Podgorica, (MINA) - The Berlin Process strengthens cooperation among the Western Balkans countries, and Montenegro’s chairmanship of that initiative this year is an opportunity for new and concrete results, which will improve the lives of citizens across the region.

This was heard at the meeting between representatives of the Prime Minister’s office and German diplomats from missions in six Western Balkans countries, as well as the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The joint press release issued by the German Embassy and the Government of Montenegro states that the topic of the meeting in Podgorica was Montenegrin chairmanship of the Berlin Process and the country’s EU accession negotiations.

“The participants agreed that the Berlin Process should primarily lead to new, tangible benefits for the people of the Western Balkans”, the press release said.

It is stated that the Montenegrin side presented four priorities of its presidency, including strong and inclusive economic growth based on deeper regional market integration and genuine convergence with the EU.

“The interlocutors discussed the dynamics of the agenda under which the countries participating in the Berlin Process will, through a series of high-level meetings and within the framework of initiatives in various fields, provide additional momentum to regional cooperation and development in the context of future EU membership”, the press release said.