The Central European Initiative (CEI), as the oldest regional initiative in Central and Southeastern Europe, significantly contributes to strengthening interconnections, exchanging knowledge and promoting best practices, thus creating a solid foundation for sustainable reforms and accelerating European integration.
This was assessed by the Head of the Delegation of the Parliament of Montenegro to the Parliamentary Dimension of the CEI, Gordan Stojović, who participated in the meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on the topic "Partnership within the CEI: Support for the Enlargement of the European Union (EU)", which was held in Belgrade.
As announced by the Montenegrin Parliament, the speakers emphasized the importance of parliamentary cooperation among CEI member states in the context of stronger promotion of European integration, with special emphasis on the role of regional cooperation as a key factor of stability and progress.
CEI Secretary General Franco Dal Mas stressed that EU enlargement is at the top of the organization's agenda, stating that it is not only an economic issue, but also a matter of security and stability in the region.
"During his address, Stojović said that the CEI, as the oldest regional initiative in this part of Europe, significantly contributes to strengthening interconnections, exchanging knowledge and promoting best practices, thus creating a solid foundation for sustainable reforms and accelerating European integration," the statement said.
The statement states that Montenegro, as the country that has advanced the furthest in the EU accession process, sees the European path not only as a strategic goal, but as a deep commitment to the values of democracy, the rule of law and stability.
"On this path, the CEI remains a strong support and reliable partner in achieving common European goals," the statement added.
Stojović, as stated, particularly emphasized the importance of the Know-how Exchange Program, through which Montenegro successfully cooperates with EU member states on projects that specifically contribute to the modernization of society.
"This cooperation best reflects the spirit of European solidarity and a shared vision - a Europe that is not divided, but united in values and a common future," said Stojović.
The Assembly said that during the meeting, the participants exchanged constructive opinions on the importance of developing regional relations, emphasizing the special role of the CEI as a platform for strengthening political dialogue and connecting the countries of the region.
The statement states that the participants emphasized the need to further dynamize parliamentary cooperation, recognizing it as a key mechanism for strengthening mutual trust and improving regional cohesion.
The Assembly said that during his stay in Belgrade, Stojović held separate meetings with the ambassadors of Argentina, Oswaldo Narciso Marsico, Mexico, Carlos I. Félix Corona, and the outgoing ambassador of Brazil, José Mauro da Fonseca Costa Cota.
"In a meaningful and constructive conversation with Marsik, it was assessed that Montenegro and Argentina cherish traditionally friendly relations, which represent a solid foundation for a more dynamic development of interstate relations, with a special focus on deepening parliamentary cooperation," the statement said.
It is stated that, during the meeting with the Brazilian Ambassador, the interlocutors agreed on the importance of forming friendship groups as an important instrument for strengthening interstate cooperation.
The Assembly said that it was agreed that both sides would take concrete steps to ensure that the process is successfully implemented.
As they stated, they also discussed the possibilities of future economic cooperation, as well as further improvement of bilateral relations in a broader sense, with mutual willingness to strengthen the partnership on multiple levels.
"The meeting with the Mexican Ambassador took place in a friendly and constructive conversation, with a shared assessment that it is important to adequately affirm the role and capacities of parliamentary diplomacy as an important instrument in building and improving interstate relations," the statement said.
It is stated that the importance of forming friendship groups as an efficient mechanism for deepening overall cooperation was highlighted.
The interlocutors agreed to encourage the undertaking of concrete activities for their formation as soon as possible.
The Parliament said that Stojović also met with the Consul General of Montenegro in Serbia, Nevenka Ćirović.
"He also visited the Montenegrin Cultural and Educational Society "Princess Ksenija" in Lovćenac," the statement added.
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