(ANSA) - BRUSSELS - EU Commissioner for Migration Dimitris Avramopoulos and Minister of the Interior of Montenegro Mevludin Nuhodzic, initialled an agreement that will allow European Border and Coast Guard teams to be deployed in Montenegro. Once the deal enters into force, Frontex will be able to assist Montenegro in border management and carry out joint operations, notably in the event of a sudden change in migratory flows.

"Today we are taking another step to strengthen our cooperation", said Avramopoulos, underlining that "while Montenegro remains ultimately responsible for the protection of its border, Frontex will able to lend its full support, particularly in managing sudden change in migratory flows".

Podgorica, he added, "is part of the European family", and this agreement is "another proof to that." "Today we have additionally strengthen our successful cooperation. This agreement will contribute to improving border safety and our joint fight against illegal migration", granting "even better protection to cross border crimes", Nuhodzic pointed out. The deal is the fifth negotiated between the EU and a partner country in the Western Balkans. Since summer 2018, similar agreements were signed with Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. After Brussels and Podgorica complete the necessary legal procedures and the European Parliament gives its green light, the deal will enter into force. (ANSA).