Press release: Djukanovic meets Rupel

Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic met in Podgorica today with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Dimitrij Rupel, who is making an official visit to Montenegro on the occasion of the opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Podgorica.

Mr Rupel congratulated Montenegro on the restoration of independence, adding that, in accordance with the decisions of the Government and the Parliament of Slovenia, he had the honor of opening the Slovenian Embassy in Podgorica. He expressed the readiness of his Government to take full part in further comprehensive development of relations and cooperation with Montenegro, both on bilateral and multilateral levels, by supporting Montenegros efforts towards integration into European and transatlantic structures.

Having thanked Mr. Rupel for his congratulations and prompt implementation of the decision to open an embassy in Podgorica, the Prime Minister recognized Slovenias constructive role and understanding for Montenegros aspirations, in terms of statehood restoration, internal development and compliance with modern international trends. He made particular reference to Slovenias support in that respect, given that Montenegros immediate priorities included progress towards the European Union and NATO, through the conclusion of a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU and membership of NATOs Partnership for Peace Program by the end of this year.

It was agreed that solid grounds had been created for further successful development of traditional friendly relations in different areas, particularly economic cooperation. Slovenian companies have proved to be reliable partners to local enterprises in important development projects in Montenegro. They have been successfully involved in several major projects in Montenegro, ranging from various industry sectors, power industry and transport infrastructure to tourism, banking and services.

The meeting was attended by chairmen of Slovenian parliamentary committees for international relations and defense Jozef Jerovsek and Anton Anderlic, chargé d'affaires of the Embassy in Podgorica Branko Rakovec and, on the Montenegrin side, the Prime Ministers advisors Milan Rocen and Milomir Mihaljevic and Head of Montenegros Office in Slovenia Branko Perovic.