Montenegro remains committed to European integration and reforms leading to membership in the European Union (EU), said the Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević.
At a meeting in Paris with the Minister Delegate for Europe, Benjamin Hadad, Gorčević said that France's support is extremely important for Montenegro, because that country advocates for a merit-based process and the acceleration of the integration of the Western Balkans.
"All expert support is welcome, but Montenegro also needs a strong political voice in European institutions and member states in order to successfully bring the negotiation process to a conclusion," said Gorčević.
Adad, as announced by the Montenegrin Ministry of European Affairs, announced a visit to Montenegro in mid-March.
He said that on that occasion he would visit the Western Balkans Regional Cyber Capabilities Center, which was opened in Podgorica with the financial support of France and Slovenia.
Adad, it is added, expressed interest in the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and pointed out that the EU has a clear interest in Montenegro becoming the next member.
The statement states that the meeting also discussed opportunities for cooperation in the energy, education and innovation sectors, where France could play a key role in future projects.
"One of the topics was the initiative for Montenegro to host the next Summit of the European Political Community, which would send a strong message of European support to the region," the statement added.
During her official visit to Paris, Gorčević reportedly met with MP and Secretary of the France-Montenegro Friendship Group in the National Assembly Liliana Tangi, and Special Envoy for the Western Balkans at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rene Trocaz.
Gorčević, it is added, also met with Secretary General for European Affairs Emmanuel Puize Jovin and Senator Martha de Sidrac, president of the France-Western Balkans friendship group in the French Senate.
"French officials clearly see Montenegro as the next EU member and strongly support the merit-based process," Gorčević said during his working visit.
It was emphasized that it is essential to continue with reforms in key areas, especially in the domain of the rule of law, in order for Montenegro to achieve its strategic goal - full membership in the EU.
Gorčević, it is added, recalled that Montenegro is in the final phase of the negotiation process, with all chapters open and six temporarily closed, and assessed that the key focus is on fulfilling the final obligations in the area of the rule of law.
"This visit further strengthens relations between Montenegro and France, confirming Montenegro's commitment to the European path and its continued progress towards EU membership," the statement concluded.
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