Koprivica hosts newly appointed Chargé d’affaires, a.i. at US Embassy in Podgorica Michael Keays

Deputy Prime Minister for the Political System, Judiciary and Anti-Corruption Momo Koprivica hosted earlier today newly appointed Chargé d’affaires, a.i. at the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica Michael Keays, wishing him a sincere welcome to Montenegro and expressing confidence that his mandate will make a strong contribution to the further development of good, friendly and allied relations between the two countries. He also thanked the United States the comprehensive support in strengthening capacities of the Montenegrin institutions.

Deputy Prime Minister Koprivica informed Mr Keays about the key reforms aimed at strengthening the anti-corruption framework. He particularly highlighted the initiation of constitutional amendments aimed at abolishing immunity for the Cabinet members in cases of criminal offenses related to official duties, as well as the establishment of the Draft Law on Government, which, inter alia, introduces integrity checks before appointment and during the exercise of office. He also emphasised the introduction of mechanisms for integrity control of appointed officials by the Government, as well as the establishment of systemic review of regulations in relation to corruption risks. In that context, he also presented the ongoing constitutional reform aimed at guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary.

The Deputy Prime Minister also pointed out the activities related to the establishment of a judicial police force, with the primary goal of ensuring full judicial security, noting that a draft law regulating this area in a detailed and comprehensive manner has already been prepared.

He additionally emphasised that a credible destruction of seized smuggled tobacco—138,000 packs—has been carried out under video surveillance and with full and continuous participation of partner services. This procedure represents an important step in combating organised crime, strengthening trust in institutions, and eliminating security and corruption risks. One of the key priorities of the Government and the National Council for the Fight Against Corruption is the implementation of the GRECO recommendations and the implementation of the Anti-Corruption Strategy, on the basis of which systemically important laws to eliminate corruption have been adopted. These include the Law on Free Zones, which is aligned with the highest standards of the OECD and the World Customs Organisation, introduces strong control mechanisms and the use of modern information technology, and, for the first time, prescribes a ban on the storage of tobacco in free zones.

Chargé d’Affaires Keays stated that it is an honor for him to be in Montenegro, especially in a year that is particularly important for both Montenegro and the United States. He welcomed Montenegro’s activities aimed at full membership in the European Union. He stated that the United States supports strengthening institutional capacities, expressing confidence that a strong fight against corruption also contributes to attracting investors, and that the Government’s activities help achieve this goal. He stressed their commitment to supporting Montenegro and its capacities as a NATO member and a credible ally, as well as in the fight against transnational organised crime and corruption, as this is important for the stability of the country and the region.

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing cooperation, particularly in the areas of the rule of law and strengthening institutions.