Abazović, Donfried: Montenegro and the United States are strengthening their partnership

Prime Minister Dritan Abazović met today with Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried, who is paying an official visit to Montenegro as part of her five-day tour of the Western Balkans. The meeting noted that Montenegro and the United States of America continue to strengthen their partnership, with a special focus on strengthening relations in the field of rule of law and economic cooperation between the two allies.

The delegation of the United States of America, which is paying a visit to Podgorica, in addition to the Assistant Secretary of State Donfried and the US Ambassador to Montenegro, H. E. Judy Rising Reinke also includes EUCOM Ambassador Adam Sterling, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Gabriel Escobar, EUCOM Colonel Andrew Mack, EUCOM Commander Holger Michael Wagner, and Political/Economic Section Chief at the US Embassy in Montenegro Scott Parrish. The American officials were welcomed by Prime Minister Abazović and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro Ranko Krivokapić.

We congratulate you on your election as Prime Minister. The United States is committed to building a stronger partnership between the two countries. Your vision is strong and we believe that Montenegro's future is in the EU. We give full support to your European path, said Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried.

Donfried pointed out that the United States welcomes the fact that Montenegro imposed sanctions against Russia and considers it a good example of joint action on the geopolitical stage of NATO partners.

PM Abazović thanked for the congratulations and support that the United States continuously provides to Montenegro.

We want our partnership to be strengthened and deepened. We want the results we achieve in the field of the rule of law to accelerate our European integration. We are sure that the cooperation with the USA in the fight against corruption will give results, Abazović emphasised.

Speaking about the current political situation in Montenegro, Prime Minister Abazović pointed out that his intention is to open a political dialogue in the coming period, which would result in the unblocking of judicial institutions and the appointment of judicial office-holders to a full term.

Montenegro has the opportunity to show a completely different face, where the foundations of the policy will be based on the fight against high-level corruption and economic growth. I consider ideological differences in the Government a great chance and perspective for Montenegro, and this is a way to learn to work together, so that political parties that show ideological differences can start cooperating in the interests of our country. Differences are a good way to create new political values in Montenegro, and we are more than ready for such challenges, said Prime Minister Abazović.

The meeting also discussed the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine. Prime Minister Abazović stressed that he would personally initiate a visit to Kiev, along with other Western Balkan leaders, to openly support Ukraine and its people.

Montenegro wants to improve relations with neighbouring countries and serve as an example of stability in the Western Balkans, PM Abazović concluded.

Furthermore, the meeting discussed the continuation of cooperation in the field of economy and rule of law.