Switzerland supports the development path of Montenegro, said the Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ignacio Cassis.
He said this at a joint conference with his Montenegrin colleague Filip Ivanović in Podgorica.
Kasis said that his was also the first visit of Swiss officials to Montenegro.
He said that with his visit they want to send a signal that they are interested in cooperation and that they support the development path of Montenegro.
Kasis said that the progress that Montenegro has achieved in the economic sphere and in the context of strengthening stability in the Western Balkans is exceptional.
He said that he talked with Ivanovic about current global events, support for Ukraine.
Kasis thanked Montenegro for its participation in peace initiatives.
Ivanovic said that the conversation and the visit of Kasis are a confirmation of the mutual commitment that the two countries work together on the further development of bilateral cooperation and interstate relations, as well as to strengthen political dialogue at a high level.
He said that the relations between Montenegro and Switzerland are very good and friendly, and that the two countries share democratic, European values.
Ivanovic said that Montenegro appreciates Switzerland's support for the country's development path.
"The reforms that we implement within the framework of the European agenda contribute to the overall progress of Montenegrin society, and Switzerland, in the spirit of our partnership relations, continuously provides support for the realization of our foreign policy priorities," Ivanović added.
He said that at the meeting they also looked at the dynamics of bilateral contacts.
"And they especially praised the holding of political consultations, with the expectation that another round of talks between the two ministries of foreign affairs will be held by the end of this year," Ivanović said.
He said that economic cooperation represents an important segment of the overall relations between the two countries.
Ivanovic said that this is confirmed by the fact that Switzerland is among the three largest foreign investors in Montenegro during the last five years.
He said that in this context, they also discussed the further promotion of Montenegro as an investment destination and the modalities of closer connection of the business communities of the two countries.
"In this regard, I pointed out that the Swiss-Montenegro Chamber of Commerce, founded a year ago, has an important role, and that improving the business environment and attracting foreign investments are among the Government's priorities," Ivanović added.
He said that at the meeting they also praised cooperation in the field of internal affairs, especially in the field of fighting crime.
"And they agreed that it is possible to strengthen contacts and further improve cooperation in numerous areas," Ivanovic said.
He stated that he is primarily referring to the areas of education, science and research, especially following the good cooperation with international organizations based in Switzerland, such as the European Organization for Nuclear Research.
Ivanovic said that one of the topics of the conversation was the cooperation between Switzerland and NATO, which in the spirit of the policy of military neutrality, as he added, takes place in the areas of practical cooperation, in accordance with common goals.
He said that Montenegro and Switzerland are also connected through the significant Montenegrin diaspora, which is very well integrated within the Swiss state.
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