Konjević meets French Ambassador Christian Thimonier

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Raško Konjević met with Ambassador of the French Republic to Montenegro Christian Thimonier. The meeting assessed that Montenegro is strongly committed to developing and strengthening bilateral cooperation with France, as one of the most important NATO allies, and France will continue to strongly support Montenegro, both in terms of political reforms on its European path and in terms of defence.

Konjević said that Montenegro expects a more intensive presence in the Western Balkans from its partners. He pointed out that it is easier today to explain to partners and the international community the influence of third parties, after the brutal aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.

The international community needs to receive several important messages. One of them is that, after the invasion of Ukraine, the Western Balkans should be viewed in a different way and additional attention should be paid to it, said the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.

He added that the new Government is facing several issues that cause political controversy, among which the most important are contractual relations with religious communities and the regional initiative Open Balkan.

In addition, it is necessary to restore investor confidence, Konjević said.

Ambassador Thimonier expressed France's support for Montenegro on its European path. He expressed expectation that the future agreement between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of the French Republic on cooperation in the field of defence will further strengthen our relations within the Alliance.

Konjević thanked for the proposals regarding the process of equipping and improving the capacity of the Armed Forces of Montenegro.

The officials pointed out the importance of the stability of the region and expressed expectation that Montenegro's accession negotiations with the European Union will be unblocked soon.