Montenegro and Slovenia are two traditionally close countries, said Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić, adding that he is pleased that they will soon be together as part of the European Union (EU).
Mandić said this at a meeting with the President of the State Council of Slovenia, Marko Lotrič, during an official visit to Slovenia.
As announced by the Montenegrin Parliament, Mandić emphasized the traditional closeness of Montenegro and Slovenia, because, as he stated, they were part of a single state for almost 100 years.
"We look forward to being together again as part of the EU very soon," said Mandić.
Lotrič stated that Slovenia, as a sincere friend of Montenegro, will always strongly and devotedly support Montenegro's efforts to become a member of the EU as soon as possible.
Mandić emphasized that Montenegro's goal is to close all negotiation chapters by the end of next year and for Montenegro to become the first EU member state in 2028.
Lotrič pointed out that both houses of the Slovenian parliament, the National Assembly and the State Council, on Friday gave their support for Montenegro to close the negotiating chapter 5 - public procurement.
"The interlocutors also addressed the topics of sustainable development, with particular emphasis on tourism - especially eco, mountain and rural - electricity production, green transition and overall conditions for improving the living standards of citizens," the statement said.
Mandić emphasized that Montenegro has increased salaries and pensions in a very short time, reduced unemployment, but also that a decisive fight against organized crime and corruption has begun, which is a prerequisite for stable social progress and the establishment of the rule of law.
As announced, Mandić invited Lotric to pay an official visit to Montenegro, in order to once again confirm the sincere friendship between the two close countries.
Lotrič reportedly accepted the invitation and added that a delegation of Slovenian entrepreneurs would come to Montenegro with him.
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