Press release: Prime Minister Zeljko Sturanovic meets Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

Prime Minister Zeljko Sturanovic met with Russian Federations Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Podgorica today, as part of Mr Lavrovs official visit to Montenegro.

Foreign Minister Lavrov thanked the Prime Minister for his hospitality and reiterated the Russian Federations readiness to reinforce bilateral relations and all-round cooperation with Montenegro. He pointed out that the cooperation between the two countries had a solid basis and historic roots, which offered good prospects for the future of Russian-Montenegrin relations.

Prime Minister used this opportunity to thank once again the Russian Federation for the constructive position in the process of deciding Montenegros state status, prompt recognition of referendum results, establishment of full diplomatic relations and appointment of ambassador. He acquainted Mr Lavrov with the current political and economic developments in Montenegro, describing the political situation as stable and economic developments as very dynamic. In that respect, he emphasized that all key macroeconomic indicators for this year would be improved. In addition, the Prime Minister informed Foreign Minister Lavrov that the Governments priorities for the next period included more intense efforts of European and transatlantic integration and further development of relations with friendly countries, among which Russia occupied one of the most prominent positions. Montenegros progress towards European integration, particularly the European Union, as part of the European orientation of the whole region, could represent an incentive to the development of modern relations and cooperation between the two countries on an equal basis.

In the discussion, satisfaction was expressed with the present trend of reinforcing political dialogue and developing bilateral cooperation. A growth in investment was recognized in the field of economic relations, as well as an enhancement of relations in the area of education, science and culture, adding new, present-day contents to traditional forms of cooperation.

It was agreed that the operationalization of the Mixed Committee for Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation, due to meet as early as 27 May, would represent a strong contribution to further development of bilateral cooperation in different areas.

Grounds for a wider international cooperation between the two countries were also recognized, as well as the Russian Federations readiness to provide Montenegro with every support in the realization of its interests and strengthening of its international position.

Both sides agreed that the opening of the Russian Federations Embassy in Podgorica and the Embassy of Montenegro in Moscow which would come into operation soon provided for more dynamic bilateral relations and cooperation in different areas.