Milatović and Pavel: Montenegro and the Czech Republic share common values ​​and attitudes

Montenegro and the Czech Republic share common values ​​and attitudes, especially when we are facing major challenges - from the war in Ukraine to global security threats, said Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović.

Today, at Villa Gorica, he welcomed the President of the Czech Republic, Peter Pavel, who is on an official visit to Montenegro, with the highest state and military honors.

"Dear friend, you are coming to our country at a time when we are mourning the tragedy that occurred in the Royal Capital. Respect for the victims is the reason why the visit from Cetinje was moved to Podgorica," said Milatović.

He said that Pavel's visit represents a confirmation of Montenegrin-Czech friendship and alliance - both on the path to the EU, but also within NATO, and bilaterally.

"The Czech Republic's support for the reforms and the negotiation process is of great importance. We appreciate the continued assistance so far over all these previous years. Our goal is to become an EU member by 2028, and to close as many chapters as possible this year. We hope that Montenegro, thanks to EU funds, will continue to deliver good results," said Milatović.

He is convinced that Montenegro and the Czech Republic will improve cooperation within the NATO alliance.

"The economy is one of the key parts of our cooperation. That is why this afternoon we will open a business forum that will be attended by a large number of Montenegrin and Czech businessmen. We expect that in the coming period there will be an increase in the volume of Czech investments, because the potential is truly great - in railways, energy, the wood industry... I am glad that our national airline connects our two countries. Admittedly, only on seasonal flights, but I hope that it will grow into a full year. We are proud of the pilot project of learning the Czech language that is being held at several educational institutions," said Milatović.

Pavel expressed his condolences for the tragedy in Cetinje and said that the Czech Republic and Montenegro are friendly countries with very similar problems, values, and interests.

"This applies to NATO membership, where we are credible partners. We also strongly support your aspiration to become a member of the EU. We can help you with our experience. I believe that EU membership is good for all members of the region. It is also very important that the EU accepts all countries from the region," said the President of the Czech Republic.

He pointed out that in various areas "we can do much more - in the domains of defense, healthcare..."

"When it comes to support on your European path, we commend Montenegro's efforts. Good intentions are not the only thing that matters, but it is important to deliver everything that membership requires. Concrete results are also needed. We strongly believe in Montenegro's interests," he said.

When asked by a Czech journalist how big a challenge Russian influence is and how the Czech Republic can contribute, Pavel said that they had discussed it, especially about malignant influences.

"We have had examples of intrusive attacks from Russia and other countries. Of course we can identify those patterns that existed in Romania, Moldova...", he pointed out.

Milatović added that the best way to defend against Russian influence was Montenegro's decision to become part of NATO, and that this is "very important at this moment."

"Thus, Montenegro has strengthened not only its own security, but also that of the Western Balkans. In addition to NATO membership, I believe that the reforms that Montenegro is undertaking on its European path are additionally helping to build institutions that will be resistant to all external influences," the head of state said.

Milatović added that Montenegro can play a constructive role in the Western Balkans, the role of a good friend that promotes security and regional prosperity.

When asked by a Czech journalist whether they discussed Donald Trump's rise to power in the US, Pavel said that they were not talking about the consequences, but about the future.

Milatović pointed out that he congratulated Trump yesterday, and that Montenegro and the US share an alliance within NATO.

"We have launched an economic dialogue within our two countries. I believe that in the new American administration we will have an ally in our expectations. Montenegro and the USA need to further develop their strategic partnership," he stressed.

When asked by a journalist from Television Vijesti how the constitutional crisis should be resolved and how the government has been working since the formation of the government in Podgorica, Milatović said that there are three political crises in Montenegro - the first is constitutional, the second is the failure of the parliament to convene, and the third is the non-functioning of local governments.

"We still haven't finished the elections in Šavnik. Last year we had dysfunctional local government assemblies. All three crises need to be resolved in parallel. The parliamentary one is connected to the constitutional one," he said, adding that the judge's attitude regarding her dismissal is somewhat surprising.

Milatović announced that if he, from the position of president, can help the government and the opposition find a solution to the constitutional and parliamentary crisis, he will do so, and that, if necessary, he will turn to the Venice Commission.

When asked by journalists whether the government's policy or its positions had changed, alluding to Milatović's statements from a month ago when he said that the executive branch's policy was anti-European and based on economic populism, the head of state said that it was expected that criticism from the position of president would be directed at the government, and that his positions were clear.

"I do not have a magic wand or the power to change certain actions. It is known who makes up the parliamentary majority and the responsibility lies with them. From me, as president, you can expect a clear and transparent position," he stressed.

Milatović noted that being in power is a fleeting thing and said that this was his most important message.

"Those in power should behave towards the opposition as if they were the opposition. Because I think that without national unity, without value-based rules, our reform effort and the support of countries like the Czech Republic will not be enough," he said.