State Secretary for European Integration and Chief Negotiator Aleksandar Andrija Pejović participated at the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers that took place in Riga on 6 and 7 March 2015.
The event was organised under the auspices of the Latvian EU presidency, and in addition to member-states it invited representatives of Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey.
The meeting was held to exchange opinions on the key EU foreign policy challenges, with an emphasis on the EU’s hitherto policy in this areas, as well as future activity towards its eastern and southern neighbours.
Having in mind the important changes that took place in the eastern and southern neighbourhood of the EU, it was noted that new principles in neighbourhood policy must be defined. In that context, it was noted that the new neighbourhood policy will be based on EU core principles, democracy and human rights, coupled with a respect for country-specific differences. The new eastern and southern neighbourhood policy concerns 16 countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine to the east, and to the south Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, and Tunisia.
For neighbourhood policy in 2014-2020 the EU has allocated EUR 15.4 billion, and the funds will be used for economic cooperation, trade, visa liberalisation, anti-terrorism and fight against organised crime, and energy and security cooperation.
The objective of the neighbourhood policy is to support partners that are making reforms towards democratisation, rule of law, and human rights, to contribute their inclusive economic development, and to promote partnership. It is also aimed at strengthening political and security cooperation, supporting economic and social development, creating jobs, and strengthening cooperation in other areas.
The meeting participants discussed efforts aimed towards establishing peace and security in conflict areas.
In his address to the participants, Ambassador Pejović said that terrorism in all its forms poses a serious threat to international peace and security, and that it can only be fought through joint effort and cooperation, in accordance with the principles of the rule of law and respect for human rights.
He emphasised that Montenegro is closely monitoring all EU efforts to combat extremism and terrorism of all kinds, and that in that context it welcomes the launch of consultations on the future of European neighbourhood policy which will be beneficial for the joint objectives of peace, stability, and prosperity on EU borders.
He underlined that Montenegro is fully aligned with the EU positions and acquis in the area of CFSP and that it will continue in the same vein in the future as well as a reliable partner of the Union-
He voiced Montenegro’s concern over the humanitarian crisis in Syria and the situation in Libya, and he was hopeful that the renewed efforts of the international community would contribute to lasting peace and stability in these countries.
Reflecting on Ukraine, Ambassador Pejović stressed that since the outbreak of the crisis Montenegro has advocated for a peaceful solution through democratic means and political dialogue, with full respect for international law. In that regard he said that Montenegro welcomes the recent efforts at ensuring a peaceful solution to the situation in eastern Ukraine.