24 July 2018 - The Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán is currently in Montenegro for a first official visit to the country since it became a NATO member. The Prime Ministers Duško Marković and Viktor Orbán held a face-to-face talk following a formal reception with the highest state honors, which was organised at Podgorica Airport.
The visit of Prime Minister Orbán confirms excellent bilateral relations, partnership in NATO and European integration of Montenegro, as well as an opportunity to exchange views on current political and security issues both in the region and in Europe.
Prime Ministers of Montenegro and Hungary, Duško Marković and Viktor Orbán, noted that relations between the two countries are at the highest level, characterised by the alliance in NATO, European integration cooperation and the extraordinary room for investing in the Montenegrin economy.
"I can say that our relations are at the highest level. They are characterised by the alliance in NATO, cooperation in the field of European integration and constant rise in potential economic cooperation," said Prime Minister Marković.
He pointed out that Montenegro appreciates the support of Hungary when it comes to Montenegro’s EU bid and their willingness to help at the expert level and share their experience.
"The EU is an absolute priority for us, a strategic goal we are fully committed to and is very important for the both us and Europe. We will continue to work towards the adoption of values, implementation of reforms, and the strengthening of democracy. The most complex phase of integration is ahead of us and with the support of our partners, we will be ready to face all obligations," Prime Minister Marković emphasised, adding: "We have exchanged opinions on various topics that are present today from the aspect of security in the region as well as in Europe. Montenegro has set up mechanisms to preserve its security, but at the same time it contributes to regional and wider global security."
Pointing out that official talks with Montenegro are important for Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stressed that there are no strategic or tactical opposites between Montenegro and Hungary and that this is precisely the reason for conducting very open talks.
"You have not chosen only an organisation, but your future as well. Hungarians are also part of that future, as we are a NATO member. I see real opportunities for Montenegro to become a member and EU soon... I can say that Montenegro is essentially ready for membership in the EU."
Expressing satisfaction with the tendency of the Hungarian business people to invest in the countries of the region, Prime Minister Orbán stressed that room for investment exists in Montenegro.
"Great opportunities are ahead of us. We will be glad to take part in modernising the Montenegrin economy," concluded Prime Minister Orbán.
During his official visit to Montenegro, Prime Minister Orbán will also meet with President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović and President of the Parliament of Montenegro Ivan Brajović.
