PM Marković, US Vice President Pence: Two countries develop strategic and friendly relations, Montenegro can set example to region

Podgorica, Montenegro (2 August 2017) -- Prime Minister Duško Marković and Vice President of the United States Mike Pence jointly assessed during official talks held in Podgorica on Wednesday afternoon that Montenegro and the United States have developed strategic and friendly relations which are going to be further deepened for the benefit of the two countries and peoples, stressing that boosting cooperation, in particular in terms of economy, is in mutual interest. PM Marković and Vice President Pence especially stressed that Montenegro is committed to the West and its system of values, and that it can count on the full support of the United States.

Prime Minister Marković once again thanked Vice President Pence for visiting Montenegro, saying that today's day is historic for Montenegro and that it will be remembered by generations. The Prime Minister of Montenegro thanked the United States of America for its support to Montenegro, noting that all the country’s successes and notable results are at the same time the American achievements as well. The Prime Minister stressed the fact that the United States believed in Montenegro and its capacities, adding that Montenegro will not forget this.

As to economy field, the two officials agreed on the need for a stronger presence of the US investors in Montenegro. By the same token, PM Marković underscored Montenegro’s interest in improving entrepreneurial and managerial knowledge, adding that he will be personally available to every US investor as the Montenegrin administration is still maturing. Vice President Pence also announced his personal engagement in enabling renowned American investors to come to Montenegro, as well as in arranging the visit of the US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who is also a prominent investor. In the context of creating an even more favourable environment for investors, the US Vice President said that he fully supports the Government's efforts towards improving the functioning of the rule of law.

Speaking of Montenegro, US Vice President Mike Pence noted that there are great opportunities ahead of Montenegro. We back up Montenegro because we believe that Montenegro has a great future, said the Vice President, particularly emphasising Montenegro’s role in the Western Balkan region. Montenegro can set an example to the Western Balkan countries. You are an example of a healthy democracy and a healthy economy that should be a model for the region, said US Vice President Mike Pence.

Prime Minister Marković informed the Vice President of the United States about the political situation in the country and reiterated his willingness to open a dialogue with a part of the opposition, which was supported by the Vice President of the United States, who said that opposition parties should return to parliament.

Vice President Pence reiterated that Montenegro enjoys full support of the United States in the investigation and prosecution of the accused for the October 2016 events.

US Vice President Mike Pence thanked Prime Minister Marković and the citizens of Montenegro for a warm welcome. At the same time, Vice President Pence conveyed the personal greetings of President Donald Trump and State Secretary Rex Tillerson to Prime Minister Duško Marković.

Youtube link: https://youtu.be/ezCx7ym7Efc

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO