Minister Gordan Jandroković received Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Integration Gordana Đurović

The two collocutors expressed readiness to continue developing the interstate relations, keeping in mind the joint goals of joining the EU and NATO. Minister Jandroković informed Deputy Prime Minister Đurović about the course of Croatia’s accession negotiations, adding that Croatia is willing to assist Montenegro, as well as the other countries of South Eastern Europe. In that regard, Deputy Prime Minister Đurović described the Zagreb Conference as valuable, which saw the exchange of experience and achievements of the region’s countries along the path to the EU.

The meeting also discussed the further enhancement of the economic cooperation, with both sides expressing satisfaction over the trade growth, which in 2007 surpassed USD 160 million, and continued this year as well. It was also pointed out that there is interest among the Croatian entrepreneurs to do business on the Montenegrin market, as well as the possibility of intensifying the tourist cooperation. It was also noted that a consortium of Croatian companies has been shortlisted for the construction of the Bar-Boljare highway.

As regards further the enhancement and protection of minority rights, both sides expressed satisfaction with the proposal of the Agreement between the Republic of Croatia and Montenegro on the Protection of the Rights of the Croatian Minority in Montenegro and the Montenegrin Minority in the Republic of Croatia, which should be signed soon.

Minister Jandroković and Deputy Prime Minister Đurović also talked about the inception of the mixed committee that should prepare a legal framework for passing the arbitration decision on the two countries’ sea border.