Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she is confident that Montenegro will become the 28th member of the European Union during the Italian presidency of the EU, in the first half of 2028.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, at her invitation, is paying his first official visit to Italy.
During the meeting, the two officials said that the best days for cooperation between Montenegro and Italy are yet to come, and that cooperation within the EU will provide additional impetus to strengthening overall relations, Spajić's cabinet announced.
The meeting discussed joint projects, cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, defense and energy, better connectivity, and Italy's support on Montenegro's European path.
Meloni assessed that Montenegro rightly expects to be the first member of the European Union.
"I am following your work with attention and I am impressed by the vision and the way you lead Montenegro. I am convinced that during the Italian presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2028, Montenegro will become the 28th member," Meloni said, as written in the statement.
The Prime Minister said that Montenegro strongly relies on Italy's support in the field of European integration and overall foreign policy, and emphasized that traditionally good relations can be built on in numerous areas, especially in energy. Along these lines, he pointed out the importance of continuing the submarine power cable project, namely laying the second core, which, as he emphasized, will connect Montenegro more strongly with both Italy and the European Union.
"Energy is a development opportunity for Montenegro. Therefore, it is particularly important that we implement capital projects in this area in cooperation with trusted partners in order to valorize this potential in the mutual interest," said Spajić.
The Italian Prime Minister, as announced, expressed full support for the continuation of the project.
During the meeting, there was discussion of cooperation with partners outside Europe, with an emphasis on cooperation with the United States and the United Arab Emirates, with which both countries have signed intergovernmental agreements.
Spajić's cabinet also announced that the Italian Prime Minister particularly emphasized the importance of cooperation with, as she pointed out, "reliable partners from the UAE", emphasizing that new times require credible partners.
At the meeting, it was assessed that good maritime connections during the summer season and direct air routes are a good basis for stronger economic exchange, but the interlocutors agreed that it is necessary to intensify activities and the frequency of business contacts in this area.
"The interlocutors agreed to organize a Business Forum with an emphasis on the areas of energy, transport infrastructure and defense, after which the signing of an interstate agreement in areas of common interest will be initiated," the statement reads.
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