PODGORICA – Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz has paid an official visit to Montenegro today, and met with Igor Lukšić, Montenegrin Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. Kurz highlighted that Austria strongly supports the EU membership of all Western Balkans countries and reforms on the path towards the Union.
While discussing the refugee crisis, Kurz stressed that Montenegro currently isn’t neither a transitory country, nor a final destination. However, if Austria closes its borders, a possibility for Montenegro to become a part of the transit route for migrants cannot be excluded.
Following their meeting, the ministers signed the Programme of cooperation in the fields of science, education and culture for the years 2015 to 2019 and the Action Plan for cooperation in 2016.
Chief of Austria’s diplomacy also met with Montenegrin President Filip Vujanović, who expressed his appreciation for the support and assistance of Austria to Montenegro in the European integration process. Kurz commended good dynamics of the negotiations between Montenegro and the European Union, as well as comprehensive bilateral relations between the two countries.
Finally, Sebastian Kurz was hosted by the President of the Parliament of Montenegro Ranko Krivokapić. The officials agreed that in order to achieve progress and successful EU integration, Montenegro needs to maintain a stable political course. Essential step on this road will be to build confidence in the electoral system.
Author: Marija Ignjatijević