If we could choose differently, we would never find better neighbors than Croatia and Slovenia, who selflessly support our European path, which would not be possible without them.
This is what the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, said tonight in Cetinje, where he and his wife prepared a festive dinner for representatives of the diplomatic corps in the Government House.
He said that Montenegro has a clear foreign policy priority - good relations with its neighbors in the Balkans, membership in NATO, accession to the European Union and multilateralism.
"It is my pleasure to host you tonight and to thank you for the successful cooperation that Montenegro has had with your countries during the year 2024. Tonight's gathering carries additional symbolism, bearing in mind that it is being held in the year when we celebrate a century and a half since the establishment of the Office for foreign affairs of Montenegro," said Milatović.
He stated that from the role of the president of the state, he tries to support all the key foreign policy goals of the country.
"Over the past year, my cabinet has been extremely active. We have made numerous high-level visits, including the first official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as well as visits to Austria, the Vatican, Romania, Cyprus and Turkey. It was a great honor for me to represent my country at numerous multilateral forums, but also to host the Brdo-Brioni Summit together with our dear Slovenian and Croatian colleagues distinguished guests, such as the prime minister of Ireland and the presidents of Slovenia, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, as well as the president of the EBRD," said Milatović.
He added that through these diplomatic activities, he emphasized key national interests and commitment to make Montenegro the 28th member of the EU by 2028.
"Cultivating good neighborly relations for Montenegro is crucial. They say that geography is your destiny; however, even if we could choose otherwise, we would never find better neighbors than those who selflessly support our European path - a path that would not be possible without them Special recognition goes to Croatia and Slovenia for their efforts - both political and technical - in our EU integration process mechanisms for achieving international cooperation and prosperity," Milatović pointed out.
He also warned that where dialogue ends, conflicts begin, which end in suffering and tragedy.
"That's why, more than ever, intensive diplomatic activity is needed at all levels. I see tonight's gathering as an opportunity to thank you for your commitment to strengthening political, cultural and economic ties between Montenegro and your home countries. The previous experience in performing the presidential function has convinced me of importance and the need to, by exchanging views and opinions, additionally contribute to mutual trust and understanding," said Milatović.
The evening was also attended by representatives of state and municipal institutions, the media, the non-governmental sector and international organizations...
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