MIRSAD BIBOVIĆ, SECRETARY OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

( Concluding remarks at the closing ceremony of the second Montenegrin Summer School for Young Diplomats ''Gavro Vuković'', Podgorica, 24. July 2009)

Respected Ambassador Avanessov,

Respected participants of the Montenegrin Summer School for Young Diplomats,

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to participate at this closing ceremony of the second Montenegro Summer School for Young Diplomats “Gavro Vuković” and extend you the cordial greetings of the Minister of foreign affairs Mr. Milan Rocen.

This project, which the Ministry of forign affairs together with our partners in UNDP and municipality of Berane started enthusiastically last year, and for which we can satisfyingly say that is gradually becoming a tradition, represent a clear indication of commitment of modern Montenegro to promote the policy of cooperation, friendly relations and dialogue among institutions and states of the region.

It is also an indication that government of Montenegro has placed the professional education and strengthening of administrative capacities to the very top of its Agenda. As you all know, two days ago the European Commissioner Olli Rhen handed over the European Commission Questionnaire to Prime Minister of Montenegro. Providing competent, accurate and qulity answers to several thousand questions will, indeed, be the most challenging test for the Montenegrin administration up to now. However, being realistic about our capabilities and capacities, we believe that we will successfully pass this test, as we have effectively passed through the previous phases of European integration, and will succeed to aquire an EU candidate country status in a reasonable timeframe, based on merit.

Considering the fact that the School is attended by participants from all the countries in the region and a certain number of EU member countries we belive it provides a distinctive forum for an open and frank dialogue over different regional issues, as well as for an exchange of opinions regarding the current EU and NATO policy processes. It also offers the benefit of mutual acquainting and contacts among young proffesionals from different countries and regions - which is rudimental for every effective diplomacy.

I hope that the lectures and interactive discussion you have had in the past few days has enhanced your knowledge and skills and contributed to further strengthening your capabilities. Today, an imperative of each country is to have competent and well trained representatives of its interests in relation to the outside world, and I am convinced that majority of participants of this school are already set on this road, for the benefit of your countries and to your personal satisfaction.

At the end, on behalf of the Ministry of forign affairs I wish to extend our gratitude to our partners from the UNDP and the Municipality of Berane for their contribution to the realization of the project of Montenegrin School for Young Diplomats ’’Gavro Vuković’’, as well as to the lecturers - distinguished Ambassadors - who expressed readiness to share their knowledge and experience with young attendees of this school.

Thank you for your attention