Vice President Biden welcomed Prime Minister of Montenegro Igor Luksic to the White House today. The two discussed issues of mutual interest in our strong bilateral relationship. The Vice President affirmed U.S. support for Montenegro’s NATO and European Union aspirations and commended Prime Minister Luksic on the country’s progress along these paths. The Vice President noted U.S. interest in seeing Montenegro continue to pursue the political and economic reforms that can ensure good governance and the rule of law, and that will bring the country closer to its people’s goal of a prosperous and democratic European state. Vice President Biden also expressed our appreciation for Montenegro’s contributions to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and its participation with the United States and other nations in the Open Government Partnership, which seeks to enhance government transparency and accountability around the world.