for the Balkans.

Ambassador Hlavsova informed Prime Minister Marković that the Czech Republic has decided to have a resident ambassador in Montenegro who will begin the diplomatic mission in Podgorica in September.