Bečić meets with the newly appointed Ambassador of Hungary to Montenegro

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić met today with the newly appointed Ambassador of Hungary to Montenegro, H.E. Péter Hetei, to discuss Montenegro's European path and the further enhancement of Montenegrin-Hungarian relations.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that the Government has, in a short period of time, achieved measurable and concrete results in the EU integration process, emphasising that obtaining the IBAR and closing 11 negotiation chapters - four times more than all previous governments combined - clearly confirm the accelerated progress.

We are immensely grateful to our Hungarian friends for their support, together with 26 other Member States, in unanimously endorsing the establishment of an ad hoc working party for drafting Montenegro's Accession Treaty, thereby contributing to the achievement of our historic goal and the dream of many generations - to become the 28th member of the European Union by 2028, Bečić stated.

He particularly stressed that Montenegro's achievements carry broader regional significance.

The results we are achieving are not important only within our national framework; they also send a strong message to the region that reforms are possible and that the European perspective of the Western Balkans has a real foundation, Bečić added.

Speaking about the security sector, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that the state has established a determined and systemic response to organised crime and corruption.

Today, no individual is above the state. The era of the untouchables is over. The competent authorities are tackling all forms of crime without hesitation. International cooperation has never been stronger. A personnel overhaul is underway, modern equipment is being procured, and institutions are led by true professionals. Panic and nervousness within organised crime structures are evident. That is why their numerous affiliates are vocal and why hybrid activities are intensifying. However, every attack only strengthens our resolve, as the state, the competent authorities, and all honest officials and civil servants remain determined to go all the way in securing the final victory of the state over crime and in freeing the system from all undue influences, the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.

Ambassador Hetei commended Montenegro's progress, particularly in the sectors under the responsibility of Deputy Prime Minister Bečić, noting that these results represent a key foundation for the successful continuation of the EU integration process.

The remarkable progress Montenegro has achieved on its European path over the past two years demonstrates that enlargement has never been closer, and Hungary is making a full contribution to this process through continuous expert support to Montenegrin institutions, Ambassador Hetei stated.

In the context of economic cooperation, the Ambassador added that the presence of the Hungarian company "Wizz Air" represents a strong contribution to Montenegro's tourism sector, expressing satisfaction that the upcoming summer tourist season will feature the highest number of flights and available destinations to date, providing an additional boost to the strong relations between the people of Montenegro and Hungary.

The meeting confirmed the mutual readiness to further strengthen partnership and deepen cooperation in all areas of common interest.