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Mike Pompeo visits Montenegro

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Meeting Pompeo-Marković

Prime Minister Duško Marković and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo noted that the first official visit of a US Secretary of State to Montenegro testifies to the fact that the two countries foster friendship and alliance.
“Following the visit of Vice President Mike Pence, this is further evidence of the excellent relations between our two countries and a sign that the United States values ​​our alliance and constructive role in the region and beyond,”
Prime Minister Duško Marković underscored at the joint press conference, describing the first visit of a US Secretary of State to Montenegro as historic. Secretary of State Pompeo made the same assessment.
“On behalf of the American people, I am proud to say that the United States will continue to stand with the people of Montenegro as a friend, as a partner and as an ally,” the US Secretary of State told the press.
The two officials expressed satisfaction with the fact that Montenegro is a member of NATO. The Prime Minister said that the USA played an important role in Montenegro’s preparations for the membership and that Montenegro already enjoys security and economic benefits from membership.
In that context, the US Secretary of State announced the most valuable agreement to equip the Montenegrin Armed Forces with US military equipment worth $ 36 million.
The US Secretary of State informed the public about Montenegro’s commitment to confronting the 21st century threats. “Because of our direct cyber security cooperation with Montenegro, we have been able to develop patches against the latest Russian maneuver that now protect billions of devices worldwide,” said Secretary of State Pompeo.
He also stressed that the United States will continue to support Montenegro’s EU bid, and that it is of strategic importance for the USA and EU to be present in the Western Balkans so as not to leave room for those who do not share our common principles and values. Prime Minister Marković agreed on the need for the US presence in the region, emphasizing that the integration process should be based on individual merit.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo thanked Montenegro for its support on a number of issues, noting that Montenegro fosters regional stability as a NATO member and that it also shares the US priorities across a range of foreign policy issues.

Meeting Pompeo-Djukanovic

President of Montenegro Milo Djukanovic received United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the Villa Gorica. Djukanovic said the first visit of the US secretary of state is historic and an honor for Montenegro. He recalled the long tradition of relations between the two countries and highlighted the US’s appreciation for continued support throughout its historic duration. Relations between Montenegro and the United States were particularly enriched at the end of the last century, during the Yugoslav crisis, when a strong trust was built to this day, the President said, thanks to significant political and financial assistance from Washington, which has crucially contributed to maintaining peace and multi-ethnic harmony in the Montenegro. The trust between the two countries was also important for the implementation of reforms in our country, for the restoration of independence, NATO membership and leadership in the negotiation process with the EU, Djukanovic said. The visit is a gesture of US support for the youngest NATO member, and a message to everyone in the region who should follow this example, he said.

Recalling the achievements of the past 13 years, the President stressed that we have demonstrated policy-making skills, reform capacity, and a clear vision and ability to adopt European and Euro-Atlantic values, with respect for human and minority rights and democracy. Speaking about state policy priorities, he emphasized maintaining a good pace of economic growth, continuing the integration process with a strong commitment to the rule of law and media freedoms, and enhancing internal political stability and enhancing religious freedom through drafting the Laws to the highest European standards. He reaffirmed Montenegro’s commitment to continue to be a promoter of Europeanization in the Region, stating that the integration of the WB is a prerequisite for its stability and overcoming a deep lag. In this regard, he welcomed the increased US presence in the region, appointment of a special envoy, and expressed his expectation that a more determined European enlargement policy would be encouraged.

He particularly emphasized satisfaction with bilateral relations and valuable cooperation in defense and security, hybrid threats and the rule of law. He conveyed to Secretary Pompeo an openness to strengthen economic cooperation and greater presence of US investors, who will bring, above all, new standards and skills.

The US Secretary of State thanked the President and his team for their excellent cooperation and commended Montenegro for its achievements since the restoration of independence. He shared his belief that the US would remain strongly engaged in Europe, the Balkans and especially with Montenegro, especially in the context of a more dynamic enlargement process. The US will be very supportive of Montenegro’s EU integration as quickly as possible. He stressed that we can count on support to achieve what is good for the people and the government and what is good for Europe, with the message that the US wants Montenegro to become the youngest member of the EU, as it has become the youngest NATO member. and lead the region. Pompeo thanked Montenegro for its dedicated participation in peacekeeping missions, pointing out that although the small country of Montenegro sends strong messages that it is not only a member but an active member of NATO and can set an example for larger countries. A small country, but an enormous contribution, rated Pompeo. In addition, the United States has shown full confidence when it comes to reaching Montenegro’s planned budget allocations for defense. This is not just about money, it is about demonstrating a political commitment to common defense. In the context of resolving open issues in the region, he called on Montenegro to be proactive in ideas that will lead to a good outcome for the WB.

The US Secretary of State also expressed interest in the presence of US investors in Montenegro.

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