Press release: Sturanovic meets Parvanov

Prime Minister Zeljko Sturanovic had talks with President of the Republic of Bulgaria Georgi Parvanov in Podgorica today, as part of President Parvanovs official visit to Montenegro.

Having welcomed President Parvanov, Prime Minister Sturanovic expressed satisfaction with his visit and the development of traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He recalled the recent celebration of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Montenegro and Bulgaria and stressed the importance of a continued political dialogue at a senior and top level, as a solid basis for further strengthening of different forms of bilateral cooperation, which would be aided by todays Agreement between the two countries. The Prime Minister congratulated President Parvanov on Bulgarias fully fledged membership of the European Union.

The Prime Minister also informed President Parvanov of the Governments priorities for the coming period which, in terms of foreign policy, included faster progress towards European and Euro-Atlantic structures and, when it came to internal affairs, further strengthening of macroeconomic stability, attraction of foreign direct investment, creation of new jobs and a rise in the standard of living.

President Parvanov once again recognized the importance of and commended Montenegros restored statehood. He also expressed satisfaction with the initialing of the Stabilization and Association agreement with the EU and Montenegros full membership of NATOs Partnership for Peace.

Mr Parvanov confirmed Bulgarias readiness to share with Montenegro the positive experiences and expertise acquired in the process of accession to the EU and NATO. Such readiness is motivated by Bulgarias commitment to see Montenegro and the whole region integrated into modern European and Euro-Atlantic structures.

Both sides expressed interest and readiness for further dialogue, which would encourage cooperation in different fields to the benefit of both countries and the whole region.