Press release: Prime Minister Zeljko Sturanovic meets Chargé d'Affaires of the Russian Embassy in Montenegro Andrey Yermolenko

Prime Minister Zeljko Sturanovic met in Podgorica today with Chargé d'Affaires of the Russian Federations Embassy in Montenegro Andrey Yermolenko.

On that occasion, Mr Yermolenko presented the Prime Minister with a letter of congratulation from the Russian Federation's Prime Minister Mihail Fradkov upon his appointment to the office. He also informed the Prime Minister of concrete initiatives of the Russian side towards further reinforcement of bilateral cooperation, including a proposal of a clearing agreement with Montenegro and enforcement of the free-trade agreement between the two countries.

Mr Yermolenko emphasized Russias readiness to help Montenegro integrate into all international organizations it aspired to join.

The Prime Minister asked the Chargé d'Affaires to convey his thanks to Prime Minister Fradkov, emphasizing that Montenegrin-Russian relations were based on a long-standing tradition of friendship and closeness. He expressed satisfaction at the development of bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries and readiness to reinforce different areas of cooperation even further, since the Russian Federation was one of Montenegros most important strategic partners.

Both sides agreed that, after the restoration of Montenegros statehood, conditions had been created for a general expansion of relations and the impending opening of the two countries diplomatic offices would fully provide the necessary infrastructure, giving a strong momentum to the development of all-round relations and cooperation.