Podgorica

23 July 2012

Readout of the Secretary-General’s meetings with H.E. Mr. Filip Vujanovic, President of Montenegro; H.E. Mr. Igor Luksic, Prime Minister of Montenegro; H.E. Mr. Nebojsa Kaludjerovic, Foreign Minister of Montenegro; and H.E. Mr. Ranko Krivokapic, Speak

Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General

The Secretary-General met yesterday and today with the President of Montenegro, H.E. Mr. Filip Vujanovic; the Prime Minister of Montenegro, H.E. Mr. Igor Luksic; the Foreign Minister of Montenegro, Mr. Nebojsa Kaludjerovic; and the Speaker of Parliament of Montenegro, H.E. Mr. Ranko Krivokapic.

During his meetings with President, Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister, the Secretary-General and his hosts exchanged views on regional cooperation in the Western Balkans, including Montenegro’s role in encouraging reconciliation and dialogue. They also discussed the benefits of accession to the European Union and how the UN could assist the countries of the region in meeting their EU aspirations. The rights of minorities and sustainable development also featured in the Secretary-General’s meetings with these authorities.

The Secretary-General and the Speaker focused on the role of Parliaments as the link between citizens and government, as well as the importance of the rule of law.