Montenegro and the USA in a year of special significance

Driving my car last weekend to the centuries-old Ostrog Monastery and looking out the window at the mountains, the blooming Kandilica, and then the Bjelopavlić Plain stretching out below us as we wound our way up the mountain, I thought about how blessed and honored I am to represent the United States Government and the American people in Montenegro at this moment.

The sight of the magnificent landscapes as I descended the plane to Montenegro from Vienna, the time spent with my Embassy staff in a restaurant overlooking Lake Skadar, the admiration of the royal and religious history of Cetinje, and the visit to the Ostrog Monastery – all of these experiences combined to further highlight the history of this land of heroes, its diverse natural beauty, and the hospitality and warmth of the Montenegrin people. They reflect the values, traditions, and vitality of this beautiful country and hint at the limitless possibilities for its citizens, both now and in the future.

This year, our two countries mark 120 years of bilateral relations, while Montenegro also celebrates 20 years of the restoration of its independence. Understandably, the citizens of Montenegro are proud of the progress made over the past two decades and excited to see what comes next.

For the United States of America, this will also be a year of special significance. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which was created during the American Revolutionary War. Our victory in that war secured our independence and the opportunity to establish a new republic dedicated to the right to life, liberty, and happiness of the American people. As a republic, the United States of America has affirmed the wisdom of an approach that includes the widest possible scope of freedom for American citizens and the release of their creative potential. This political order, combined with our geostrategic location and natural resources, has enabled us to become the country we are today, offering numerous economic opportunities for partnerships with our allies.

One of those opportunities that we now have is to expand and deepen our trade and economic relations with Montenegro. In my first meetings with Montenegrin leaders, I made it clear that the top priority of my mission while here is to conclude an intergovernmental agreement, or an agreement between our governments, that will make this possible. We hope to conclude this mutually beneficial agreement as soon as possible, to the mutual satisfaction of our governments. Through this new agreement, our two countries will open the way to business opportunities that contribute to prosperity in the areas of infrastructure, energy, the digital economy, and security. Progress in these areas will create new jobs for the citizens of Montenegro and the United States and contribute to the broader goal of Montenegro’s development and further regional integration.

The conclusion, ratification and implementation of the intergovernmental agreement with the United States of America will further enable Montenegro to fully exploit its geostrategic position in the Western Balkans, connecting this region with Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the Adriatic Sea with the Baltic and Black Seas, in line with the vision of the Three Seas Initiative. The next summit of the Three Seas Initiative will be held in Dubrovnik, Croatia, at the end of April. I am very optimistic about the results of the summit. Montenegro occupies a key position among the Western Balkan countries that will help Europe break its dependence on energy sources from unreliable sources of supply. Our dedicated bilateral efforts provide Montenegro with an opportunity to stand out through cooperation with leading American companies, known for their innovation, respect for the rule of law and product quality, attracting them to this beautiful country that offers numerous opportunities and significant potential with its ties to its neighbors.

The year 1776 was a fateful one for the American people, as they embarked on a journey of both challenge and triumph that ultimately brought us to where we are today. Our elected leaders were visionaries and courageous men, and a decisive portion of the American people recognized this, stood by them, and won. Similarly, Montenegro stands today at a potentially significant historical turning point. I am honored to be here and look forward to being a part of this historic year, which I am confident will help unleash the full potential of this land of heroes and poets.

The author is Chargé d'Affaires ad interim at the US Embassy in Podgorica.