Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Igor Lukšić met with Director General for European Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Robert De Groot.
Mr De Groot said that Montenegro has made significant progress since restoring independence and that its results in European and Euro-Atlantic integration recommend it for successful continuation of these processes. He underlined that progress is visible in all key areas and that the country should focus in the future on implementing the adopted legal solutions. He expressed an expectation that by the end of the year a positive decision will be made regarding Montenegro’s NATO membership.
Mr Lukšić has underlined that the Government is investing special efforts and promoting the legal implementation phase in the sense of reforms in key areas. He recalled the very dynamic and successful process of European integration, which was recently confirmed by the opening of two additional negotiation chapters. He thanked for the Dutch government’s continued support to rule of law reforms through various bilateral development projects that supported Montenegro in the processes of European and Euro-Atlantic integration, especially in the areas of judicial reform and fight against organised crime and corruption as well as improving human rights protection.
The officials exchanged opinions on the importance of Montenegro’s NATO membership, noting in particular the importance of strengthening stability and security not just in Montenegro but also the region, as well as the Mediterranean area.
The meeting also discussed further improvement of bilateral cooperation, economic and public administration reform, as well as very comprehensive multi-lateral cooperation of the two states.
