Redmond, USA: Montenegrin government delegation, headed by Prime Minister Zeljko Sturanovic, meets with Microsoft President Steve Ballmer and other company executives

A Montenegrin government delegation, headed by Prime Minister Zeljko Sturanovic, visited Microsofts headquarters in Redmond (Washington, USA), and met with company president Steve Ballmer and other company executives.

Prime Minister Zeljko Sturanovic, Deputy Prime Minister Vujica Lazovic, Minister Branimir Gvozdenovic and Secretary for Development Dusan Simonovic discussed with Microsofts management the introduction of new technologies in Montenegros health, public and education sectors. On that occasion, additional support was given to some of the initiatives introduced following the signing of the strategic partnership agreement between Microsoft and the Government of Montenegro, concerning the introduction of an information system in Montenegros diplomatic network. The idea is for every ambassador to use, as a principal working and communication tool, a portable computer equipped with a Windows operating system, while the confidentiality of data and communication safety would be provided by a platform based on Microsofts technology.

In addition, reference was made to the possibilities for founding a technology research center in Montenegro, aimed at recruiting new Montenegrin experts and motivating the return from abroad of the already established ones. Prime Minister Sturanovic proposed to Mr Ballmer that Montenegro should host one of the forthcoming regional conferences organized by the corporation.

The head of the company, Steve Ballmar, thanked Prime Minister Sturanovic for accepting the invitation extended to the Government of Montenegro by Bill Gates at the GLF Forum in Lisbon early this February. He emphasized the readiness to help Montnegrin educational institutions and promote the development of IT industry in Montenegro, as one of the prime movers in a modern society.

Besides Steve Ballamer, the Montenegrin delegation also met with Walid Abu-Hadba, the companys Vice President in charge of the concept of digital society.

By visiting Redmond, the new Government has made clear its determination to make efforts to create a modern information society, though a closer cooperation with Microsoft.