The political interest of Europe is to speed up the expansion of the European Union (EU), said the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, and added that he considers it realistic for Montenegro to become a member of the Union in 2028.
Tajani, who is visiting Montenegro, spoke today with his Montenegrin colleague Ervin Ibrahimović.
Tajani, answering the question whether it is realistic for Montenegro to close several chapters by the end of the year, said that the country has the complete support of Italy until the chapters that were open are closed.
He assessed that 2028 is a realistic date for Montenegro's entry into the EU.
"I think it is in the political interest of Europe to speed up the time of accession, because we cannot allow any country from the Balkans to lose the opportunity to be part of the Union and to extinguish the dream of many young people living in the Western Balkans, who dream of being EU citizens." Tajani added.
He said that he will do everything possible to make it happen as soon as possible.
Tajani said that Italy's support for Montenegro's European path is not formal, but operational in nature.
He explained that the meeting also discussed cooperation in the fight against crime, as well as in the tourism sector.
Ibrahimović said that the relations between Montenegro and Italy are excellent, friendly and meaningful.
"We appreciate Italy's support for our European journey. We also agreed today that the European perspective is the only way for further development, prosperity and a better life for the citizens of our region," said Ibrahimović.
He said that for Montenegro, European and Euro-Atlantic values represent a strategic commitment and have no alternative.
"We are glad to have the support of partner countries, and one of them is Italy. After the positive IBAR, I am glad that friendly countries share our enthusiasm and that they will continue to support us in order to become the next member of the EU", added Ibrahimović.
He believes that Montenegro has confirmed that membership in the EU is the absolute priority of the Government.
"In addition to Italy guarding our airspace with Greece since 2018, we cooperate closely in other segments through the NATO agenda," Ibrahimović said.
He said that they agreed that a particularly important aspect of bilateral relations is cooperation in the field of economy and energy.
Ibrahimović said that they also discussed improving cooperation in the fields of tourism, technology, education, and culture.
"I will do my best to ensure that the ambassadors are high-quality and career-oriented"
Answering a journalist's question about whether he spoke with the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, about the appointment of the ambassador, Ibrahimović said that they had a good conversation, "and we recognized the determination of the steps we need to take".
"I remind everyone that we have to behave responsibly, that we have to fill the diplomatic and consular missions (DKP)", said Ibrahimović.
He emphasized that the completion of the DKP is necessary for Montenegro, especially in the context of EU accession.
"I believe everyone is aware of that. Montenegro has to do its part to be part of the EU, and that's why we need career diplomats. I will do my best to ensure that the ambassadors are high-quality and career-oriented, the best we have," said Ibrahimović.
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