PM Marković hosts Matthew Palmer of US Department of State

Poodgorica, Montenegro (21 September 2017) -- Prime Minister Duško Marković hosted earlier today Matthew Palmer, Director for South Central European Affairs at US Department of State.

It was jointly noted that Montenegro and the United States foster close relations in particular encouraged by the recent official visit of US Vice President Mike Pence. Prime Minister Marković reiterated that Montenegro considers the visit to be a historical one and assessed that the friendship between the two countries is based on true values and that it is therefore successful and lasting. Mr Palmer pointed out that the United States proposed Montenegro to host the US-Adriatic Charter summit, because Montenegro is a regional leader and is committed to the European values and vision shared by the United States and Montenegro.

Meeting assessed as extremely important for the Western Balkans that the Vice President Pence at the summit once again sent a strong message that the United States remains committed to the region.

PM Marković informed the US official about the priorities of the Government and the results achieved so far, saying that the Government is focused on financial consolidation and improvement of the business environment as preconditions for further development and improvement of the quality of life of citizens.

"Government faced in the beginning of the mandate serious problems of public finances caused primarily by laws passed for political reasons without legal and economic grounds," said the Prime Minister, adding that focusing on economic policy has already resulted in respectable GDP growth, visible improvement of tax discipline and increased interest of renowned investors for Montenegro. Director Palmer welcomed this commitment by the Government.

"I appreciate your focus on the economy," said the Director for South Central European Affairs.

As to interior policy, Prime Minister Marković spoke about the reforms implemented within the administration to improve the rule of law. The Prime Minister thanked the United States for economic and professional assistance to Montenegro in particular to the judiciary, the prosecution and the police.

Both sides agreed that the end to the boycott of state institutions by the opposition would be important for further progress of Montenegro. Director Palmer recalled that Vice President Pence strongly urged the opposition to return to the Parliament in order to exercise its parliamentary duties and represent the voters who elected them. In that context, PM Marković welcomed the dialogue that was initiated with representatives of the opposition by representatives of the United States and the EU.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT