Today, the President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović, received letters of credence from the newly appointed, extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of the Netherlands, Cyprus, Angola and Latvia.
Đukanović, as announced by his Cabinet, emphasized the importance of the integration of Montenegro, but also the countries of the Western Balkans into the European Union (EU) and NATO as a condition for permanent stability and democratic development of the region.
He pointed to the necessity of a geostrategic approach, more offensive action and the presence of the EU in the region, which, as he said, is already subject to strong influence from third parties.
Đukanović reminded that the obligation of candidate countries is to strongly implement reforms at the national level and meet all criteria for EU membership, especially those related to the highest European values, the rule of law, human rights and freedoms.
He spoke about the current moment in the democratic development of Montenegro, the change of government in the parliamentary elections, after which Montenegro entered a new period of democratic development - cohabitation.
Đukanović pointed out that Montenegro has proven its democratic capacity for a peaceful transition of power and remains on the European and Euro-Atlantic course.
"Despite certain setbacks, serious slowdowns in the enlargement policy, I believe that Montenegro will be the first next member of the EU," Đukanović said.
He said that on the economic front, Montenegro is facing serious consequences of the pandemic and added that he expects a period of consolidation and a return to the dynamic paths of development that the country recorded from the restoration of independence to the beginning of the pandemic.
Đukanović thanked the Dutch ambassador Teodorus Antonius Rejćus for his understanding of Montenegrin European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Rejćus announced strong support for Montenegro in the process of European integration, which is already being realized in the area of the rule of law and the fight against organized crime.
In a conversation with the ambassador of Cyprus, Dimitrios Teofilaktua, Đukanović highly rated the friendly relations and thanked for the cooperation that that country provides to Montenegro through the agreement on European affairs.
He told Teofilakt that it was a privilege for him to present credentials in Montenegro, because he is coming to the country with similar projections, sectors, challenges and goals.
"One of them is the entry into the EU, from the side of Montenegro, and the desire of Cyprus to help and support in every way the accession of Montenegro and all the countries of the Western Balkans," said Teofilakt.
He emphasized that the focus of his mission will be strengthening economic relations and cooperation in tourism and education.
As announced by the President's Information Service, Teophylact thanked Montenegro for its principled stance in the context of the "Cyprus issue".
"Đukanović retorted with the assessment that Montenegro remains in the best belief that such issues should be resolved in a civilized way, diplomatically with full respect for international law and the intensive engagement of the subjects of the international community, above all, the EU and the United Nations," the announcement states.
Đukanović, in a conversation with the ambassador of Angola in Montenegro, recalled the history of friendly relations with African countries within the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement, for which there is great respect, along with the desire to improve those relations.
Montenegro, as he stated, follows the development of Angola in the context of the fight against the pandemic and hopes for further economic and democratic prosperity of that country.
As announced, Đukanović emphasized his interest in the development of overall relations on the basis of strengthening the contractual basis.
The Ambassador of Angola said that he is honored to be the first diplomatic representative of that country in Montenegro, which will be an additional motivation to work on creating stronger ties.
"On the line of historical connection, he expressed the interest of Angola for their young people to study in Montenegro through scholarship programs, which will contribute to better mutual knowledge," the announcement states.
The ambassador pointed to high economic parameters in Angola and openness to cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.
Đukanović, in a conversation with the Latvian ambassador, recalled a very successful friendly visit to that country last year, which, as reported, obligates and encourages further improvement of relations.
In the conversation, cooperation in the field of defense, security and foreign policy was rated as particularly high quality.
Đukanović assessed the possibility of improving cooperation in the economy as realistic, bearing in mind the significant investment potential of Montenegro and previous experience with foreign investors.
He thanked for the understanding of Montenegro's efforts in overcoming the consequences of the pandemic and the offer to donate vaccines.
Kalnina emphasized that Montenegro and Latvia have long, friendly and fruitful relations and that her mission will be to improve and nurture political, security, economic and cultural ties.
She pointed out that Latvia extremely appreciates the efforts of Montenegro in the security sector within NATO.
Kalnina thanked for the participation of Montenegrin soldiers in the Adaža base.
"She welcomed Montenegro's readiness to work towards EU approximation, which is highly appreciated," the statement said.
Kalnina, as stated, reiterated Latvia's readiness to donate AstraZeneca vaccines to Montenegro, for which the government's response is expected.
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