DPM Simović meets in London with Minister of State for Europe and Americas Alan Duncan

London, United Kingdom (26 October 2017) -- Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Policy and Financial System Milutin Simović met with Minister of State for Europe and the Americas at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Alan Duncan earlier today in London ahead of the British-Montenegrin Investment Forum.

Both sides noted that Montenegro and the United Kingdom foster traditionally good bilateral relations, particularly manifested through the support the UK Government has provided to Montenegro's strategic priorities, namely through the support the Government of the United Kingdom provided to the membership of Montenegro in NATO, as well as through continuous support for the improvement of democratic standards and economic reforms.

DPM Simović welcomed the clear message that the Western Balkans remains in the focus of the UK government, which was also affirmed through the decision of the United Kingdom to host the summit of the leaders of the Western Balkans and EU representatives in mid-2018 within the "Berlin Process". He thanked Minister Duncan for the support provided by the UK Government to Montenegro since restoring independence, especially the significant expert assistance in promoting economic reforms with a view to reducing business barriers and improving the business environment, as well as in terms of institutional reforms and building more efficient public administration.

DPM Simović said that, thanks to responsible policy and multi-year implementation of fiscal and economic reforms, Montenegro is now known for its stimulating business environment, low tax rates, balanced treatment of domestic and foreign investors, political and macroeconomic stability, and constant progress in improving the business environment.

Minister of Economy Dragica Sekulić and Minister of Sustainable Development and Tourism Pavle Radulović, who also attended the meeting, informed Minister Duncan about the investment opportunities in the energy and tourism sectors.

Minister Duncan welcomed Montenegro’s reform steps and the progress made in the integration processes. He referred to the special importance of Montenegro as the best example in the region. He also confirmed his government's readiness to  further back up reforms, democratic and economic advancement of Montenegro. He emphasised the full commitment of the Government of the United Kingdom to hosting the next summit of the region's leaders, within the framework of the "Berlin Process". He called for an active attitude of the Montenegrin side in preparing the summit and defining key issues.

Minister Duncan congratulated Montenegro on successfully overcoming the numerous challenges that were present in its final integration processes with NATO, also reflecting on the evident attempts to deny Montenegro the right to free choice.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO