Press release: Treaty establishing the Transport Community - a new chapter in cooperation in the field of transport

The delegation led by the Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs of Montenegro, Osman Nurkovic, took part in the 13th SEETO Annual Ministerial Meeting and the First Ministerial Council established within the framework of the Transport Community Treaty. In addition to Minister Nurkovic, the members of the delegation who attended the SEETO's 53rd Steering Committee meeting were State Secretary Angelina Zivkovic and Secretary of the Ministry Adis Pepic.

In the first part of the day dedicated to the 13th SEETO Annual Ministerial Meeting, Minister Nurkovic in his address stated:

"In support of the thirteen years of cooperation of the countries of the Western Balkans, together with the European Commission stand the facts that we invested a lot in the SEETO process and our cooperation. Especially important is that the signed Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of a Regional Transport Network in Southeast Europe from 2004 led us to the level when there is a path which has its continuity and on which there is a good basis for further upgrading, making it easier for all of us today who are entrusted with tasks on a number of instances and levels of responsibility in the field of transport. So far, as presented by the representative of the SEETO Secretariat in the period 2004-2016, 13.5 billion euros were invested in physical infrastructure, of which 52% is already allocated, 39% is being used, while the other 9% are secured. Significant progress has been made in the field of reform measures, which are primarily focused on the removal of barriers in the area of ​​railway market openness, road transport safety and cross-border cooperation."

The afternoon session, chaired by the European Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc was especially dedicated to the Treaty establishing the Transport Community.

Signing the Treaty establishing the Transport Community by the Prime Minister of the Western Balkans and the European Commission in Trieste in July 2017 a new chapter of cooperation in the field of transport has begun. This will deepen further joint activities and bring new quality through improvement of infrastructure, removal of barriers for better functioning of transport and trade, and through the application of acquis and standards that will lead to further liberalization of the market and progressive integration of the countries of the Western Balkans.

The agenda of the afternoon session included the question of the headquarters of the future permanent Secretariat for transport by the newly-founded Ministerial Council. The present Ministers decided  Belgrade to be the location of the headquarters. On this occasion, a draft of the Rules of Procedure was presented, and the European Commission also informed the ministers about the envisaged next steps and procedures related to the establishment of the Secretariat, the budget and filling of the positions in this body. At the end of January, and the latest in February - the first Regional Steering Committee meeting will be held within the framework of the Treaty establishing the Transport Community which will be responsible for all matters of interest in the formation and functioning of the future Secretariat, and thereafter for the implementation of the Treaty.

Minister Nurkovic used the opportunity to highlight Montenegro's candidacy for the position of the Director of the Permanent Secretariat, nominating current State Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs Angelina Živković, emphasizing her long-standing experience, knowledge and competence to perform this function.

At the meetings, in cooperation with colleagues from Bosnia and Herzegovina, concrete talks were also held on a joint project that includes Plužine-Šćepan Polje road, the bridge on Tara and the road section in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The request of the two countries towards the European Union will be directed to providing grants for this cross-border project, which is of exceptional regional importance. Bosnia and Herzegovina has already completed the executive design, while Montenegro will complete it by the end of June 2018.

In a conversation with Commissioner Bulc, Minister Nurkovic also indicated the issues related to the reconstruction of the section on Kos-Trebjesa railway line, seeking concrete support to overcome questions that could lead to the suspension of this very important project for Montenegro. The commissioner was open to hear Minister Nurkovic and asked for more information on the same question in writing, promising assistance in resolving open issues.

Montenegro remains committed to political and economic cooperation in all areas in order to contribute to further stability and development of the Western Balkan region.

At the margins of the meetings, the Minister met with his colleagues, the Ministers of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Kosovo, as well as with the State Secretary of Serbia. During these talks, Minister Nurkovic's visits to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Serbia were announced.

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PR Service of the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs