PM Marković hosts newly appointed Ambassador of Italy: Excellent relations between two countries strengthened by alliance in NATO

Podgorica, Montenegro (30 March 2018) -- Prime Minister Duško Marković hosted an inaugural visit by newly appointed Ambassador of Italy to Montenegro Luca Zelioli.

PM Marković expressed gratitude to the Italian Government and the people for supporting Montenegro’s integration processes, especially highlighting the successful and diversified cooperation in the field of further improvement of the rule of law in Montenegro.

The Prime Minister informed the Ambassador of Italy about the results and plans of the Government in the process of European integration, as well as the successful economic policy in the past year and plans for the current year.

Ambassador Zelioli expressed his country's position that Europe is not integrated without the successfully integrated Western Balkan countries. Emphasising that Italy especially appreciates Montenegro’s regional policy, the Italian Ambassador noted that Montenegro, although a geographically small country, plays a significant role in the stability of the entire Western Balkan region.

Prime Minister Marković and Ambassador Zelioli agreed that the extraordinary bilateral relations between Montenegro and Italy, characterised by regular contacts and cooperation at the highest level, have been in particular strengthened by the alliance in NATO. They stated that there is room for boosting economic cooperation and the Italian investments, and the transfer of know-how and experience. Prime Minister Marković particularly emphasised openness to cooperation in the fields of agriculture and tourism.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO