Rodić: I have the opportunity to raise the political relations between Montenegro and Serbia to a level that corresponds to close and friendly ties

I am sincerely happy that, after many years of atrophy in political and diplomatic relations between Montenegro and Serbia, with my presence in Montenegro I have the opportunity to raise our political relations to a level that corresponds to historically traditionally close and friendly ties, said Serbian Ambassador to Montenegro Nebojša Rodić.

The Cabinet of the Vice President of the Government of Montenegro for Security, Internal Policy, European and Foreign Affairs, Aleksa Bečić, announced that Bečić met with Rodić.

Rodić pointed out that he is honored to be in a position from which he can contribute to the improvement of relations between Montenegro and Serbia.

"I am sincerely happy that, after several years of atrophy in political and diplomatic relations between our countries, with my presence in Montenegro I have the opportunity to raise our political relations to a level that corresponds to historically traditionally close and friendly ties. I am convinced that we have a successful period ahead of us which will be a consequence of mutual policies and political commitments,'' the ambassador pointed out.

The announcement states that Bečić expressed his belief that the historical ties and friendly relations between Montenegro and Serbia will continue to be reflected in mutual readiness for political dialogue, with respect for the principles of sovereignty, integrity and mutual respect, which are the basis of successful mutual relations.

"I believe that with your rich life, diplomatic and political experience, you will contribute to the renewal of diplomatic relations and the strengthening of cooperation between our countries on a healthy basis, with the aim of creating a better future for all our citizens. Family, godfather and friendship ties between the citizens of our countries are strong and unbreakable and they were never affected by the different phases and variations in our political-diplomatic relations. I hope that in the future the quality of mutual relations between our citizens will follow the quality of the political-diplomatic relations of the two countries and that the focus will be on the topics that unite us, on development economy, infrastructure, European perspectives, and not on topics that divide us, because even when we look at certain issues differently, we must not forget that mutual respect and cooperation have no alternative,'' Bečić pointed out.

The statement added that Bečić informed Rodić of the key results of the new government, particularly highlighting those achieved in the security sector.

"Successfully implemented actions that resulted in the daily breaking of smuggling chains, the seizure of large quantities of cigarettes and narcotics, the arrest of members of criminal groups, fugitives from justice, but also numerous police, customs and other government officials and officials, are the result of excellent cooperation between the security sector, SDT and the competent prosecutor's offices are the biggest proof that there are no more untouchables or privileged people in Montenegro. The rule of law and the fight against organized criminal groups is the foundation of the future of all countries and a joint obligation because crime knows no borders, believe it or not, so cooperation is necessary in that direction, as well as in cases of processing fugitives from justice, i.e. mutual processing and extradition of persons who are suspected of committing criminal acts, but also those who have been legally convicted of committing serious crimes, such as Mr. Marović, who by his own admission was the head of a criminal group. Justice must not be played, the state and institutions must be respected, everyone must be accountable according to the law, because the rule of law must always win, said Bečić.

He said that these are also the steps that Montenegro is surely taking towards the soonest possible membership in the EU, which, along with credible NATO membership and the development of regional cooperation, represents Montenegro's strategic commitment.

"Now our capacities are maximally focused on obtaining IBAR, in order to soon begin to close numerous ready chapters. Montenegro, as the most advanced candidate for the first next member of the EU, has a great responsibility to promote democracy, the rule of law and European values ​​in the region, thus helping neighboring countries on the European path, because our great desire is for Montenegro to take advantage of the great opportunity and as the first next member to open the door to the new enlargement, in order to help all our neighbors and friends on the European path, because our full fulfillment will be when one day the entire Western Balkans will be together within the European Union," said Bečić.

He cited as another significant success the achievement of the necessary consensus which, after a long series of years, enabled the unblocking of key institutions that had been in an acting state for a number of years.

"The established functionality of the Constitutional Court, the Judicial Council, the VDT and the Central Bank are important steps on the way to restoring functionality, and only independent and functional institutions are a guarantee of reform and development of a society," Bečić emphasized.

The announcement states that Rodić praised the results of the new Montenegrin government in the field of unblocking the judiciary and the fight against organized crime and corruption, stressing their importance for Montenegro's European path.

"Your results are really impressive, therefore I am convinced that you will fully justify the trust of the citizens and that during my mandate I will witness historical events in Montenegro," concluded Rodić.