Abazović meets with British Minister Ellis

Deputy Prime Minister Dritan Abazović met today with British Minister Michael Ellis. Political stability, rule of law, unblocking of institutions, fight against transnational organised crime and a clear Euro-Atlantic course are the main guidelines for further development of Montenegro as a credible international partner, said DPM Abazović.

The United Kingdom is Montenegro's partner, which encourages all political actors to engage in dialogue with the aim of reducing political tensions. We give full support to Montenegro and the Western Balkans on their European path. The security institutions of the UK and Montenegro continue to cooperate in terms of numerous security challenges, but also in the fight against international organised crime, said British Minister Michael Ellis.

Deputy Prime Minister Abazović pointed out that Montenegro strives for stability in order to emerge from the political crisis, but continues to strengthen its European path and credibility within the NATO partnership, clearly siding with its partners in the context of the international crisis caused by Russia's invasion of the sovereign state of Ukraine.

Emphasising Montenegro's determination to deal with organised crime at all levels, Abazović stressed determination to strengthen the rule of law, noting that Montenegro's fight against crime was also recognised and praised by the European Parliament in last year's report.

Montenegro strives to achieve results, unblock institutions in order to overcome the crisis and continue to make strides on its European path. The citizens of Montenegro are seeking justice and security. The process of comprehensive reforms has begun. We are optimistic and sincerely believe that the new Chief Special Prosecutor will show visible results in the fight against crime and corruption, said Abazović.

The two officials agreed that the UK and Montenegro are international partners cooperating well in the fight against organised crime, especially international cigarette smuggling, where Montenegro has taken decisive steps to prevent international cigarette smuggling through the Free Zone Port of Bar by repealing the Decision on the storage of tobacco products within the Free Zone.

British Ambassador Karen Maddocks and Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister Ana Rašović were also present at the meeting.