Rinkevičs: Montenegro has made progress, but there is still a lot of work to do

Montenegro has made progress in the reform process, and in relation to the region it is in the lead in terms of enlargement, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkevičs.

Today he met with the Montenegrin Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Igor Lukšić.

Rinkevičs praised Montenegro's progress, but also said that it still has a lot of work to do.

He stated that he hopes that during the Latvian presidency, Montenegro will open more chapters.

"I congratulate Montenegro on its progress in the reform process, which is ahead of the region in terms of enlargement, and at the same time it is obvious that there is still a lot of work to be done, not only in Montenegro, but also in the European Union (EU) itself," said Rinkevičs. .

He said at the press conference that he hopes for further Montenegrin reforms in the field of justice, in the fight against corruption, organized crime and in strengthening the state administration.

Rinkevičs assessed that the bilateral relations between Montenegro and Latvia are good and said that the country is ready to support and help the Montenegrin Government in those areas in which it deems it necessary, in the process of applying common EU legislation.

When it comes to NATO, as he stated, if the necessary progress is achieved by December, talks on accession could take place.

Lukšić pointed out the importance of the bilateral relations colleague's visit, which comes at a time when Latvia is the EU chairman.

He said that at the meeting they made an overview of the current state of European integration and discussed issues such as Montenegro's membership in NATO and other forms of bilateral cooperation.

He thanked Rinkevičs for Latvia's support in Euro-Atlantic integration and pointed out that Montenegro opened two more chapters during Latvia's presidency of the EU.

Lukšić said that he hoped that before the end of the Latvian presidency, Montenegro could continue that process.

"It is not just a matter of opening a chapter, but of implementing standards, quality legislation, and that is the most important challenge that awaits us in the coming period in the area of ​​the rule of law, but also in other areas where Latvia's experience can help us," said Lukšić.