The interest of the United States of America (USA) is a stable and democratic Montenegro, which consistently achieves the goals of its citizens, especially in a year of crucial importance for the European integration process.
This was stated today by outgoing US Ambassador Judy Rising Reinke at a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defense, Crime Prevention and Internal Policy Aleksa Bečić.
As announced by Bečić's office, during the meeting, he expressed gratitude for the long-standing, open and partnership-based cooperation, emphasizing that today's meeting represents only the formal end of the ambassador's mandate, while friendship, mutual respect and trust remain lasting values.
"We had the privilege of cooperating for almost seven years during a period that marked some of the most significant historical processes of contemporary Montenegro. It was a time of democratic maturation of the state, strengthening of institutions, building a system of the rule of law and strengthening of the strategic partnership with the United States of America," said Bečić.
He emphasized that Ambassador Reinke was present precisely in the years of the first peaceful and democratic change of government, the achievement of the greatest step forward on Montenegro's European path, as well as the additional strengthening of its credibility within the NATO alliance.
"The ambassador's contribution to improving security and institutional cooperation between the two countries was particularly highlighted, as was her strong support for reforms in the security sector with the aim of a strong fight by authorities against all forms of crime. Bečić emphasized that this period was marked by the most intense fight against organized crime and corruption in the history of Montenegro," a statement from Bečić's office said.
Rising Reinke reportedly thanked Bečić for the constructive cooperation.
"The United States has an interest in a stable and democratic Montenegro that consistently achieves the goals of its citizens, especially in a year of crucial importance for the European integration process. Further progress in strengthening the rule of law, particularly within Chapters 23 and 24, is crucial for the finalization of accession negotiations with the European Union," said Rising Reinke.
She emphasized that building a state based on the rule of law is of direct importance to American investors and companies, who recognize a safe and reliable partner in such an environment.
Bečić thanked her for her friendly words, emphasizing that the essence of responsible politics is in building bridges and preserving political stability, which is the basis for implementing reforms and continuing development.
"There are values and issues with which there is no compromise - the continuation of the determined fight against organized crime and corruption, cleansing the system of illicit influences, strengthening institutions, as well as the successful completion of our European path. Despite the difficult situation we found ourselves in, numerous reforms have been implemented, personnel, operational, and normative deficits are being remedied, the process of digitalization and modernization is being implemented, the system provides full support and a free hand to professionals, and in accordance with the law, compromised individuals are being released, and dedicated work is being done to build a resilient, professional, and credible security sector," Bečić emphasized, finally thanking the ambassador for the quality cooperation and wishing him success in all fields in the future.
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