Minister Nuhodžić in Sarajevo: The most effective response to the challenge of migration is the joint action of the Western Balkan countries

The countries of the region should step up their activities and take additional measures in order to systematically register migrants illegally crossing the borders of countries – as it was concluded today in Sarajevo at a meeting of Western Balkan Ministers of Interior, attended by the Ministers of several countries of the European Union.

Minister of the Interior of Montenegro Mevludin Nuhodzic assessed at a gathering that depending on timely action, synchronized activities, and fostering good neighborly relations in the Balkans, as well as with the support of the EU member states, security in the region can be improved, or the danger of various forms of organized crime, primarily from the smuggling of migrants and human trafficking reduced.
The registration of migrants, the return of illegal migrants, the quality information exchange and the implementation of the normative framework defining foreigners' issues and their international protection are important migratory policy mechanisms, and Montenegro, as Minister Nuhodzic said, has already taken important steps to improve this area and provide an effective response to current challenges. In the light of improving the current situation, the Minister assessed with appreciation the intention of European agencies, primarily Frontex, that in the coming period, through the negotiations for signing status agreements, the presence of their capacities in the territories of the countries of the Western Balkans will be ensured.

Considering the issue at the regional and international level, the Minister noted that there is room for improvement in the part of strengthening the model for cooperation with the countries of origin of migrants, through the conclusion of the readmission agreement, and assessed that in relation to improving the accommodation and material and technical conditions for good quality management of the borders and migration, additional allocation of funds from EU pre-accession funds is needed.

On the margin of the meeting, a bilateral meeting was held between Minister Nuhodzic and the Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dragan Mektić, where concrete models of cooperation between the two countries to prevent illegal migrations were discussed.


MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR OF MONTENEGRO


VIDEO: https://youtu.be/Xk6oRhhLxFg