At the third joint meeting held today, members of the Committee on International Relations and Emigrants and members of the Committee on European Integration considered the 2013 Performance Report of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration.

The Report was presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Igor Lukšić, and the meeting was also attended by Vladimir Radulović, Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Aleksandar Andrija Pejović, State Secretary for European Integration and Chief Negotiator for negotiations over Montenegro's accession to the European Union and Predrag Stamatović, Secreatary General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration.

Minister Igor Lukšić presented the progress at the international level, pointing out that in 2013 Montenegro as an independent state was recognized by six countries, while diplomatic relations were established with seven others. In the field of European integration, the negotiation structure was completed and the entire screening process of European legislation as well. He recalled that the Chapter 26 - Education and Culture was temporarily closed in 2013, and that five more chapters were opened, including Chapter 23 - Judiciary and fundamental rights, and Chapter 24 - Justice, freedom and security. Within the Euro-Atlantic agenda, Montenegro has continued to actively implement reforms and fulfill obligations, in the frameworks of the Partnership for Peace (PfP).

The success in the diplomatic and consular terms in 2013 represents the opening of embassies in Bulgaria, Romania and Kosovo, the appointment of non-resident ambassadors, the election of Montenegro to the membership of bodies of several multilateral organizations and regional cooperation within the framework of the Western Balkan Six. In addition, the Minister Lukšić informed the members about the structural changes that have been implemented with a view to institutional strengthening of the Ministry, the transformation of the Center for Emigrants into the Diaspora Administration and about the establishment of the Directorate General for Economic Diplomacy and International Cultural Cooperation.

Members were during the meeting interested about further steps of Montenegro in the Euro-Atlantic integrations, given that it was expected of Montenegro not to be given membership invitation at the Summit in Wales this year. In addition, the subject of discussion were current events related to resolving issues of Prevlaka, current events in Gaza, relations with Russia, the events in Ukraine, and the progress in the realization of measures defined by the action plans for chapters 23 and 24, the implementation of which was essential for further success of Montenegro in negotiations with the EU.

Members of the Committee on International Relations and Emigrants and members of the Committee on European Integration adopted positive opinions on the 2013 Performance Report of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration.