The meeting between Vice President Simović and Mr Jose A. Herrera went by in a constructive conversation, during which they agreed on the need for further intensifying of political cooperation and cooperation in the field of our country’s accession to the European Union.

Vice President Simović pointed out that relations between Montenegro and the Republic of Malta were very good and friendly and that they were being advanced and developed through substantive cooperation on all fields and intensive political dialogue.

The Vice President informed his interlocutors that the Friendship Group for cooperation with the Republic of Malta was formed in the Parliament of Montenegro, estimating that this parliamentary form represented one of significant foundations of parliamentary cooperation, as well as the overall relations between two countries. He especially pointed out the significance of exchanging experiences with the Republic of Malta with regard to using the IPA funds, as well as experiences of this country regarding strengthening in light of demanding standards of the European Union, as an example of how a small country could respond to those requests.

The Vice President informed his interlocutor that the great involvement of Montenegrin society was one of the basic characteristics of Montenegro’s European integration, noting that, in addition to the Government which was the bearer of the greatest load of work in that process, the Parliament of Montenegro also played a significant role, as well as the civil society and academic community, concluding that precisely that inclusivity was an important factor of success in that process.

Mr Jose A. Herrera noted that Montenegro had a good dynamics of approach to the European Union, and that the Republic of Malta was ready to share its experiences, in order to contribute to high quality continuation of the negotiation process, noting that the bilateral relations were intensive and meaningful.

At the end of the meeting, the interlocutors concluded that relations of the two countries so far represented a good foundation for further promotion of cooperation on all levels.

The meeting was attended by Head of Parliamentary Secretariat for Competitiveness and Economic Growth Mr Adrian P. Sciberras, advisor Mr Charlon Gouder, non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Malta to Montenegro Mr Jamie Cremona and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Malta to Montenegro Mr Tiziano Mousu.