Montenegrin Honorary Consulate opened in Bratislava

Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák officially opened Montenegro's new Honorary Consular Office in Bratislava on Wednesday, the ministry's press department informed TASR. The new office will be headed by Rudolf Autner. Montenegrin Foreign Affairs Minister Srđan Darmanović, who's on a two-day official visit to Slovakia, took part in the inauguration ceremony as well. The two ministers concurred that setting up the honorary consulate in Bratislava will bring further impetus to the development of relations between the two countries. Darmanović praised in particular the support that Montenegro has received from Slovakia in its EU-accession process and efforts to integrate into NATO. Darmanović also highlighted the key role played by Lajcak in the critical period surrounding Montenegro's referendum on independence in 2006. Lajcak spoke about the high intensity and excellent quality of bilateral contacts. "Following the opening of our representative office in [Montenegro's capital] Podgorica in 2010, we now have full representation of Montenegro in Bratislava," said the chief of Slovak diplomacy, highlighting the professionalism and expert skills of the new honorary consul. The Foreign and European Affairs Ministry told TASR that Slovak businesses have promising investments in the field of energy, water and transport infrastructure in Montenegro. Opportunities for cooperation are also available in the tourism sector and in building an information society and e-government. Conversely, employing people from Montenegro should help the Slovak automotive sector to cover its shortage of labour.