FM Darmanović in Geneva: Montenegro continues to be reliable partner to international community in finding answers and solutions to care most vulnerable

Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović participated earlier today at the First Global Refugee Forum, held in the European headquarters of the United Nations, Geneva.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, numerous senior officials of the UN member states and international organizations, representatives of civil society, local authorities and the private sector attended the Forum.

On the first day of the Forum, states expressed a strong commitment to the implementation of the Global Compact for Refugees and a willingness to cooperate dedicatedly and responsibly with both, their neighbours and the wider international community, in order to respond the needs of millions forced to leave their homes, in a best way. States presented the concrete plans and activities to which they are committed to strengthen a common response on tackling refugee crisis.

Speaking at the plenary session, Minister Darmanović recalled that Montenegro provided assistance and protection to more than 130,000 refugees of the region in 1990s, i.e. 20 % of its total population at those times.

Bearing in mind the well-established reputation on this issue, the Montenegrin Chief of Diplomacy emphasized that Montenegro committed to maintain an effective protection regime in line with the EU good practice.

"Montenegro is committed to the further development of a favorable socio-economic environment for the integration of refugees, in line with the aims of the 2030 Agenda," Minister Darmanović stressed.

Minister Darmanović emphasized that the Government of Montenegro is strongly committed to taking all necessary measures, to implement these obligations.

"Montenegro remains a reliable partner for the full implementation of the Global Refugee Compact. Montenegro will continue to cooperate with the UNHCR and the international community to create new and better solutions for refugees and reception countries,” the Montenegrin Chief of Diplomacy concluded.

On the Forum sidelines, Minister Darmanović discussed with Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Antonio Vitorin. On this occasion, it was noted the excellent cooperation between Montenegro and the IOM and mutual support in further treatment of migration issues.

During his stay in Geneva, Montenegrin Foreign Minister also met with German Foreign Minister Haiku Mas. The two officials exchanged views on the European perspective of the Western Balkans and on the current political matters in the two countries.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO