Wendy Morton: Government's progress and success is remarkable, you have the UK's support on that path

Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić, during his visit to the United Kingdom, met with the British Minister for European Neighbourhood and the Americas Wendy Morton.

Prime Minister Krivokapić said that Montenegro's main foreign policy goal is EU membership. "The strong government commitment to EU membership is a reflection of the overall strong political will, but also the expectations of 75% of the citizens of our country. This Government must not betray the expectations of its citizens or its European partners. Montenegro's path to the EU is the path to that economic standard and those social values that have long been a reality in the European Union and the United Kingdom. Montenegro has resolutely moved towards the reality that has been promised to it for years and we no longer have time to idle," said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister pointed out that Montenegro has fully harmonised its security and foreign policy with the EU. He emphasised that the current Government started a fundamental reform of the rule of law, and that the United Kingdom's assistance in that area was more than welcome, adding that previous talks with British officials during the visit were aimed at reaching a solution on how to implement this assistance as efficiently as possible in the near future.

PM Krivokapić also said that the relations between Montenegro and the United Kingdom were friendly and that the sincerity of that relationship was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as within cooperation in NATO.

During the seven months of the Government's work, we have shown our commitment to European integration policies, good neighbourly relations and the policy of peace and friendly coexistence in the Western Balkans, said the Prime Minister.

Minister Morton congratulated the Prime Minister on the occasion of the 200th day of the Government's work, saying that the Government of the United Kingdom is ready to work together to strengthen bilateral relations and political dialogue.

You face many challenges, but the progress and success you have made is remarkable and we support you along the way, Morton said.

Morton pointed out that we must continue close cooperation within NATO. She expressed readiness to consider models for future cooperation in areas of common interest such as cyber security, the fight against organised crime and corruption, and the rule of law. She praised our country's commitment to further progress towards full EU membership.