Press release: Montenegrin Prime Minister meets newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro Tadashi Nagai

Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic met with newly appointed Ambassador of Japan to the State Union Tadashi Nagai in Podgorica today, as part of Mr. Nagais official visit to Montenegro.

Prime Minister Djukanovic welcomed Ambassador Nagai and expressed gratitude for the support and assistance the Japanese Governments provided to Montenegro in the implementation of specific projects in the fields of healthcare, education, science and culture. Estimating that, recently, bilateral relations had shown an upward trend, he emphasized Montenegros interest in Japanese participation in major infrastructure projects, such as the Montenegrin section of the Adriatic-Ionian Highway. The Prime Minister said it would be useful, when convenient, for a Montenegrin delegation to visit Japan, which would help introduce Japanese partners to Montenegros development plans and business environment.

The Prime Minister also informed His Excellency of the current economic and political situation in Montenegro, results of social and economic reforms, enhanced macroeconomic stability and visible growth in foreign direct investment.

In addition, he acquainted his guest with the activities aimed at resolving the state status and Montenegros strong commitment to take full responsibility of managing its own future. The Prime Minister stressed that this would be done in a democratic and transparent process, in accordance with the highest international norms and standards.

Ambassador Nagai informed Prime Minister Djukanovic that the programs and plans for assistance in the ongoing and future projects would be continued in the spirit of friendship and cooperation. He said that the idea of making arrangements for Japans stronger presence in Montenegrin infrastructure projects was a very good one.

It was agreed that there were significant opportunities for the development of cooperation and a stronger presence of Japanese businesses in Montenegro. The investment by Japanese company Daido Metal in Kotor, whose entire output is being placed on developed countries markets, was pointed out as an example of successful cooperation.

The Prime Minister expressed the readiness of the Government and other republican institutions to provide His Excellency with all the support needed in his efforts to further promote bilateral cooperation between the two countries.