“In the last ten years, Norway was a strong partner to Montenegro, and it helped in a political, financial and expert manner to Montenegro’s development“, Marković said at the press conference, MINA Agency reports.
According to him, Norway is one of the most significant partners to Montenegro.
“In those ten years, Norway helped with 34 million EUR to the development of Montenegrin institutions. We greatly appreciate it and thank Borge and Norway’s Government“, Marković said.
He underscored Norway’s support in rule of law and legislation.
As he said, there are many joint projects and financial help, but expert help in this area helped improve Montenegrin justice system, Agency for Anti Corruption, etc.
“Norway helped Montenegro achieve a higher level in rule of law and have more reliable institutions, which is important for the state, its citizens, its stability and investments”, Marković added.
According to him, Norway strongly supported Montenegro in its NATO integration.
“We want to explore full potentials of Montenegro in the future, and make Norwegian companies interested in investing in energetics, but also tourism and agriculture”, Marković said.
Brende said that Montenegro is an important factor of stability in Western Balkan.
“It is great to be here during a year of independence celebration and in the days when you are formally preparing to take part in a NATO Summit. It has historical importance. Celebrating Montenegro’s membership in NATO in old villa of Tito shows that things change, and there is a lot of progress to be made, especially by joining such a strong and big military alliance”, he said.
Norway and Montenegro will sit close by during the Summit.
“That reflects our strong cooperation, especially in rule of law”, Brende said.
Brende said that current situation in Western Balkan is not all that pleasing.
“Situation is currently good and there has been progress, but that is not a guarantee that it will continue to be like that. We have talked about fight against criminal, mafia, violence. We stand together against radicalism”, he said.
Brende said that Montenegro can count on Norway in the upcoming years.
Norwegian journalists wanted to know if there is any tension with Serbia, and whether Montenegro feels the influence of organized crime in the region.
“There were many challenges in our relationship with Serbia in the past. Today, we have the best relations in the last three decades. We work together, for our countries and for the stability in the region”, Marković said.
He said that there were tensions with Belgrade during the time Kosovo gained independence.
According to him, decisions were not made against Serbia, but for the future of all us.
“We are happy that the region found understanding for this matter. Today we have Belgrade and Priština at the same table, discussing their issues”, Marković said.
Bad experiences are behind us, and in front us – challenges of politics, development and economy.
“The region is looking to the future and European path is imminent, but we still have challenges on that road. Political crisis in BiH, Kosovo and Macedonia is challenging for the whole region, but I believe we will have wisdom to find the best answers for the stability in the region”, Marković said.
According to him, organized crime is becoming a threat.
“Criminals cooperate amongst themselves, share knowledge and resources in order to outsmart the state. So, the regional institutions must cooperate as well, and I believe this will lead to success in fighting crime”, he said.
He added that today there is a lot less space for organized crime in Albania and Montenegro, as well as Kosovo, Serbia and BiH, than a year or two ago.
He said that safety challenges today are many and unpredictable, and that we must face them together.
“The matter of safety and stability in Europe is the matter of development and prosperity. Using our resources is key to future“, Marković said.
