The United States of America is an extremely important ally and one of the greatest friends of Montenegro on the international stage, said the President of the country, Jakov Milatović, who is on a working visit to the USA.
Milatović also points out that US support for reform processes in Montenegro is of crucial importance
He spoke in separate meetings with Senators Gene Shaheen, Ben Cardin, Chris Murphy, Tom Tills, Roger Wicker, Jim Risch and Peter Welch. "These are influential American senators whose focus is foreign policy, including the Western Balkans region," the president's office announced.
Milatović emphasized that the strategic partnership between Montenegro and the USA is necessary, and that it would bring multiple benefits in key areas such as defense, economy, cultural cooperation, the fight against corruption and strengthening the rule of law.
"It is necessary to initiate the formalization of a strategic partnership, which would aim at more intensive cooperation between our two allied and friendly states. This is what we will work on in the coming period so that Montenegro becomes the main strategic partner of the USA in the Western Balkans," said Milatović.
The president of the state gave his full support to the passing of the Law on Democracy and Prosperity of the Western Balkans, which was initiated by the senator, emphasizing that it would show additional commitment of the USA to democratic consolidation and economic development of the region.
Milatović presented the interlocutors with the reform steps that Montenegro is taking in order to speed up the path to full membership in the European Union and said that the support of the USA in that process is valuable.
"The senators expressed satisfaction with the president's visit and pointed out that the USA is proud of the strong ties between the two countries, and praised the progress our country is making when it comes to the rule of law. They confirmed their support for the reform agenda and European integration of Montenegro," the statement said.
Senator Džin Šahin, who is also the initiator of the Law on Democracy and Prosperity of the Balkans, stated that she will continue her efforts to pass that Law, which would bring new initiatives and strengthen economic ties between Montenegro and the USA.
In the continuation of the visit, Milatović will also meet with several congressmen, and a lecture at Johns Hopkins University is also scheduled.
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