Montenegro and Croatia should resolve open issues in an open and benevolent atmosphere, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović said today.
He said this in Tirana, where he is participating in the European Political Community Summit, when asked to comment on the statement by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković that Montenegro's further progress in integration will depend on resolving open issues with Croatia.
DON'T MISS IT
Milatović said that he spoke with Plenković, with whom he has a good personal relationship, a relationship of mutual appreciation and respect.
"I think that is good and that it is a good basis for talks in the coming period. What we both noted is that bilateral talks are being held at the level of two ministries, the ministries of foreign affairs, and that open issues should be resolved in an open and, of course, benevolent atmosphere," said Milatović.
According to him, Croatia is a country that strongly supports Montenegro's European path, "that was the case and I am quite sure that it will be the case in the coming period."
"We need to resolve open issues. I am sure that both governments will show visible results in the national period," Milatović emphasized.
He said that the Summit conveyed a message of European unity, which is important in the context of visible geopolitical challenges.
"Europe is facing a war on its eastern border, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Europe is also facing certain disagreements when it comes to positions between Europe and the United States of America (USA), not to mention the trade barriers that currently exist," Milatović said.
He stated that there are many challenges and that the message of European unity is very important. "Of course, at the heart of European unity is the European Union (EU)."
Milatović added that the EU attracts numerous countries from the European continent that want to become members of the Union.
He said that the Tirana Summit was an opportunity for him to further showcase everything that Montenegro has done in talks with all the leaders of the EU member states.
"And to further promote that ambitious goal, but I really think achievable, which is for Montenegro to become the 28th member of the EU in 2028," said Milatović.
He said that the second message that could be heard today relates to the role of Europe in a challenging world.
"A Europe that promotes a rules-based world. I think that's particularly important and that's one thing that all European leaders have agreed on, that's this commitment to multilateralism that is determined and that is based on rules," Milatović added.
He said that the third message is that Europe should play a more significant role in terms of resolving various geopolitical challenges.
"And I think that was also said today by numerous European leaders who spoke at the summit," Milatović said.
Speaking about the possibility of Montenegro organizing the European Political Community Summit, Milatović said that 2026 was mentioned as a possible date.
Stating that the Summit is usually held in one of the EU member states every other year, Milatović said that the next one should be held in Denmark.
"I have once again reiterated the will of Montenegro, we will see if it will happen," said Milatović.
According to him, if there is no summit, there will certainly be another one.
Milatović emphasized that participation in such events enhances Montenegro's role as a credible partner in the region, but also in the context of the EU and multilateral relations.
Bonus video:
