Đukanović: Without integration, there can be no reliable stability in this part of Europe, and thus not in Europe

The President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović, received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkevičs, who is visiting Montenegro.

As announced by the President's office, Đukanović said that he sees Rinkevičs' visit as another effort by Latvia to improve cooperation with the countries of the region.

"Which we especially appreciate at a time when we are witnessing numerous challenges, including the region to which Latvia belongs," the announcement states.

Đukanović, he added, thanked for the understanding of the European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Montenegro and the support that Latvia provides to Montenegro on that path.

"Thanks to that support, we have achieved our first strategic goal, membership in NATO," said Đukanović, with the belief that as partners in that alliance we have confirmed the justification of admission, and through contributing to global peace by participating in missions such as the increased forward presence in Latvia.

With repeated thanks for the help on the European path, Đukanović reminded that "unfortunately, we are witnessing a slowdown in the plan of expansion and, consequently, the expected filling of that space with the influence of third parties".

Along these lines, he shared the belief that without integration there can be no reliable stability in this part of Europe, and thus in Europe as well.

In addition to the assessment of exemplary bilateral relations, Đukanović welcomed cooperation in the field of defense, internal affairs and security and foreign affairs, and expressed his interest in continuing the officer training program at the Baltic College, as well as in expanding the colony of investors who will bring new knowledge to Montenegro. and values ​​in the following period.

"Minister Rinkevičs, along with greetings from the President of Latvia Levits and recalling the successful visit of President Đukanović to that country before the start of the pandemic, highly rated the relations between the two countries, which are stable, friendly and at all levels. He emphasized the importance of constant dialogue between small countries on issues and challenges in both of the region, which was also initiated by the President. He expressed his gratitude for the contribution of Montenegro to the troops within the mission in Latvia, extremely valuing the overall cooperation within the Alliance. Agreeing with the evaluations of the security challenges of the Security Council, he reminded that Latvia is one of the EU members that advocates for expansion precisely for reasons of security, stability and the necessary change in dynamics," the announcement states.

Rinkevičs, as it is added, recalled his country's experiences in integration and emphasized that it is not only a question of meeting technical conditions, but also the existence of political will and readiness for enlargement, and the ball is more in the court of the EU than in any of the candidate countries. .

With the message that it is necessary to fulfill all criteria for membership, he said that he thinks that the progress that Montenegro has achieved over the years is great, that it has shown democratic maturity and has come a long way, which should be appreciated.

"Regardless of who is in power, the integration process should continue, the minister points out, with the message that we should break the vicious circle and send a signal to the region that the enlargement policy is alive. Latvia is standing by Montenegro on that path through practical support, but also in talks at intergovernmental conferences, said Rinkevičs.

Đukanović, the statement concludes, confirmed his agreement that the best formula for success is to do his part of the work at home and make sure that even the most skeptical have no arguments with which to challenge the admission of new members.