Press release: Prime Minister meets delegation of US senators

Prime Minister of the Republic of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic met in Milocer today with a delegation of US senators making a three-day visit to Montenegro, headed by Senator John McCain from the State of Arizona. The delegation also included Senator Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, Senator Mel Martinez of Florida, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Senator Richard Burr of Northern Carolina and Senator John Sununu of New Hampshire.

Having welcomed his guests, Prime Minister Djukanovic thanked the United States of America for prompt recognition of Montenegros independence, followed by establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He informed them of the current developments in Montenegro, in view of the restored statehood and acquisition of full international personality. In that context he explained that Montenegro as an interdependent country had so far been recognized by around 80 countries throughout the world and that the process of establishing diplomatic relations and opening diplomatic stations of the highest rank was being carried out at an accelerated rate.

In addition, he acquainted his guests with the Governments activities in the sphere of socio-economic reform and development of systems based on European standards. In this respect, he noted the importance and continuity of the US support to development processes, strengthening the spirit of democracy and overall reform carried out in Montenegro.
He estimated that for the third year in a row the local economy had shown very good results, mirrored in an upward trend for all macroeconomic indicators and considerable growth of foreign investment, the highest in the region last year. By the same token, he expressed the interest in strengthening economic cooperation with US partners and having them present in development projects in Montenegro as much as possible.

Referring to foreign policy issues, he emphasized that the Governments priorities for the next period included quick progress towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration, i.e. conclusion of a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union and admission to NATOs Partnership for Peace by the end of the year.

The delegation thanked the Prime Minister for comprehensive information on recent changes in Montenegro, challenges of the transition process and efforts towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration.