Skopje, 27 November 2024 (MIA) — Deputy Prime Minister for Good Governance Arben Fetai met Tuesday with Deputy Prime Minister for Political System, Judiciary, and Anti-Corruption Momo Koprivica, in Podgorica, Montenegro.

The deputy PMs agreed that both countries nurtured friendly relations, without any open questions, and were ready to cooperate and help each other.

Deputy PM Fetai congratulated his colleague on Montenegro's progress on the EU integration path. He presented the activities of his office, expressing willingness to cooperate on various topics of mutual interest. He also noted the successful work of Montenegro's Coordination Agency for combating organized crime and corruption and system for confiscation of illegal property.

"Montenegro and Albania's success toward EU membership is motivation to other Western Balkan countries," Fetai said.

Deputy PM Koprivica referenced Montenegro's positive EU report on the judiciary and fundamental rights, and the closing of four chapters in the talks with EU.

"Montenegro has a certain perspective in its EU membership, providing additional motivation for other countries in the region," Koprivica noted, adding that the country's progress was due above all to corruption convictions against high-ranking public officials.

He pointed out that the Montenegrin Government was ready to help North Macedonia with its knowledge and expertise gained in the negotiations process with the EU, and in other areas of interest to the Macedonian side.

Minister Fetai also met with Montenegro's Minister of Public Administration Marash Dukaj. They confirmed the friendly bilateral ties and readiness to strengthen cooperation in all areas.

Fetai highlighted the implementation of the European agenda, the importance of implementing anti-corruption and transparency strategies, and the resumption of cooperation with the civil sector.

"We are preparing amendments to several laws on judiciary and public administration reforms, and strengthening the fight against corruption," the government minister said, emphasizing the importance of Corridor VIII and facilitating procedures for the movement of citizens across the region.

Regarding constitutional amendments, he said he expected rapid progress if the new Bulgarian government promised no new demands.

Minister Dukaj presented the results from the negotiations with EU, the positive report on Chapters 23 and 24, and the closure of four other chapters by the end of the year, thanks to the contribution of the Albanian factor.

"We received an EU project for the adoption of two new laws on digitization and protection of critical infrastructure as well as the establishment of a training center against cybercrime," Dukaj noted, adding that the Montenegrin government was drafting a law on decentralization to increase the competencies and finances of municipalities. ssh/mr