The historic high-level visit opened a new chapter in the relations between Montenegro and the Netherlands, it was announced in the conversation between Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović and Dutch King William Alexander.
Milatović, as announced by his cabinet, met with Aleksander this morning in the royal palace in The Hague, thus starting his working visit to the Netherlands.
"In an open and cordial conversation, a strong friendship was confirmed and the significance of the first visit at such a high level, which opened a new chapter in the relations between the two countries, was highlighted," the statement said.
It is said that Milatović informed the Dutch king about the current situation in the country, pointed out the country's most important foreign policy priorities and invited him to visit Montenegro.
Milatović's cabinet said that, during his stay in The Hague, he also met with Prime Minister Marko Rute and that excellent and allied interstate relations were noted at the meeting.
Milatović pointed out the importance of the Netherlands' support for Montenegro's European path.
He stated that he expects that Montenegro, as a leader in the negotiation process, will become a full member of the European Union (EU) by 2028.
Milatović pointed to the results achieved by Montenegro in the field of strengthening the rule of law and the independence of institutions, which, he said, shows the state's readiness to take significant steps in order to speed up the European integration process.
"Also, at the meeting, the importance of the intensive cooperation that Montenegro and the Netherlands achieve within NATO in conditions important for wider, global security was emphasized," the announcement states.
Milatović said that the Euro-Atlantic orientation of the countries of the Western Balkans must be preserved and additionally encouraged, bearing in mind that this is a key prerequisite for long-term stability and prosperity of the region.
As reported, Rute praised the progress that Montenegro has achieved in the process of European integration.
He reiterated that the Netherlands remains a strong partner of Montenegro on the way to full membership in the EU.
"Both sides expressed interest in improving economic cooperation, especially in the energy sector and tourism, and better air connectivity was stated as a prerequisite, which will be the subject of future talks between the representatives of the two countries," the statement said.
It is stated that, during his visit to the Netherlands, Milatović met with the President of the Senate, Jan Antoni Brujin, the President of the House of Representatives, Martin Bozma, members of the Committee for Foreign Policy and the EU, as well as representatives of the Dutch economy.
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