Press release: Prime Minister Zeljko Sturanovic meets with Puglia Region President Niki Vendola

The Puglia Region will serve as a guide to Montenegro and other countries of the Western Balkans in the course of their European integration - it was noted at todays meeting between Prime Minister Zeljko Sturanovic and the Puglia Region President Niki Vendola who was heading a Puglia delegation on a one-day visit to Podgorica.

The guests from Italy expressed their satisfaction at the evident progress in all aspects of Montenegros development following independence. Referring to many opportunities for economic cooperation between Puglia and Montenegro, Mr. Vendola placed special emphasis on projects in the field of energy, transport, tourism, culture and education. Both parties expressed readiness to begin preparations for the Corridor 8 Project, as one of the European Commissions priority projects in the region.

Having recalled the tradition of good relations between Montenegro and Puglia, Prime Minister Sturanovic called for cooperation in the field of energy, particularly in the domain of renewable energy sources, as one of the guiding principles set out in the recently adopted Energy Development Strategy by 2025. The project of laying an underwater energy cable was recognized as extremely important, connecting Montenegro and Puglia and representing the shortest way for our country to the EU energy market. Montenegro is very interested in cooperating in the field tourism and trade fairs, as well as sharing Puglias experiences in water supply.

Both sides agreed that a better communication between young people and universities should be one of the priorities for the coming period. Prime Minister Sturanovic thanked the Puglia Region for the support provided so far, hoping that it would be continued through further close communication and joint projects.