Press release: Outgoing Prime Minister Zeljko Sturanovic meets with Czech Ambassador Ivan Jastreb

Outgoing Prime Minister Zeljko Sturanovic received today a farewell visit from the Czech Republics Non-Resident Ambassador to Montenegro Mr Ivan Jastreb.

Prime Minister Sturanovic thanked His Excellency for the excellent cooperation and his significant personal contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between Montenegro and the Czech Republic, as well as for the Czech Republics understanding and support to democratic processes in Montenegro and its European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. He pointed out that prompt ratification of the Stabilization and Association Agreement by parliaments of the EU member states was very important to Montenegro. He also voiced Montenegros intention to apply for EU candidacy status in the first half of 2008 and requested the Czech Republics support in that respect. Emphasizing the importance of setting up the Common Visa Application Center in Podgorica he expressed hope that by taking part in the project the Czech Republic would enable Montenegrin citizens to apply for Czech visas in Podgorica.

Having thanked the Prime Minister for excellent communication and cooperation with Montenegrin institutions during his term of office, Ambassador Jastreb commended the quality and level of bilateral relations achieved so far. He expressed his countrys intention to establish a diplomatic office in Montenegro ahead of the Czech Republics EU Presidency in the first half of 2009. Ambassador Jastreb confirmed the Czech Governments unreserved commitment to further supporting Montenegros efforts towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration, proven by prompt ratification of the SAA between Montenegro and the EU in the Czech Parliament. Mr Jastreb also communicated the Czech Republics political decision to join the group of countries issuing visas to Montenegrin citizens in Podgorica, adding that he expected all the technicalities to be settled by April this year.

Both parties recognized numerous opportunities for further development of economic cooperation and higher presence of Czech investors in Montenegro, in which the Czech Trade and Commerce Office, opened on January 1 this year in Podgorica, would play a significant role.