Press release: Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic meets Norwegian Parliament Speaker Jorgen Kosmo

Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic played host today in Podgorica to Norwegian Parliament Speaker Jorgen Kosmo, head of the Norwegian parliamentary delegation visiting Montenegro.
During the talks it was agreed that the traditional friendship and bonds established between the two countries constituted good groundwork for the development of different aspects of bilateral cooperation. Power industry, shipping, maritime economy, healthcare and tourism were recognized as potential areas of cooperation. Norway was praised for its readiness to share the knowledge and experience in the field of oil and gas exploration, particularly with regard to the legislation protecting state interests.

Expressing his appreciation for the understanding and support, as well as the long-term development and humanitarian assistance, the Prime Minister acquainted his interlocutors with the present political and economic situation in the Republic, the activities undertaken by the Government and other state institutions in pursuing comprehensive social reforms and development of an economic system based on new principles. In addition, he referred to developments within the State Union, its dysfunction and Montenegros proposal for the development of future relations between the member states.

Norwegian Parliament Speaker Mr Kosmo gave credit to the Government and other state and social institutions for the undertaken reforms and expressed his understanding for the presented views and positions, noting that, in the course of resolving Montenegros statehood issue, Norway would respect the will of Montenegrin citizens expressed in a democratic fashion. Being a member of the North Atlantic Alliance and a country fostering close ties with European institutions, Norway is interested in strengthening stability in the Western Balkans, settlement of outstanding issues and adoption of the standards that would enable its integration into European structures.

It was agreed that, in addition to promoting political dialogue and parliamentary cooperation, this visit would serve as an additional stimulus to practical cooperation between the interested parties on both sides.