Press release: Prime Minister Zeljko Sturanovic meets Albanian Foreign Minister Lulzim Basha

Prime Minister Zeljko Sturanovic had talks in Podgorica today with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Albania Lulzim Basha, who was making an official visit to Montenegro.

In discussion, general satisfaction was expressed with the development of friendship between the two neighboring countries, together with an observation that bilateral relations were becoming increasingly substantial and intensive, but that there were opportunities for further development in all aspects. It was agreed that with the restoration of Montenegros statehood conditions were met for further reinforcement of overall relations and continued political dialogue at a senior and top level, with a view to producing concrete forms of cooperation in different fields.

Having passed on Prime Minister Sali Berishas compliments to Prime Minister Sturanovic, Foreign Minister Basha stressed that Albania had a high regard for Montenegros achievements in the area of socio-economic development and overall reform, adding that his country supported Montenegros progress towards European and Euro-Atlantic structures. He also noted that Montenegro was a good example for well-balanced inter-ethnic relations, multiethnic and multi-religious harmony and that such policy had experienced full affirmation and support from all international factors. For all those reasons, he described Montenegro as a reliable and serious partner in the region.

Prime Minister Sturanovic expressed satisfaction with the meeting, explaining that the development of good relations and cooperation with countries of the region, including the Republic of Albania, had a prominent place among Montenegros foreign policy priorities. He acquainted his guest with the Governments priorities concerning the strengthening of political and macroeconomic stability, stimulating and accelerating economic growth and development, in order to promote the quality of life of the population.

Both sides recognized the need to promote cooperation, particularly in the field of transport (highways Tirana-Podgorica-Sarajevo, Podgorica-Plav via Albania, Skadar-Bar via Vladimir, shipping lines Drac-Bar and Virpazar-Skadar, navigation along the Bojana River, Adriatic-Ionian Highway, etc.), electrical industry, construction, agriculture, etc., as well as cooperation between chambers of commerce and export companies, in order to boost trade in goods and services. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of exploiting joint natural resources Lake Scutari, the Bojana River and the Adriatic Sea.

It was concluded that good relations between the two countries and well-developed cooperation was the best contribution to the stability of the region and its collective and definite integration into modern international structures.