PM Marković, Italian Defence Minister Elizabeth Trent: Excellent political and economic relations, set to boost defence cooperation

Podgorica, Montenegro (5 June 2019) -- Montenegro and Italy have developed high-quality political and economic relations and, as member states of NATO, they see a lot of room for further strengthening of defence cooperation. It was concluded at today's meeting of Prime Minister Duško Marković and Minister of Defence of Italy Elisabeth Trent.

Expressing gratitude to the Government and people of Italy for their support during Montenegro's process of joining NATO, as well as for the current European integration process, Prime Minister Marković emphasised the significance of training our officers at prestigious Italian military academies, stressing that the fact that the Italian Air Forces, with their colleagues from Greece, have been protecting the airspace of Montenegro since last year, testifies to strong partnership and close ties between the two countries.

The Prime Minister informed Ms Trent about strategic goals of Montenegro and the excellent economic performance achieved thanks to the Government’s policy of strong economic growth and boosted employment. In that regard, he referred to the fact that Montenegro is recognised in Italy as a high-quality investment destination and economic partner. This is confirmed by the fact that the two countries are bringing the strategic interstate project of submarine power cable project to an end and that a large number of Italian companies operates in Montenegro. Minister of Defence Elisabeth Trent told Prime Minister Marković that Italian companies for large investments in Montenegro can count on the state support. 

Both sides agreed that the future of the Western Balkans is in the European Union and that the EU enlargement policy has no alternative.

The meeting was attended by Ambassador of Italy to Montenegro Luca Zelioli.