Montenegro to cooperate with Microsoft

Montenegro Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic signed a deal Friday with Microsoft's representative for Southeast Europe for the use of the U.S. giant's software in the Balkan republic's state institutions.

The deal, worth US$2.36 million (Ђ1.96 million), also envisages Microsoft helping to fight software piracy and educate technology experts in Montenegro.

"I am convinced that cooperation with Microsoft will help develop Montenegro information technology and expertise, which are key resources in out efforts at Euro-Atlantic integration," Djukanovic said after the signing ceremony in the Montenegrin coastal resort of Sveti Stefan.

Goran Radman from Microsoft said he hoped the deal would "open up new possibilities for Montenegro's development."

The sum is to be paid in three annual installments.

T.E.