DPM and Justice Minister Pažin meets with counterparts from Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia

Sofia, Bulgaria (27 October 2017) -- On the margins of the EU – Western Balkan Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs which takes place in Sofia, Republic of Bulgaria, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Zoran Pažin held today bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the Republic of Albania, the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Macedonia.

At a meeting with the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Albania Etilda Gjonaj, the possibility to start negotiations on strengthening the contractual base of the two states in terms of international legal cooperation in criminal and civil matters was considered. Referring to the quality relations between Montenegro and Albania, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Zoran Pažin expressed willingness to take the necessary steps in the short-term period to prepare proposals for international treaties that will strengthen judicial cooperation. The officials concluded that strengthening of the partnership and cooperation between the ministries will significantly contribute to an even more intensive exchange of data and processing of cases in the field of organised crime.

Speaking with the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Kosovo Abelard Tahiri, significant progress was noted in relation to the finalisation of three bilateral agreements on judicial cooperation in criminal matters. The officials agreed to complete by the end of the year negotiations on concluding a package of contracts regulating legal assistance in criminal matters, extradition and mutual execution of court decisions in criminal matters. Assessing the overall relations between the two countries as positive and perspective, DPM Pažin emphasised the readiness for full support in transferring the practice of Montenegro in the field of judicial reform and other areas of importance for the process of European integration of Kosovo. Minister Tahiri said that the basis for the ratification of the State Border Agreement between Montenegro and the Republic of Kosovo will be created soon within Kosovo institutions, which will fulfill the last condition for visa liberalisation for Kosovo citizens.

In an open discussion with the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Macedonia Bilen Saliji, the two officials noted the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and recognised the possibilities for the support of the Ministry of Justice of Montenegro to Macedonian counterparts in the preparation of strategic documents for judicial reform, as well as the improvement of systemic laws in the field of criminal law.