PM Marković hosts Swedish Ambassador Lundin: Montenegro achieves results in rule of law

VIDEO: PM Duško Marković hosts Swedish Ambassador Jan Lundin

Podgorica, Montenegro (14 March 2019) – Prime Minister Duško Marković hosted earlier today Ambassador of the Kingdom Sweden to Montenegro Jan Lundin. The meeting noted that Montenegro is making progress on its path towards the European Union and achieving significant results, especially important are the results in the field of the rule of law, i.e. in the fight against organised crime and corruption.

PM Marković said that the first phase of the negotiations was brought to an end and expressed the belief that Montenegro will receive final benchmarks for chapters 23 and 24 by the end of the year, which will give additional impetus to the process and the dynamics of closing negotiating chapters.

"Although they need to be further strengthened, Montenegrin institutions are working, sustainable and independent, and they deliver results. We have results in the fight against corruption, a high-level corruption, and a big blow is delivered to organised crime," the Prime Minister emphasised.

Ambassador Lundin noted the results achieved in this field and welcomed the opening of Chapter 27, stressing that Sweden will continue to support Montenegro in its European integration process.

Prime Minister Marković informed the Ambassador about economic policy results over the past two years, which reflect economic growth of over 4.5 percent, reduce administrative unemployment by more than 6 percent, raise the number of employees by more than 11,000 and reduce the deficit, noting the activities which will lead to the budget surplus in 2020.

Furthermore, the two officials discussed the situation in the region. PM Marković pointed out that Montenegro advocates a policy of peace and stability, and resolves problems in a peaceful manner through dialogue.

"Montenegro is a civil state and this concept is our highest value," the Prime Minister highlighted.