Montenegro is absolutely committed to the European path and, as a multi-ethnic democracy, is going through an interesting period of political and democratic life, but it manages to confirm the functionality of institutions and a decisive foreign policy course, said Montenegrin President Milo Đukanović.
As announced by the President's Information Service, Đukanović today received letters of credence from the newly appointed, extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of Algeria, Fatah Mahraz, Andreane Marcela of Italy, Ukraine, Oleh Herasimenko, and Germany, Peter Felten.
Đukanović, as stated, spoke separately with the ambassadors, welcomed them to the throne of Cetinje, a successful mission and expressed his belief that during their mandates, each of the ambassadors, in cooperation with the state authorities of Montenegro, will contribute to the improvement of interstate relations.
During the meeting with Mahraz, Đukanović pointed out that there is significant room for improving interstate relations, primarily through dynamizing high-level dialogue and strengthening the contractual base between the two countries.
"Interest has been expressed in establishing cooperation in the field of tourism and energy, bearing in mind the significant potential of our country and the good expertise of Algeria in that field," the announcement says.
It is stated that the possibility of cooperation in culture, the further nurturing of friendly relations in the multilateral framework, which will contribute to the improvement of the overall interstate cooperation, is rated as significant.
Mahraza conveyed to Đukanović expressions of friendship and great respect for the Algerian president, along with best wishes for the prosperity and happiness of the citizens of Montenegro.
"With the agreement on the potential for cooperation in tourism and energy, especially in the context of the energy crisis in the world, he emphasized the importance of timely discussions on the possibility of Montenegro being a regional hub in the context of further development of gas infrastructure," the announcement states.
In addition, Mahraza indicated the possibility of cooperation in maritime transport, culture and education.
In his conversation with the Italian ambassador, Đukanović pointed to the stable historical foundations of the relationship between the two countries, which are being modernized and continuously improved.
With a reminder of friendly and partnership relations through membership in NATO and the expectation of a soon partnership in the European Union, Đukanović thanked for continuous and comprehensive support to Montenegro and the Western Balkans in their European aspirations.
"Italy is a country that knows the history and understands the present of this region better than others, which is of great importance for the European perspective," he said.
Recalling the importance of the Agreement on Strategic Cooperation between the two countries, a framework that should be used even more effectively on the example of the valuable infrastructure project of the submarine cable, Đukanović highly rated the cooperation with the Italian President Sergio Mattarella, which is characterized by friendship towards Montenegro and its people.
Marcela said that the historically long-term partnership between Montenegro and Italy makes her feel at home in Montenegro.
"We are someone who really wants Montenegro in the European Union (EU) and we closely cooperate and support you on that way, so that Montenegro becomes the 28th member of the Union," said Marcela.
She added that Italy will provide strong support to Montenegro to take the final steps.
"Just as you became a member of NATO with determination and hard work and are leading the way to the EU, we will also help you with your obligations in key chapters of the negotiations with the Union," she added.
According to Marcela, Montenegro can count on Italian support in the democratic processes that have been intense in the past period, but, as she added, in the institutional and constitutional framework, which is the most important.
"It is also important to maintain the country's stability and avoid any influence from third parties, because Montenegro belongs to Europe, with which it shares history, values and goals," said Marcela.
She announced that she will devote her mandate to the further improvement of successful economic relations and through the possibility of continuing an energy project such as an undersea cable.
It is stated that in the conversation with Herasimenko, Đukanović thanked Ukraine for the decision to renew the representation of the state at the ambassadorial level in this difficult moment for that country and its people, which Montenegro understands as a gesture of friendship and support for Montenegrin readiness to build the best relations of friendly cooperation.
Đukanović, as it is added, particularly emphasized his pleasure to receive the Ukrainian ambassador in the capital, which is unique in many respects, but also because of the daily support of its citizens to the Ukrainian people.
"He reiterated his strong condemnation of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, an irresponsible act that violates international rights and the Charter of the United Nations (UN), with sincere regret for the suffering of a friendly country and people, and the destruction of rich material resources," the statement said.
Đukanović said that he hopes that the situation will still calm down and that additional efforts will be made to find a solution through diplomatic means that will ensure the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
"With the assessment that it is an aggression that threatens not only Ukraine but European security, the system of values and unity, he reiterated his support for the decision to grant candidate status to that country," the statement said.
Đukanović said that he hopes that the war will stop in the foreseeable future.
"And that we will return to peacetime topics and cooperation, he expressed his full readiness for Montenegro to participate to the maximum extent possible in all programs of support and reconstruction of that country," the statement added.
Herasimenko thanked Đukanović for his personal involvement in helping during the unfortunate circumstances, which, as he said, Ukraine will endure, overcome and win the war against evil.
"While also thanking Lidia Đukanović for her recent participation in the Summit organized by Olena Zelenska, he pointed out the importance of the support of Montenegro and all partners and allies," the announcement states.
Herasimenko gave his full support to Montenegro's progress towards the EU, stressing that he would be happy to use Montenegrin experiences.
At the meeting with Felten, Đukanović highly rated the relations between Montenegro and Germany, which have experienced significant progress over the past years.
Valuing the frequent meetings and friendly talks at the highest level, Đukanović thanked for cooperation through the overall state infrastructure of the two countries, especially in the field of internal affairs, security, environmental protection, culture and education.
"With the formation of the German Business Club in Montenegro and the announcement of the arrival of large companies in our country, the foundations are laid for an even more dynamic economic cooperation, which is both a priority and important for the diversification of the Montenegrin economy and its competitiveness on the European market, which we strive for," the announcement states.
With gratitude for the support of the European future of Montenegro and the Western Balkans, Đukanović assessed the stimulating messages from Berlin as encouraging, which, he added, is also important from the aspect of incentives from other countries in the region in this direction.
"On that line, he welcomed the preparatory actions for the organization of the new Summit of the Berlin Process in the direction of strengthening its authority as an original regional initiative," the statement says.
Felten, as it is added, said that as an economist, he will be thoroughly committed to economic cooperation between Montenegro and Germany in all areas, especially in energy, environmental protection, with the aim of showing the attractiveness of Germany as an investment partner.
He welcomed the political dialogue at the highest level as an important framework for cooperation and announced further contacts in that direction and through the imminent arrival of the German envoy for Western Bakan in Montenegro.
An important topic was set in Berlin - Montenegro's progress towards the EU, that's why Germany will continue to support your country in key areas, Felten said, and added that it would be like the realization of his personal dream that during his mandate, Montenegro would join the EU.
He emphasized that the role of the Berlin process is to support the European perspective of the Western Balkans and that by organizing a new summit, he wants to point out the importance of its inclusive character.
"We believe that the Berlin process is the right process to achieve this," said the ambassador.
Felten pointed out that in Germany Montenegro is seen as a port of stability in the Western Balkans that respects international law and the rules of the international multilateral order, clearly declaring against the attack on Ukraine.
"With the assessment that we must understand together that aggressive wars are fought not only with weapons but also with disinformation, he pointed out the importance of the unity of our society in both Germany and Montenegro, which must be clearly demonstrated to the citizens," the announcement states.
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