16 April 2019 - President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović received the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Suma Chakrabarti, who is visiting Montenegro on the eve of the annual meeting of the EBRD, which will be held in Sarajevo next month.
The President of Montenegro expressed satisfaction with the long-standing successful cooperation with this financial institution, as well as with the EBRD's decision to hold an annual forum in Sarajevo, thus sending a clear message of its dedication to the Western Balkans. The quality of EBRD and Montenegro's cooperation best attests to the number of funds approved and to the impressive number of projects implemented in Montenegro.
Thanks to this cooperation Montenegro, said Đukanović, achieved good economic results, primarily in the field of infrastructure, energy and the development of small and medium business.
Đukanović pointed to the priorities of state policy, the goals of economic development and the continuation of integration processes to achieve the European quality of life of citizens and fully belonging to the European system of values. In talks with the first man of the EBRD, he stressed the importance of preserving the vision of united Europe and the EU enlargement as the only reliable stability guarantor in the Western Balkans, overcoming the decades-long lag, but also the competitiveness of Europe on the global scene.
"The Balkans have long lived beyond the European system of values. If we want the stability of the region and the achievement of European quality of life, Europe and Euro-Atlantic integration are the only way forward, "said Đukanović.
In addition to full commitment and accountability to the obligations of the European Agenda of the countries of the region, on the one hand, President Đukanović also pointed to the importance of concrete EU support.
"Support is necessary and significant for both Montenegro and the whole region, primarily in the fields of infrastructure, energy and information technology. In that sense, the EBRD is a very important partner in the whole region," Đukanović said adding that the upcoming leaders meeting in Sarajevo will be an excellent opportunity to exchange views on the future of the Western Balkans
EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti highly appreciates the cooperation of this institution with Montenegro, pointing out that Montenegro although a small country is at the top of the list of investments per capita in the Bank.
"I admire what you have done as a leader in Montenegro and the region - you are in NATO, in negotiations with the EU you are far ahead of others and it is very important for us to be seen as a partner supporting the process of integration and regional cooperation," said EBRD president. He expressed the expectation that cooperation with Montenegro will be strengthened in the future period and indicated the possibility of cooperation in the field of energy, above all renewable sources, infrastructure, Montenegro's accessibility, tourism and the strengthening of the private sector.
"Through the financing of the Competitiveness Council Secretariat, the Bank is also working to improve the business environment in Montenegro," added Chakrabarti.
The interlocutors agreed that the further dynamism of structural reforms and administration reform is of particular importance for the further development of the economy and the improvement of the quality of life. Finally, EBRD President thanked President Đukanović for accepting the invitation to attend a meeting in Sarajevo.
