Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said he hopes that Montenegro will close all negotiation chapters during the Cypriot presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) in the first half of next year, paving the way to full membership in the Union.
Christodoulidis, who is on an official visit to Montenegro, met with Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović at Villa Gorica.
In a brief statement to the media, Christodoulidis said he was visiting Montenegro in the context of Cyprus' preparations for the presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of next year.
"My visit to Montenegro underlines the importance we attach to the European perspective of the Western Balkans, especially Montenegro," added Christodoulidis.
He recalled that the first chapters in the EU accession negotiations were opened and closed during the first Cypriot presidency, in the second half of 2012.
"I hope that during our second presidency, in the first half of next year, you will close all remaining negotiation chapters, paving the way for Montenegro to become the 28th EU member state," said Christodoulidis.
He said that he would discuss bilateral relations with Milatović, areas in which they can improve cooperation, as well as ways to advance cooperation.
Milatović welcomed Christodoulidis and emphasized how much he values Cyprus's position when it comes to Montenegro's future in the EU.
As he said, Christodoulides' visit is a good opportunity to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between Montenegro and Cyprus.
"Furthermore, let's see how Cyprus can further support Montenegro's EU perspective, especially ahead of the presidency of the Council of the Union that it will take over next year," Milatović said.
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