(by Cristiana Missori) (ANSA) - ROME - Montenegro is ready to boost bilateral relations with Italy, primarily in the energy sector. This is a commitment that Podgorica's government intends to take seriously, emphasized the Vice Premier and Foreign Minister of Montenegro Igor Luksic, at the end of his visit to Rome, where he met with Italy's Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini and with the Minister for Economic development Federica Guidi.

''Italy - Luksic said speaking at the Institute of International Affairs - is the first investor in our country and we are ready to strengthen our economic cooperation in the framework of the strategic partnership agreement signed on February 6, 2010''. This agreement is a significant step foward in the production of energy from renewable sources and in increasing energy efficiency. And these are two areas in which the small Balkan state also aims to position itself as a ''regional hub'', Luksic underlined, by going beyond the simple electrical connection between Montenegro and Italy which will start with the laying of the first submarine cable by Terna.

Luksic has signed two agreements in Italy, in the field of culture and education, and has obtained certain guarantees by the government led by Matteo Renzi. ''The Italian Government supports the EU and NATO integration process of Montenegro'', Mogherini said at the end of the meeting, adding that ''the first semestre of Italy's EU Presidency could play a role in the Western Balkans, encouraging EU integration of the whole region''.

Podgorica is grateful and pledges its commitment to boost ''economic reforms in order to make them compatible with European standards'', in the hope ''of being able to enter the EU during the next decade''. Montenegro's process of EU accession runs in parallel to NATO accession. ''Our entry in the Atlantic Alliance - Luksic said - can facilitate our approach to Europe. These two issues are quite similar''. (ANSA).