PM Markovic hosts US Representative Palmer: US government's decision to refocus on WB is encouraging

Podgorica, Montenegro (9 September 2019) -- Prime Minister Duško Marković hosted earlier today Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs and Special Representative of the State Department for the Western Balkans Matthew Palmer.

Congratulating the US Representative on his appointment, Prime Minister Marković said it represents a real opportunity to accelerate the achievement of the strategic goals and contributes to the stability of the entire region. "We are especially pleased that you, as an excellent expert on the Balkans, are taking the office," the Prime Minister stressed.

Special Representative Palmer said the United States, by his appointment, indicates that they are refocusing on the region.

The meeting noted that the process of European and Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkan region is in the interest of both this region and Europe as a whole, and that the EU enlargement policy should be viewed as a European strategic policy. "This means that the enlargement process must be alive. This is in the interest of both the EU and countries of our region," the Prime Minister underscored.

Speaking about Montenegro, the US Representative said that Montenegro is the leader and most successful multi-ethnic state in the region and that it is no coincidence that Montenegro is the first country he is visiting after taking office.

Prime Minister Marković informed Special Representative Palmer about the results and strategic plans in political terms, stating that the Government's successful economic policy has yielded excellent development results. In the process of European integration, special emphasis is placed on the results in the area of the rule of law and strengthening the freedom of the media, the Prime Minister stated.

The US diplomat expressed an interest in the upcoming election, and in that regard Prime Minister Marković said that the Government is committed to the success of the election dialogue, as well as to coming to an agreement on the mechanism of its implementation and recognition by all actors.