Minister Radulović at the first Economic Dialogue between Montenegro and the US

“As I promised at the beginning of my term, strengthening of economic diplomacy is one of priorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After NATO membership and partnership in area of defense, First Economic Dialogue with the United States, which I consider as a historic success of Montenegrin diplomacy, is additional impulse of mutual economic cooperation which follows a good dynamic of our bilateral relations”, said the Head of Montenegrin Diplomacy Đorđe Radulović during the closure of this event organized in an online form.

Speaking of goals, Minister Radulović said that concrete results and the beginning of projects are expected during the next year and that they will be realized by our and American portfolios in the frame of five work groups covering these areas: economic development, technology and innovation, energy and property rights.

He emphasized that the participation of Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić and Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez, tells enough about ambitions and seriousness of the dialogue and noted that the visit of the Trade Delegation of the US to Montenegro will take place in 2022.

The Head of Montenegrin Diplomacy pointed out that the goals of the Economic dialogue are coordinated with the efforts of Montenegro in areas of European integration and that the time is right for revival of the enlargement process. The United States, as he stated, are our Euro-Atlantic ally, but they have that role on our European path also.

“I believe that only with parallel economic and democratic development of Montenegro we can speed up the processes. Because of that I see the Economic dialogue as a stepping stone for economic stabilization. Only as an economically and politically stable state we can achieve our strategic goal and become a part of the European family”, he said in his speech.

For democratization of the society and overcoming serious inherited obstacles, Minister Radulović stated, the key is economic stability based on liberal economy and “know how” values brought by American and Western investors, while the Government’s task is to prove a clear political will by providing a safe environment for investments. “To be clear regarding this question – more American investments means more democracy in Montenegro”, he concluded.

On that line, he reminded, that after last year’s elections, in terms of foreign policy the first year passed in a sign of continuous commitment to strengthening of Euro-Atlantic relations. At home we have a firm intent to witness concrete reform steps, especially through fighting organized crime and corruption, which complements EU integration processes, especially Chapters 23 and 24.

In realization of the targeted agenda, he stated, Montenegrin diplomacy will give its full contribution towards implementation of bilateral economic activities and Economic Dialogue results.

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