PMs Marković, Borissov: Excellent relations between Montenegro and Bulgaria should be enhanced by stronger economic cooperation

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Prime Ministers of Montenegro and Bulgaria Duško Marković and Boyko Borissov said at a press conference following official meeting that relations between the two countries are friendly, that they are deepened by Bulgaria's support to our European and Euro-Atlantic integration, and that both sides see the possibility of a stronger economic cooperation.

"Bulgaria has been with us all the time of our European and Euro-Atlantic integration, it believed in our ambition and in our possibilities, it provided concrete political and all other support - that is why we are now allies in NATO and very reliable partners in the process of European integration of Montenegro," Prime Minister Duško Marković said.

Prime Minister Borissov said that Montenegro could count on Bulgaria's full support for European integration in the future, especially in the process of opening the remaining two negotiating chapters.

"At all levels, Bulgaria's representatives supported Montenegro from the very beginning. We are one of the first countries that did everything possible because we are convinced that after joining NATO, Montenegro must join the European Union in the fastest possible way," Prime Minister Borissov said, adding that Bulgaria will continue to support Montenegro as well as Macedonia and Albania when their European integration process begin.

Prime Minister Borissov said that he considers it important to speed up the process of integration before European elections, because then "the last thing they are going to think about will be the Western Balkans".

Bulgaria's support is crucial for the entire WB and for the Adriatic-Ionian corridor

Prime Minister Duško Marković said at the press conference that the support of Bulgaria and Prime Minister Borissov personally was crucial for the Western Balkans to be on the agenda of the European Union after fifteen years, and that the Adriatic-Ionian Motorway will be included in the list of corridors supported by the European Union at this year's conference organised by the European Bank for Europe Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

"Prime Minister Borissov and his government were decisively important for holding the EU-WB summit in Sofia after 15 years, which gave a clear European perspective to the Western Balkans. PM Borissov's efforts resulted in the adoption of a political declaration that gave the countries of the Western Balkans, candidates for EU membership, a clear European perspective. Thanks to Bulgaria and Prime Minister Borissov, we have most seriously launched talks on regional infrastructure connections that are important for the economic progress of the region and for the better lives of our citizens throughout the region and in every country. The Declaration of the Summit in Sofia has also included the Adriatic-Ionian corridor as a project which will be supported by the European Union. This happened exclusively thanks to PM Borissov's commitment expressed at an economic forum organised by the EBRD in London," Prime Minister Duško Marković said.

The Prime Minister of Bulgaria stressed the importance of infrastructure connections of the countries of Southeast Europe, saying that this would be important for connecting the Western Europe and Asia, as well as for the competitiveness of businesses in our region.

Prime Minister Borissov particularly stressed that a large part of the financing of infrastructure projects will come from EU sources. Therefore, it is important that the countries of the region adjust their tolls and border procedures in order to make it easier to carry out the work.

Bulgaria wants to export its power using Montenegro's submarine cable

PMs Marković and Borissov said that they also discussed strengthening economic cooperation between Montenegro and Bulgaria.

"Today, we talked about how to improve economic cooperation, to connect our economies, to open new jobs and create new opportunities for our people," Prime Minister Marković said.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said at the press conference that he proposed a concrete project in the field of energy to Prime Minister Duško Marković.

"I am interested in the transfer of power between Montenegro and Italy because we have two nuclear reactors, we have a ready field for the construction of a nuclear power plant. I suggested that we make a mixed company, perhaps with some symbolic participation in the construction of our nuclear plant, perhaps with colleagues from Serbia, in order to transmit that power towards Italy also, based on what you build with Italy. I think it would be a very good, profitable project," PM Borissov said, noting that he had agreed with Prime Minister Marković to discuss the matter with experts from the two countries, assessing that the facts that Bulgaria has power and Montenegro has submarine power cable should be used.

Airports of Montenegro remain state-owned

Responding to the question of the journalists on the Airports of Montenegro's future, Prime Minister Markovic said that he would not comment on the statement of airport management.

"Their job is to manage the airports during their term of office. The Government has decided to valorise the airports through a concession because it is necessary since Montenegrin airports are now a bottleneck for the rapid growth of tourism and the entire economy. So, we are not valorising airports only because of tourism, but also because of the needs of the whole economy," Prime Minister Duško Marković said.

The Prime Minister noted that Montenegro does not sell airports, as claimed by the opponents of the airport's valorisation, but it allows concession, and that the Airports remain the property of the State.

"I have no dilemma that Montenegro should go in this direction, because it is an undeniable benefit for Montenegro and its economy," Prime Minister Duško Marković concluded.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO

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