The Vice President met today with Prime Minister of Montenegro Dusko Markovic. The leaders agreed that the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans is critical to build a more secure and prosperous future for the region, and the Vice President thanked the Prime Minister for Montenegro's leadership in promoting regional stability. The Vice President emphasized the importance of the democratic process and expressed hope that the opposition will return to Parliament and fulfill their legislative responsibilities.  The leaders agreed on the importance of continued reforms to strengthen Montenegro's institutions and advance the rule of law, in order to attract investment and generate economic growth. The Vice President expressed the United States' commitment to partner with Montenegro as it pursues those reforms, which will advance its chosen European path.