The British Embassy hosted a reception to mark the official birthday of King Charles III.
As announced by the British Embassy, the event is an opportunity to highlight the enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and Montenegro, as well as the shared values and diverse bonds that connect the two countries.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the state leadership, the diplomatic corps, international organizations, civil society, the academic, business and cultural community, the media, as well as former and current scholars of the British Chevening program, who are today prominent actors in the development of Montenegrin society. The reception was also attended by the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović.
British Ambassador Dawn McCann said that she is witnessing how "the relationship and areas of cooperation between the United Kingdom and Montenegro are increasingly strengthening, from working together to solve problems and challenges that affect us all, such as cooperation in the areas of combating organized crime and corruption, to concrete cooperation in the field of defense, where Montenegro is improving interoperability with allies within NATO."
"The strategic partnership signed by Foreign Minister Ibrahimović last month provides an excellent basis for further strengthening these relations. The United Kingdom will host the Berlin Process this year. Montenegro has actively contributed ideas that will help us seize this opportunity to foster regional cooperation and growth. This cycle of the Berlin Process began last month, when culture ministers met in Kotor to discuss advancing the creative economy sector in the region through partnerships, cooperation and the exchange of ideas," said McKenzie.
Milatović said that it is his pleasure to wish success and prosperity to our British friends tonight on the occasion of the celebration of the official birthday of His Majesty King Charles III, on behalf of Montenegro and its citizens.
"The friendship between Montenegro and the United Kingdom has outlived many eras and preserved its noble face through centuries of mutual respect and rich experiences. Today, our relations are truly allied within the NATO alliance – founded on cooperation, solidarity and mutual understanding," said Milatović.
He said that today, when talking about the British crown, one cannot help but emphasize the special role that King Charles III plays in the friendship between the two countries.
"His two visits to Montenegro, in 1978 and 2016 as the Prince of Wales, represent strong symbols of respect and appreciation for our country. These visits, although separated by decades, carry one common message - a message of friendship, sincere support and deep connection between our peoples. It would be a true honor for us if His Majesty and members of the distinguished royal family were to be our guests in Montenegro again in the near future," said Milatović.
The statement said that the British Embassy works closely with Montenegrin institutions, the Government and a wide range of local and international partners on issues of mutual interest. This cooperation, it added, includes the areas of regional stability and defence, the fight against organised crime and corruption, promoting the rule of law, cyber security and other areas.
"British-Montenegrin relations have an exceptionally long and rich history. The cultural ties between the United Kingdom and Montenegro are strong, with numerous educational programs that further strengthen our friendship and cooperation in achieving common goals. Through the work of the British Council, support continues in the areas of education, cultural exchange and youth empowerment. Today, our two countries are allies within NATO and share common values and a vision of security, stability and an open society," it was announced.
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