Mandić: The investment should economically revive Montenegro, so that it becomes the richest country in the region

The Parliament recently adopted a major decision that created the conditions for investments worth several billion euros to come to Montenegro, especially in the field of tourism, announced the Speaker of the Parliament, Andrija Mandić.

"This country has never had such an economic, infrastructural and investment impulse in its history. Our Government received strong support in the Parliament, and I personally gave strong support to this undertaking, knowing that the majority of local communities in Montenegro will benefit greatly," said Mandić, opening the fifth international conference of the Silk Road Group of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA), which began today in Budva.

Mandić added that this investment, which will be not only in the south, but also in the north, should economically revive Montenegro, so that it becomes the richest country in the region.

The two-day conference, hosted by the Montenegrin Parliament, is being held this year on the theme Connecting Continents: Promoting Sustainable Tourism, Clean Energy, and Ecological Balance for a Resilient Future.

Mandić, as announced by the Parliament, said that the Group's goal is to provide support for the development of joint economic cooperation and the creation of a platform for promoting economic and trade ties, the development of transport corridors, as well as the free and safe flow of people, goods, services and capital.

"This common space of cooperation must be based on the principles of international law, the duties and values ​​of the OSCE, as well as respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each member state," Mandić stated.

OSCE PA Vice-President Kyriakos Hadjiani stated that Montenegro represents an exceptional example of how natural beauty, cultural heritage and economic development can be harmonized.

He emphasized that parliamentary diplomacy plays an essential role in shaping inclusive, forward-looking policies.

In the context of this year's conference, Hajiani said that it is essential that discussions address not only the enormous opportunities that development brings, but also questions about how to promote sustainable tourism, invest in clean energy, and preserve our ecological balance.

The Minister of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property and former Head of the Delegation of Montenegro to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Slaven Radunović, said that today's dialogue within the Silk Road Group is not only an opportunity to exchange ideas, but also an opportunity to plan concrete steps towards a more efficient connection between Europe and Asia.

He noted that Montenegro can and wants to be an important partner in this process, and that this group enables initiatives such as sustainable tourism, clean energy, and ecological balance to be raised to a higher level through international cooperation and dialogue.

The Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Jan Haukas, said that we must ensure that connectivity projects are sustainable, inclusive and guided by the principles we hold dear - environmental stewardship, respect for human rights, transparency and public consultation.

“These principles are not optional. They lie at the core of the second dimension of the OSCE – the economic and environmental dimension, which underlines the crucial link between security, sustainable development and the environment. Protecting our natural resources, promoting clean energy, supporting sustainable tourism and ensuring that no one is left behind must be central to all our initiatives,” Haukas said.

He added that this is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to fostering an open, just, and green Silk Road – one that benefits all citizens, respects human dignity, and ensures a healthy planet for generations to come.

The President of the Silk Road Group, Azay Guliyev, recalled the beginnings of the establishment of this format in 2017 and emphasized that what started as a vision has developed into one of the most dynamic and inclusive activities of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

In this context, Guliyev said that the Silk Road Group today represents a bridge between East and West, between tradition and innovation, between history and the future.

"Beyond dialogue, we have become a catalyst for activity, enabling economic partnerships, promoting intercultural exchange and initiatives related to climate change, digital integration and sustainable tourism," emphasized Guliyev.

The Head of the Delegation of Montenegro to the OSCE PA, Jelena Nedović, stated that Montenegro, as a committed member of the OSCE, actively supports the principles of sustainability, cooperation and democratic dialogue.

Nedović recalled that issues related to the environment, economic development and regional cooperation represent relevant topics of vital importance for our future.

"In a time of growing global challenges, the role of parliamentary diplomacy is more important than ever. As elected representatives, we have a responsibility to foster dialogue, promote mutual respect, and advocate for solutions that transcend borders. Through these parliamentary channels, we can confront common challenges and advance common goals," said MP Nedović.

OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella stressed that it is important to take advantage of the opportunities offered by individual member states, especially at a time when security challenges within the OSCE seem realistic.

He reminded that the OSCE was created at a time when the world was divided between East and West, and in this regard, he praised the Group's initiative.

"I am proud of the activities of our members, as they show great interest and capacity to work on security issues," said Montella.

The Vice President of the Silk Road Group of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Jevto Eraković, assessed that the conference represents an opportunity not only for discussion, but also a chance to create, change and boldly open new paths of cooperation between countries.

Eraković recalled that when he was elected Vice President of the Group, he presented a vision of open cooperation, stronger connections and the promotion of shared values, which are further confirmed by today's conference.

Today's work continued in panels, after which the Declaration will be adopted.

This significant international event brings together numerous delegations of parliaments of OSCE member states, representatives of relevant international organizations, and experts in the fields of tourism, energy, and sustainable development.