Interior Minister Nuhodžić takes part in EU-Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs in Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria(27 October 2017) -- Minister of the Interior Mevludin Nuhodžić took participated in the EU-Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs, which took place in Sofia on 26-27 October. The forum is organised under the Estonian presidency of the Council of the European Union, with the support of Bulgaria, and the invitation was sent by Minister of the Interior of Estonia Andres Anvelt.

Minister Nuhodžić presented Montenegro's results in the field of migration and border management, especially emphasising the achieved goals at the legislative and institutional levels. Regarding the fight against smuggling of people and migrants, he pointed to the importance of permanent cooperation of police organisations in the region, which resulted in successful actions through parallel investigations in several countries.

As to terrorist threats, Minister Nuhodžić emphasised that terrorism and the spread of radical ideologies are one of the biggest security challenges, which requires collective response and strengthening of cooperation on regional, European and global levels. He especially emphasised that the role of religious communities, educational institutions, civil society and the media is of great importance, so that all social stakeholders are involved in the process of prevention and raising awareness of the threats and risks that define an environment suitable for violent radicalisation.

Forum of Ministers concluded that the fight against illegal migration, smuggling, arms trafficking, and the suppression of terrorism and violent extremism remains a priority for the European Union and the Western Balkan countries. Assessing that the intensive international cooperation and exchange of operational information is a key to the stability and security of the region and Europe, Minister Nuhodžić said that Montenegro's commitment confirmed by its continuous participation in regional and international initiative will be upgraded by strengthening normative and institutional capacities for international police cooperation.