PM Krivokapić meets with newly appointed Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro

Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić hosted today the newly appointed Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Ambassador Dominque Waag.

PM Krivokapić warmly welcomed Ambassador Waag and wished a lot of success in future cooperation, assessing the current cooperation as very successful. He stressed that there is no reason not to continue and strengthen the achieved level of cooperation and relations, and that the OSCE and the OSCE Mission to Podgorica remain an important partner in the process of national reforms, especially in some of the sensitive areas such as elections and judicial reform and media freedom.

I am especially pleased that we have aligned our priorities, and as a result we have adopted the Strategy of Cooperation between Montenegro and the OSCE for the period 2020-2024. In this regard, we are grateful for the help and support we receive in areas such as democratisation, human rights, the rule of law and the media, said PM Krivokapić.

The Prime Minister said that exceptional results had been achieved in the economy, after a year that was one of the most difficult in recent Montenegrin history, and that the judiciary remains a priority challenge for all branches of government. Prime Minister Krivokapić said that thanks to the Euro-Atlantic path, Montenegro has raised its security to a significantly higher level, and that, at the moment, cyber threats represent the most serious security challenge. Speaking about the media, the Prime Minister unequivocally said that this Government is committed to full media freedom, but this goal can and must be achieved through respect for the law.

The Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Ambassador Dominique Waag, commended the Government for the excellent relations between the Mission and all relevant ministries in supporting the reform processes in Montenegro.

We are ready to continue our strong cooperation and remain open to the needs of your country. The OSCE supports security, stability, inclusiveness, strong democracy and an active political dialogue in Montenegro, said Ambassador Waag.

She added that the Mission will continue to support the strengthening of the rule of law and the fight against organised crime.

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is ready to assist in comprehensive electoral reform and the adoption of its main recommendations, in line with international standards and good practice, said Ambassador Waag, adding that the Mission has a strong relationship with journalists regarding media freedom.