- Government of Montenegro
Minister Darmanović takes part in SEECP ministeria...
Please note: The page below represents the archived content relating to the previous Government of Montenegro. Some of the information might be inaccurate or outdated.
Archive
Minister Darmanović takes part in SEECP ministerial meeting: Regional cooperation needs to be intensified, focus on economic recovery
Published on: Jun 25, 2020 • 11:00 PM Author: PR Service
The confrontation with the COVID-19 pandemic pointed to the need for stronger regional and international cooperation, partnership and solidarity in preserving our common future, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović at today's ministerial meeting of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), which was organised within the Kosovo presidency of this regional initiative. EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi also took part in the meeting.
Congratulating Kosovo's Minister of Foreign Affairs Meliza Haradinaj Stublla on the high-quality presidency of SEECP, Minister Darmanović said that the entire programme was implemented at a time of great uncertainty and significant international changes caused by the global pandemic, and that Kosovo deserves additional praise for successful activities. Minister Darmanović emphasised that the Government of Montenegro responded to this challenge quickly and decisively, noting that "even in those moments we have not forgotten solidarity at the regional and wider international level" and reminded that Montenegrin ports were open for the countries of the region in order to ensure the necessary flow of goods.
Minister Darmanović also said that it is necessary to intensify regional cooperation and to focus on economic recovery, emphasising that cooperation in the field of health, customs regulations and transport is of special importance, as well as providing a favourable business environment and investment, and intensifying trade and overall connectivity in the region. The Minister pointed out that our belief is that the region can only prosper if socio-economic development is based on modern technologies, digitalization and structural reforms, which will create conditions for a safer, more secure and more successful Europe.
"I am convinced that together we can use this crisis to define new opportunities for more solidarity and cooperation, building a better future for our societies and all citizens," concluded Minister Darmanović.
Speaking about the financial assistance that the EU sent to the Western Balkans in the context of dealing with COVID-19, Commissioner Varhelyi reminded that the investment package for the region, which will be on the Brussels agenda this fall, will include connectivity, especially in transport and energy.
"The economic recovery of the Western Balkans requires strong regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations," Commissioner Varhelyi said in his address.
Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council Majlinda Bregu and Political Director of the European External Action Service Enrique Mora also took part in the meeting.
Related articles:
Prime Minister Spajić presents Barometer 26 Nov 21, 2024
Is this page useful?