Gjorgijev: I am confident that Montenegro will continue to strengthen its capacities to combat irregular migration

Through a responsible approach to migration policies, Montenegro confirms its role as a reliable partner to the international community in facing contemporary challenges in this area, agreed Minister of Interior Danilo Šaranović and Vladimir Gjorgijev, Head of the Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Montenegro, who discussed today the dynamics of joint project activities.

As stated in a statement by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP), Šaranović expressed satisfaction with the fact that the construction of the administrative building in Zagorič is proceeding according to plan, stating that, thanks to the support of IOM, Montenegro will soon receive a representative Border Police building that will enable more efficient work and strengthen cooperation with Frontex.

When it comes to the project of adapting the logistics base at the Sveti Nikola location in Ulcinj, it was emphasized at the meeting that the works are almost completely completed and the handover of the facility is expected in June this year. During the conversation, the Ministry of Interior pointed out the need to implement additional activities aimed at improving the border infrastructure.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs particularly appreciates the continued assistance of IOM in establishing a system for electronic identification and registration of migrants - EURODAC, which will enable the identification and registration of migrants in accordance with EU standards and more efficient exchange of information with European Union member states after Montenegro's accession, said Šaranović.

The meeting was also an opportunity to review the recently held Second International Migration Forum in New York, during which Montenegro's progress was presented and the importance of orderly migration based on the protection of human rights and an efficient institutional response was confirmed.

The aforementioned projects will enable further strengthening of overall capacities in the field of border security and migration management, and represent an important segment in fulfilling obligations under Chapter 24 Justice, Freedom and Security, said Šaranović.

IOM Head of Mission Vladimir Gjorgjiev assessed that cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs is an example of strategic cooperation that yields visible results. Intensive partnership work and consistency in implementation have enabled the success of projects so far and I am confident that Montenegro will continue to strengthen its capacities to combat irregular migration, Gjorgjiev said.