Minister of Foreign Affairs Milan Roćen was in a working visit to Finland today, on the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Stubb.

In an open and friendly conversation Minister Stubb said that Finland has a very positive opinion regarding the EU enlargement and underlined the fact that this policy is one of the most successful policies of the EU. In this context he expressed strong support of Finland to Montenegro in terms of its further progress towards the EU membership.

He also said that Montenegro has made a great progress in the realisation of its strategic goals. Minister Stubb restated the willingness of Finland to become a constructive partner to Montenegro on its path through the following phases of the accession process. He also congratulated Montenegro on the very successful and balanced approach in the building and strengthening of good relations with neighbouring countries.

Minister Roćen has, in the context of the European perspective of Montenegro and the countries of the region, underlined the importance of positive dynamics regarding the steps forward and the individual assessment of progress. He stated that Montenegro greatly appreciates support and realistic approach of Finland to the enlargement policy of the EU and said that Montenegro will give its best to meet all the more challenging requirements.

The collocutors also exchanged opinions on current regional issues and the possibilities for further development of bilateral cooperation.

During his stay in Helsinki, Minister Roćen also met with the First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Seppo Kääriäinen, and the Chairman of the Grand Committee (EU Affairs) and the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Erkki Tuomioja.