Krivokapić, Palmer: American support for Montenegro's European future is unequivocal

Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić hosted today the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, H.E. Matthew Palmer.

Prime Minister Krivokapić expressed satisfaction that he has the opportunity to exchange official opinions and views with the US top official, who is an exceptional expert on the economic and political situation in the Western Balkans.

PM Krivokapić pointed out that it is the right moment to find new ways to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in the economic field, given that the COVID-19 pandemic has left significant negative consequences on all national economies.

At the moment, since the revenues from tourism are the most important for the budget of our country, the Government is clearly determined that it is necessary to maintain the high growing trend of vaccinated citizens of Montenegro, in order to continue to be a community that is safe for guests and to stably face the next challenges. We are grateful to the United States for its continuous support and assistance to our healthcare system, Krivokapić said.

The Prime Minister of Montenegro emphasised that the Economic Dialogue with the United States is of fundamental importance for economic cooperation between the two countries and that it is extremely important that it takes place as soon as possible in order to quickly reach concrete results that will be invaluable for Montenegrin citizens, who are firmly committed to the pro-European path. He noted that the US support in this process has been huge so far, adding that it is needed in the future, especially in the field of US investment in key infrastructure projects, crucial for further economic development and intensification of the negotiation process. The Prime Minister welcomed the visible trend of close cooperation between the USA and the EU, in which the Western Balkans recognises its perspective and interest.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Palmer thanked for the warm welcome and conveyed unequivocal support for Montenegro's European future.

Palmer emphasised that the relations between the two countries are friendly and stable, and that there is room for their strengthening, especially in the field of economy, adding that future diplomatic contacts will lead to that goal.

The two officials agreed to intensify high-level cooperation.