17 August 2018 - The Montenegrin delegation arrived in Berlin and is currently residing in Germany for an official visit at the invitation of Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel. Among Montenegrin officials, Prime Minister Duško Marković and Minister of Economy Dragica Sekulić are present.
During the press conference, the Prime Minister of Montenegro said that there is time for greater confidence in Montenegrin economic space, business environment, and a higher level rule of law that is necessary for German investors and German companies.
Speaking about bilateral cooperation at the political level, Marković enhanced: "Montenegro is ready to apply and respect the standards when it comes to the question of the development of democracy and the political system. In this sense, we have openly talked about the shortcomings and weaknesses at this time concerning the fight against organised crime and corruption: we strengthen the institutions, give them additional strength to do more in this plan, and rule of law is not a restriction for the development of Montenegro and its European perspective. I, personally, and this Government, are ready to make a further step forward in this direction and we also requested expert support from the Chancellor and receive this support today and I believe that we will have a quick advisory position in one of our departments dealing with the issues of combating organised crime and corruption".
He also added that the country wants German investors in Montenegro not only for money but for transferring knowledge and experience and good practices.
“Today we discussed creating conditions for German companies and German investors to be more present in sectors that are very important for our economy, primarily in energy, tourism, agriculture and some other sectors,” pointed out Marković.
Expressing satisfaction with the achieved results of Montenegro in completing membership in the NATO alliance and the high degree of concretisation in the negotiations on accession to the European Union, Chancellor Merkel said that today's conversation is a clear confirmation of the European perspective of Montenegro and the Western Balkans, starting from the territorial integrity of all countries, not in depending on the time frames, rather than the fulfillment of the conditions for membership. The Chancellor stressed that it is important to end all bilateral conflicts in order to open up the possibility of cooperation within the European Union. In that sense, Ms. Merkel said that there was a discussion on the issues that still need to be done in Montenegro, in the area of rule of law, fight against corruption and organised crime.
