Press release: Prime Minister Zeljko Sturanovic meets Russian State Duma Speaker Boris Vyacheslavovich Gryzlov

Prime Minister Zeljko Sturanovic met in Podgorica today with the Speaker of the Russian Federal Assemblys State Duma, Mr. Boris Vyacheslavovich Gryzlov.

Having welcomed Mr. Gryzlov, Prime Minister Sturanovic pointed out that Montenegro and Russia had had a long history of friendship, recently promoted through a constantly growing cooperation in various fields. By the same token, he demonstrated his interest in and voiced hope for further promotion of good relations, for which he said there was a favorable political environment. The best arguments in favor of the quality of relations between the two countries are the continued close political communication, extensive diplomatic and other contacts, the level of economic cooperation and, in particular, cooperation between the capital cities of Podgorica and Moscow.

The Prime Minister informed his distinguished guest of the current situation in Montenegro, noting the importance of the upward trend in all macroeconomic indicators and the pace of accession to European and Euro-Atlantic structures.

Referring to bilateral relations, the Prime Minister pointed out that Montenegro was dedicated to implementing a variety of agreements with the Russian Federation. The contractual and legal basis for cooperation has been preserved through Montenegros succession to treaties signed by the former Yugoslavia. However, there is a need for their adjustment to the new requirements and interests of the two countries.

Mr. Gryzlov expressed his satisfaction with todays visit and the level of relations between Montenegro and the Russian Federation.
He emphasized that the close political cooperation and communication had helped promote general economic and other relations. The number of visits and overnight stays by Russian tourists is constantly growing, which has been encouraged by introducing flights from Moscow to Podgorica and Tivat. Russian citizens and businessmen are focused on attractive commercial resources and on creating conditions for business development in Montenegro, as facilitated by the general economic environment and the Governments economic policy.

The State Duma Speaker voiced his hope that agreements on education, air transport and internal affairs would soon be signed. Also, he noted that the talks on Montenegros wine exports and the use of the Port of Bars available capacity should be continued.

The general economic reform will also be facilitated through cooperation under the recent Agreement between the Russian Federations Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Montenegrin Chamber of Commerce.

It was agreed that the Intergovernmental Committee on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation would provide additional incentive to the development of mutual relations, as confirmed during the first meeting of this body, on 27 April 2007 in Petrovac.