PM Marković meets with DPM of Romania: Concrete cooperation in continuation of European integration process of Montenegro is agreed

Podgorica, Montenegro (13 September 2017) -- Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment of Romania Gratiela Leocadia Gavrilescu agreed today that the two countries will initiate processes of concrete cooperation in the forthcoming phase of the European integration process of Montenegro, in the form of an exchange of experts and training of staff from Montenegro at universities in Romania.

Thanking Romania for the previous strong support in achieving Montenegro's strategic goals – membership in NATO and the European Union, Prime Minister Marković welcomed the proposal of Deputy Prime Minister Gavrilescu that Romania contribute to our European path in the following period.

The Prime Minister informed the Deputy Prime Minister of Romania about the political and economic priorities of our Government, pointing out that the continuation of the European integration process is a political priority of Montenegro and that the Government is particularly working to strengthen the rule of law and capacity of institutions and to improve the investment environment as a prerequisite for development.

“Our goal is to open the remaining three negotiating chapters by the end of the year, so that next year we can enter the next phase of creating the prerequisites for closing the chapter,” the Prime Minister said.

Speaking about the achievements of Montenegro, Deputy Prime Minister Gavrilescu particularly highlighted the regional policy of our country. “Congratulations to the way you create stability in the Region. So, in the shortest time, you need to become a member of the European Union,” the Deputy Prime Minister of Romania noted.

Prime Minister Marković pointed out that Montenegro is ready as a NATO member to contribute to peace and stability in the new capacity weherever it becomes necessary.

Bilateral relations between Montenegro and Romania have been mutually assessed as excellent.

The meeting also discussed the economic cooperation on specific projects related to transport and energy.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO