"Slovenia strongly supports Montenegro in its efforts for full-fledged membership both in the NATO alliance and the European Union," Erjavec said, praising the country's progress in the EU accession efforts.

According to the Slovenian FM, Montenegro has done a lot lately, including making constitutional and legislative changes.

Slovenian would like to see Montenegro open as soon as possible the chapter on the judiciary and fundamental rights and the chapter on justice, freedom and security in the EU accession talks, Erjavec said.

He added that Slovenia is providing Montenegro with technical and administrative assistance at all levels. The countries signed a memorandum on development cooperation for the 2013-2015 period as part of Lukšić's visit.

Lukšić thanked Slovenia for the support, saying that there was practically no chapter in the negotiations in which Montenegro did not receive Slovenia's expert assistance. "This confirms my assessment that Slovenia is one of key supporters of Montenegro on this path."

Erjavec also assessed Montenegro's reforms aimed towards NATO accession as appropriate. "We expect that expansion will be on the agenda of next year's NATO summit...and we think that Montenegro should be a part of this expansion given its past work."

According to Lukšić, NATO membership is one of the main foreign policy priorities for Montenegro. "The next summit will be an opportunity for another analysis of our efforts towards membership in this organisation."

He added that Montenegro has still a lot to do in terms of increasing public support for the cause and reforming the security sector.

Cooperation between Slovenia and Montenegro is also good in the economic field, with trade increasing by 13% this year. "These are positive signals," Erjavec said, expressing hope that business ties will be strengthened further.

Commenting on the development cooperation agreement, Erjavec said that the earmarked funds are mostly intended for the construction of infrastructure and technical assistance. Lukšić added that the bulk of aid will be invested in the less developed northern part of the country.

According to Erjavec, the countries also cooperate well at the regional level. "Great things are expected from the future Adriatic-Ionian macro region, which will also enable drawing of EU funds."

Lukšić meanwhile expressed satisfaction with Slovenia's initiative to relaunch the Brdo Process, which according to him speaks about Slovenia's interest in the Western Balkans and the region's European integration.

The Montenegrin FM was also received today by Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek, and also on the agenda is a meeting with parliamentary Speaker Janko Veber.