Press release: Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic meets with outgoing Austrian Ambassador to Montenegro Florian Raunig

Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic met Tuesday with outgoing Austrian Ambassador to Montenegro Florian Raunig.

The Prime Minister thanked Mr Raunig for his successful engagement in a four-year mission, during which the two countries developed broad cooperation. The Prime Minister also underlined Ambassador Raunigs personal contribution in what was one of the most important periods in Montenegros history, adding that he considered as particularly important that the Austrian Governments focus on investment in Montenegro did not end with the inflow of Austrian private investments in the country. In addition, Mr Djukanovic expressed satisfaction that Austrian investors had extended their interest in Montenegro from infrastructure to tourism, regardless of the global recession.

Ambassador Raunig was pleased to point out that Montenegro and Austria had no outstanding issues, which he said was a privilege to a diplomat. He stressed that his country would continue to be a promoter of European integration in the Balkans and voiced hope that the lifting of visa requirements would help deepen the relationship between Montenegrin and Austrian citizens. Ambassador Ranug observed that Montenegros political life had returned to its normal European course, as compared to the beginning of his term when status-related issues dominated the political agenda.

Both sides agreed that Montenegro was both politically and economically one of the most stable areas in the region. The Austrian Ambassador said that this represented a particular strength of Montenegro which, owing to its good relations with all countries of the region, could even play the role of a mediator in the future.

Prime Minister Djukanovic and Ambassador Raunig concluded that the very good Montenegrin-Austrian economic and political relations would also continue to develop in other aspects, recognizing culture and science as potential areas for advancement of inter-state cooperation.