Press release: Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic meets Bavarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Günther Beckstein

Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic met Today in Podgorica with Bavarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Günther Beckstein, who is currently on a visit to Montenegro.

In a friendly and open atmosphere, Prime Minister Djukanovic expressed satisfaction at the intensive dialogue with Bavaria and the Federal Republic of Germany in general and once again voiced his gratitude for the German support to Montenegros development and the achievement of strategic goals on the path towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. He stressed that the bilateral economic cooperation had advanced from the stage of institutional support to the stage of partnership, as had been confirmed by the ever-increasing investment in the private sector, which he said was a token of confidence in the local investment environment, a subject to which the Government was strongly committed.

The Prime Minister introduced his guest to the Governments strategic priorities, reform processes and the indicators of macroeconomic stability. Referring to relations within the State Union, he pointed out that Montenegros proposal for their redefinition was presented in view of reaching a mutually acceptable solution, in the spirit of partnership with Serbia, and added that, early next year, Montenegro would undoubtedly exercise the rights provided by the Belgrade Agreement and the Constitutional Charter.

With regard to regional relations, the Prime Minister emphasized that the outstanding issues, including Kosovo and Metihija, should be resolved as soon as possible, in accordance the United Nations decisions and with full respect for human rights and freedoms, preventing the restoration of obsolete concepts based on ethnic integration.

Thanking the Prime Minister for the warm reception, Mr. Beckstein gave credit to Montenegro for its policy during the whole crisis period in former Yugoslavia, including the accommodation of a large number of refugees, preservation of peace and multiethnic harmony and decisive contribution to the ousting of the former regime, which should be highly valued in European circles. He expressed great understanding for the presented views and positions and a keen interest in further communication and more intensive cooperation, particularly in the field of economic relations and tourist industry.

The meeting was attended by Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Dragan Djurovic. Mr. Beckstein also had a separate meeting with Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister Branimir Gvozdenovic.