Press release: Djukanovic meets Szymanski

Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic met in Podgorica today with newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the State Union Maciej Szymanski, who is making an official visit to Montenegro.

Discussion focused on bilateral relations and cooperation, current situation in Montenegro and regional developments.

Satisfaction was expressed with the achieved level and intensity of political dialogue, as well as the readiness to strengthen different forms of cooperation, above all, economic.

The Prime Minister acquainted Ambassador Szymanski with political and economic developments in Montenegro, evaluating the current political situation as stable and macroeconomic trends as positive.

The Prime Minister noted that the Governments priorities for the next period included further efforts towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration, specific tasks in that respect being the signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU by the end of the year and admission to NATOs Membership for Peace Program. In order to accelerate the process, Montenegro is determined to restore its statehood and acquire the status of an international legal entity, since its long-standing experience has shown that such a thing is necessary for pursuing indigenous interests in foreign affairs and international organizations. The Prime Minister stressed that the statehood restoration process would be conducted in compliance with the Venice Commissions recommendations and the highest standards and practices applicable in Europe. He noted that arguments should be carefully weighed when defining referendum rules, in order to avoid the consequences unwanted by any of the interested parties.

Ambassador Szymanski has conveyed the readiness of the Polish side to develop relationship between the two countries, above all, in the area of European and transatlantic integration, both through bilateral and multilateral activities, adding that Poland as an EU member could be of assistance in these matters.

Recognizing the legitimacy of Montenegros endeavor to define its state status and referring to the talks mediated by Ambassador Lajcak, he said that Montenegro should present its arguments to the European Union in the best possible way, in order to persuade European partners of their validity.

The Prime Minister wished Ambassador Szymanski every success in the exercise of his responsible office and expressed confidence that the Montenegrin Government and other state institutions would provide full support in his efforts to strengthen relationship and cooperation between the two countries.