PODGORICA, Nov. 21 – Neighboring Albania and Montenegro are expanding their cooperation in the field of improving and developing the infrastructure of connectivity. It was in this context that the Albanian Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Damian Gjiknuri, was welcomed on Tuesday in Podgorica by the Montenegrin Minister of Transport, Osman Nurkoviৠand the Minister of Economy, Dragana Sekulià§.
During their press conferences, the Ministers stressed that a feasibility study concerning an Adriatic-Ionian highway has already begun.
“We discussed concerning road infrastructure projects where both countries have as priority project the Adriatic-Ionian highway. We have received funding to make the final feasibility study. I also got acquainted with infrastructure projects in Montenegro that directly affect the connectivity with Albania,” Gjiknuri highlighted.
In addition, the Ministers discussed the joint efforts to create a common border crossing point at Hani i Hotit. The present border at Bozhaj-Han i Hotit, between Albania and Montenegro, will be reconstructed and made modern within the end of 2017, as was stated by the Montenegrin Minister. €1million has been ensured by the EU for the reconstruction of this border crossing point.
“Building a common border crossing point is of great importance for the further strengthening of the relations with Albania, but it is also a contribution to the rapprochement with the EU,” said Nurkovià§.
Lastly, the Ministers used the meeting to agree on the commitment to the Ionian Pipeline (IAP) joint project. They decided to go from the phase of establishing a common unit to the phase of establishing a joint venture company for the IAP project. In this context, the ministers of the two countries also participated in the inauguration ceremony of the joint railway station between Montenegro and Albania. The station’s opening is considered a common success and as the only model in the region, the example of which should be followed by all Western Balkan countries.
