09 April 2019 - Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković, who is currently in an official visit to Austria and Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria Sebastian Kurz met in Vienna to continue the dialogue on the current results in relations between Montenegro and Austria and further cooperation.
Marković and Kurz both agreed that the bilateral relations of the two countries are good and that they see opportunities for further development, especially in the area of the economy. Chancellor Kurz said that Austria fully supports the European aspirations of Montenegro, while Prime Minister Marković noted that his country highly values the engagement of Austria and Chancellor Kurz in the Western Balkans.
Noting Austria's good relations with the Western Balkans region, Chancellor Kurz pointed out excellent relations with Montenegro - an excellent political connection and enormous economic potential. "Austria is one of the biggest investors in Montenegro, and we also see here excellent potential and many opportunities for economic exchange but also for additional investments in Montenegro," Kurz said at a joint press conference held at the Federal Chancellery following official talks.
Federal Chancellor Kurz referred to the progress Montenegro has made in the field of European integration and assessed as a particularly important continuation of the strengthening of the rule of law, the fight against corruption and the battle for freedom of the press.
Prime Minister Duško Marković took this opportunity to thank the Chancellor for supporting Montenegro country and the entire Western Balkans region. "It is a pleasure to be in Vienna in the first official visit of the Prime Minister of Montenegro to Austria after the renewal of our independence in 2006. After several meetings recently, I am pleased that we met here again and continued the dialogue on further cooperation and the current results in relations between Montenegro and Austria. Montenegro highly appreciates the role of Austria, as well as of the Chancellor personally, in the Western Balkans. First of all, we appreciate the continued commitment to consolidating the European perspective of Montenegro and the region, strongly expressed during Austrian presidency of the Council of the European Union last year, "Prime Minister Marković said at the press conference.
Chancellor Kurz congratulated Prime Minister Marković on the positive development of Montenegro. "In Montenegro, there is almost 5% of economic growth last year and probably 4% this year. These are much larger numbers and very positive prospects for economic growth, which is optimistic for Montenegro and the region as well. Your economic growth is far above ours. Austria looks forward to success and supports Montenegro and the countries of the Western Balkans," the Austrian Chancellor emphasised.
Chancellor Kurz said that many Montenegrins are living in Austria who make a significant contribution to Austrian society. He emphasised that Austria remains a reliable partner to Montenegro and the region, and thanked the Prime Minister for the visit and the possibility to exchange opinions.
The talks were conducted after a solemn welcome which was organised with the highest state honour.
