Montenegro and Australia open to improve bilateral relations
Montenegro and Australia want to work together on strengthening bilateral relations , it was said in the meeting between Prime Minister, Mr Duško Marković, and the Ambassador of Australia, Ms Ruth Stewart.
“For the past three years, the Government has been committed to the implementation of economic reforms. As a result, we have an economic growth of almost 5%, unemployment reduction rate of over 8%, and by around 30.000 more employed people”, said Mr Marković.
Speaking about important investments in infrastructure, healthcare and education, Mr Marković stressed Government’s commitment to sustainable development and environment protection.
Interlocutors agreed that there is a possibility for improvement of economic cooperation in tourism, but also in agriculture and healthy food production.
They also discussed the situation in Montenegro and the region in the context of European integration. Mr Marković emphasized our country’s absolute commitment to the EU.
Ms Stewart said that Australia would provide continued support in this direction.
Montenegro’s role in NATO is seen as positive and its contribution to the preservation of the values of the Alliance was praised in the meeting.
Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Montenegro and Chairman of the Committee on Comprehensive Reform of Election and Other Legislation Mr Branimir Gvozdenovic also met Ms Ruth Stewart.
Mr Gvozdenovic recalled that several reputable Australian businessmen and investors are successfully operating in Montenegro, adding that the existing cooperation should be intensified but also extended to other areas.
Commenting on the general state policy, the Vice President emphasized that Montenegro’s accession to NATO fulfilled one of its main foreign policy priorities, and that joining the European Union was an objective to which Montenegro had been committed.
The ambassador said that Australia appreciates and supports the European path of Montenegro, adding that it is very important that the Western Balkans region is stable and economically prosperous.
Source: CDM
