There is no democracy without freedom of the media, and unfortunately we have heard of cases of violence directed at the media, and these problems should not exist in Montenegro, said Austrian Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs Sebastian Kurz.
He then visited the editorial office of "Vijesti" where he spoke with "Vijesti" director Željko Ivanović, editors and journalists.
"The fight against corruption and the rule of law are important for Austrian investors, and another topic that is important is the freedom of the media, without which there is no democracy. Unfortunately, we have heard of cases of violence against the media, against 'Vijesti' and other media, and that is very sad and there shouldn't be any such problems," Kurc said after the meeting with the head of diplomacy, Igor Lukšić.
Kurz reminded that Austria's investments have influenced better employment in the country.
"We support the integration of all the countries of the Western Balkans into the EU, especially Montenegro", emphasized Kurz, pointing out the importance of cooperation in the region.
When asked by journalists what he would say to the civil sector and the media in Montenegro, he said that he was visiting the country first of all to talk to them, as well as to hear what they had to say.
Kurz stated that his general message to all of them, in all countries, is to become more active. Without them, he added, there is no functional democracy. "Not only in Montenegro, but also in Austria and all other countries".
Lukšić said that Austria is one of the countries that most strongly supports the European integration process of the region, and especially, as he stated, Montenegro. According to Lukšić, the Montenegrin and Austrian societies are intertwined in many ways, not only on a social but also on an economic level.
According to Lukšić, the two ministers also discussed cooperation in the region. Lukšić also presented the results of the process of Montenegro's accession to NATO to the Austrian minister.
When asked by journalists what Montenegro will do in the future in the field of the rule of law, Lukšić reminded of everything that has already been done, stating that other activities are underway in order to achieve further progress.
He reminded that Montenegro has opened 18, and that two more negotiation chapters are expected to be opened next week.
Speaking about the freedom of the media, Lukšić emphasized that there is no censorship in Montenegro, stating that further progress is certainly possible in that area as well.
"There is no doubt that there is still work to be done, but it would not be objective to ignore what has been achieved in the meantime," Lukšić said.
The ministers stated that the Austrian minister's visit to Montenegro is also important because of the summit on Western Balakan, which will be held in Vienna at the end of August this year.
Montenegro has advanced the farthest in the process of integration
Montenegro has advanced the farthest in the process of European integration, said Sebastian Kurz, Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs of Austria.
Kurz, who is visiting Montenegro, said in a conversation with Prime Minister Milo Đukanović that Austria strongly supports the integration of Montenegro and the countries of the Western Balkans into the European Union (EU).
He pointed out the full attention that Austria pays to the integration of Montenegro and the countries of the region and emphasized the importance of the summit in Vienna, which represents the continuation of the successful Berlin process, with the aim of infrastructural connection of the region within itself and with the EU and its overall economic development.
Đukanović thanked the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria for the country's support and sensitivity in relation to the Region and issues of importance for its integration and development.
"The decades-long lagging of the region can be overcome by the joint action of the EU and the countries of the region in the direction of the implementation of key regional projects," said Đukanović.
The interlocutors agreed that the two countries have extremely good bilateral relations strengthened by successful cooperation in numerous areas, with a special emphasis on the economy.
It was assessed that the positive experiences of Austrian investors can be an incentive for deepening cooperation in the field of energy, agriculture and tourism.
"Significant potential for cooperation is also recognized in the field of science and culture," the announcement says.
Vujanović: Respect for Austria's support
The Austrian foreign minister met with President Filip Vujanović in Podgorica.
Vujanović expressed his respect to the interlocutor for his country's continuous and strong support for the European integration of Montenegro, greatly appreciating its willingness to help Montenegro reach European Union standards.
The President said that he is satisfied with the substantial and intensive relations between Montenegro and Austria in all areas, with room for, as Kurz said, further improvement, especially in the field of economy.
Kurz emphasized that Austria will continue to strongly support the European integration of Montenegro, and that this is not only in the interest of Montenegro, but also of the EU and each of its members.
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