Lajčak: This is the Government of hope

Prime Minister Dritan Abazović met with EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Miroslav Lajčák on the sidelines of the Southeastern Europe Democracy Summit (SEE|DEM) in Bečići. We expect a significant progress in making key decisions by the end of Parliament's first regular session. It is important that we achieve results, and more importantly that they are recognised, said PM Abazović.

Prime Minister Abazović stressed the importance of the EU's presence in the Western Balkans and the importance of European institutions in enlargement policy, given the EU's geopolitical and strategic relationship with the Western Balkans.

As a responsible candidate for membership in the Union, Montenegro consistently follows the EU's foreign and security policy. We have completely joined the EU's positions and decisions, which also refer to sanctions imposed by the EU after the Russia's invasion against Ukraine, said Prime Minister Abazović.

Prime Minister Abazović emphasised that the Government's priority is the rule of law, unblocking institutions and the fight against crime and corruption, stressing the results achieved in that area and Montenegro's activities in the coming period aimed at becoming the first next EU member.

Congratulations on the election of the 43rd Government. For all of us, in the European Union and Montenegro, this is the Government of hope, said Lajčák and pointed out that Ukraine has changed everything when it comes to EU enlargement. He added that the Western Balkans is viewed from a new perspective in which Montenegro continues to be a leader in the European integration process.

He said that Montenegro has always been a factor of stability in the region and added that any progress in the integration process will be recognised and valorised. We are considering the option of stronger involvement of candidate countries, Lajčák pointed out.

Furthermore, the two officials exchanged opinions on regional initiatives and the impacts of the situation in Ukraine, while Lajčák expressed EU's readiness to help cope with the consequences.

Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro Cristina Oana Popa was also present at the meeting.