Relations between Montenegro and the United States of America (USA) are based on trust, common values and interests, it was announced at a meeting between Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović and US Senators Steve Daines and Gene Shahin.
Milatović met with the senators during a visit to Washington, where he is marking 120 years of diplomatic relations between Montenegro and the United States.
"The interlocutors expressed strong and clear support for our European path and emphasized that relations between Montenegro and the United States, built through more than a century of cooperation, are based on trust, common values, and interests," the statement said.
As announced by Milatović's office, one of the main topics of the meetings was the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act, whose adoption in the US Senate is expected by the end of the year.
Šahin, who initiated the act, emphasized that the law will bring new incentives for strengthening relations between Montenegro and the US, especially in the areas of institutional cooperation, reforms, regional stability, and long-term support for development projects.
Milatović assessed that this law will open a new phase in relations between the two countries.
"The adoption of the Act will be a strong signal of American support for our democratic development, the rule of law, and comprehensive cooperation, opening space for new joint initiatives and further strengthening of the partnership," said Milatović.
It is stated that the meeting also discussed further deepening of political, economic and security ties, including strengthening cooperation within the NATO alliance.
Milatović, it is added, introduced the interlocutors to the key reform processes in Montenegro, emphasizing that the building of strong, independent and professional institutions, as well as the consistent strengthening of the rule of law - is the foundation of Montenegro's European path and a prerequisite for long-term stability and development.
Milatović invited senators to visit Montenegro.
"They expressed their willingness for the visit to take place, assessing that it would further strengthen the partnership and encourage new joint initiatives of strategic importance for both countries," the statement added.
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