Abazović meets with Sinkevičius and Lajčak: Government will work hard on reforms

Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro Dritan Abazović had separate meetings with European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius, and EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues Miroslav Lajčak.

Emphasising the importance of environmental protection, Abazović confirmed in a conversation with Sinkevičius that the Government is clearly committed to working diligently on reforms related to the negotiation Chapter 27.

DPM Abazović stressed the importance of working on the affirmation of cooperation when it comes to the field of environment, in the context of the presented Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, as well as defined activities within the economic and investment plan.

Abazović pointed out that the Government will put a greater focus on activities related to the protection and improvement of the environment, as well as on the fight against climate change. This will include the implementation of a set of international measures that will brand Montenegro as a true ecological state, in accordance with the Constitution.

"We are determined to continue the development of our country by following the principles of a green economy, clean energy and environment protection. A clear demonstration of this was one of the first decisions of the Government - to permanently ban the further construction of small-scale hydropower plants in order to preserve Montenegrin watercourses as one of our greatest natural and development resources," said DPM Abazović.

Abazović and Sinkevičius also talked about preserving and improving the ecological values of protected areas and the potentials of Natura 2000 programe, such as Ulcinj Salina, Sinjajevina Mountain, Skadar Lake, Tara River and other river streams, as well as waste management and water quality.

Deputy Prime Minister Dritan Abazović also met yesterday with EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues Miroslav Lajčak.

Abazović pointed out that regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations remain one of the three key priorities of Montenegro's foreign policy (in addition to European integration and activities within NATO).

DPM Abazović said that the Government's foreign policy direction is Montenegro's membership in the European Union and that the Government is clearly striving for the necessary reforms in order to speed up the process of closing the negotiation chapters.