PM Marković meets with Matthew Palmer: Montenegro continues to progress strongly, even more intense efforts in field of rule of law are expected in future

Prime Minister Duško Marković met with Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the United States Matthew Palmer on the sidelines of To Be Secure Forum in Budva. The main topic of the meeting was the European perspective of Montenegro and the Region, as well as the overall progress of Montenegro in the reform process.

The two officials assessed that Montenegro has retained a leadership position in the Western Balkan region with its commitment to reforms, agreeing that the priority is a further progress in the field of the rule of law, which implies, first of all, results in the fight against organized crime and the protection of the freedom of the media.

PM Marković informed Mr. Palmer about the steps that the Government is taking and which it plans to take on this plan. He said that the Government, within the limits of its competence, will contribute to the overall improvement of situation on the media scene, but it is necessary to work within the media community on professionalization and further improvement of the level of media content, firstly through the process of effective media self-regulation.

Prime Minister Marković and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Palmer exchanged views on the political situation and the process of European integration in the Western Balkan region. The cooperation processes, as well as the results of last week's EU – Western Balkans Summit in Sofia, were assessed positively, but it was noted that the integration pace in the Region does not always have the required intensity.

The two officials emphasised the commitment of Montenegro and the United States of America to further develop partner relations.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO

Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54Ejky6VNEo&feature=youtu.be