The Czech Republic supports the expansion of the European Union (EU), said the country's Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, stating that the process must remain based on meeting criteria and individual merit.
Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro for Foreign and European Affairs Filip Ivanović met with Lipavski today in Podgorica.
As announced by Ivanovic's office, the meeting was an opportunity to confirm strong bilateral relations and express commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two friendly countries.
Ivanovic thanked the Czech Republic for its continued support for Montenegro's European integration, emphasizing that EU membership is the country's key strategic goal.
He said that it is important that enlargement remains the focus of EU policy and that global developments do not divert attention from integration.
"Montenegro remains committed to fulfilling all reform requirements and preserving its status as a leader in the process. Montenegro wants to join the EU without shortcuts, exclusively through well-deserved progress in reforms," emphasized Ivanović.
Lipavsky, as announced, confirmed the Czech Republic's full support for EU enlargement, emphasizing that the process must remain based on meeting criteria and individual merit.
Ivanovic's office said that the focus of the talks was also on economic issues, with Lipavski highlighting significant potential for improving cooperation, especially in the areas of the defense industry, tourism, and investment.
"One of the topics of the meeting was the possibility of opening a Montenegrin diplomatic mission in Prague, which would further improve relations between the two countries and facilitate further cooperation," the statement said.
The interlocutors, it is added, discussed security challenges and current global developments, reaffirming their commitment to the NATO alliance and emphasizing the importance of strengthening European security.
The statement states that Ivanovic emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts in ending the war in Ukraine and stressed that the key factor for stability in Europe is preserving unity within the EU and a proactive role in dialogue with strategic partners.
"It was concluded that Montenegro and the Czech Republic will continue intensive cooperation in all areas of common interest, including economic relations, tourism, education and defense, and that the Czech Republic will continue to be a reliable partner of Montenegro on its European path," the statement said.
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