Working visit to Luxembourg by the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić

He was welcomed by the Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, for a meeting at the Château de Senningen.

One of the central points of the exchange between the heads of government was Montenegro's integration into Europe. Luc Frieden thanked Montenegro for its alignment with the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy, especially with regard to restrictive measures. In a tense geopolitical context, the importance of the strategic partnership between the EU and the Western Balkans was underlined. In order to guarantee peace in Europe, it is essential that the Balkan countries have a real prospect of joining the European Union.

Prime Minister Luc Frieden emphasised that "Montenegro's entry into the European Union is a strategic objective that enjoys Luxembourg's full support. For both our countries, integration into the European market offers unique opportunities and, above all, perspectives for improving the lives of our citizens".

Luc Frieden also congratulated the Prime Minister of Montenegro on his efforts to bring the country into line with the acquis communautaire, particularly in terms of the rule of law, and encouraged further developments in this area, notably judicial reform.

With an estimated 10,000 Luxembourg citizens of Montenegrin origin and nearly 3,000 Montenegrins resident in Luxembourg, relations between the two countries are excellent.

As part of bilateral relations with Montenegro, Prime Minister Luc Frieden and the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić, signed a double taxation avoidance agreement, in the presence of the Minister of Finance, Gilles Roth. The agreement aims to eliminate obstacles to cross-border investment and facilitate more fluid and equitable economic relations between the two countries.

Milojko Spajić was also welcomed by the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Claude Wiseler, and met the members of the Bureau and the Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, Cooperation, Foreign Trade and the Greater Region.

Press release by the Ministry of State