Press release: Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic meets newly appointed Slovenian Ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro Miroslav Luci

Prime Minister Milo Djukanvoic met in Podgorica today with newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the State Union Miroslav Luci, who is making an official visit to Montenegro.

The discussion focused on bilateral relations and cooperation, current developments in Montenegro and European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

It was estimated that, in the past period, firm foundations had been laid for further successful development of traditional friendship and the readiness to promote different forms of cooperation, above all economic, was confirmed. Slovenian companies participate successfully in several major projects in Montenegro, both in industry, energy and transport infrastructure on the one hand and tourism, banking and services on the other.

The Prime Minister acquainted Ambassador Luci with the political and economic situation in the republic and the achieved level of reform and macroeconomic indicators, which provided an additional incentive to the inflow of foreign direct investment. The Prime Minister named further progress towards full membership of the European Union and NATO, acceleration of economic growth and development and strengthening of macroeconomic stability as the Governments direct priorities for the next period.

He also informed the Ambassador of the preparation process for restoring Montenegros full statehood and acquiring international legal personality which, according to the long-standing experience, was a necessary requirement for realizing European and transatlantic goals. The Prime Minister stressed that the process would be conducted in compliance with the Venice Commissions recommendations and the highest standards and practices applicable in Europe. In that respect, he noted that certain proposals from the European Union threatened fundamental democratic principles regarding majority and minority and the equality of citizens, which should be given serious consideration.

Ambassador Luci expressed full understanding for the presented views and opinions and gave credit to Montenegro for its unwavering adoption of European standards and persistence on the road to regional and wider international integration. He expressed Slovenias keen interest in developing friendly relations and cooperation with Montenegro, adding that relevant authorities and institutions of the Republic of Slovenia were ready to share their experiences from the process of accession to European and transatlantic structures.

Referring to the resolution of Montenegros state status, Ambassador Luci expressed the expectation that the Montenegrin society would succeed in achieving its historic goals in a democratic atmosphere, which Slovenia, as well as other international partners, would welcome and accept.

The Prime Minister wished Ambassador Lucia every success in his new office, giving assurances of full support from the Montenegrin Government and other state institutions in strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries.