Greece strongly supports Montenegro's European path and is ready to assist on that path, assuming that Montenegro continues to demonstrate its commitment to that goal, said Greek President Konstantinos Tassulas.
At a joint press conference with the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, he said that Montenegro is an example in the accession process.
DON'T MISS IT
Milatović said that Tassulas' visit to our country demonstrates the traditionally good relations that Montenegro and Greece cherish.
"I am particularly pleased that the President of Greece chose Montenegro for his third bilateral visit. We have intensified cooperation with EU officials. Greece advocates EU enlargement and our membership. It is important to point out that Greece will chair the Council of the EU at a time when we expect Montenegro to be in the final stages of our accession. Additionally, this visit has greater significance," said Milatović.
He reminded that Montenegro and Greece are allies within NATO, which strengthens our alliance.
"Numerous members of the Montenegrin Army are educated in Greek military schools. Montenegro and Greece are improving cooperation in these areas, but they also have cooperation in the field of tourism, and we want to improve cooperation in the economy. Cooperation between Montenegro and Greece has increased. This country is one of Montenegro's largest trading partners. Numerous preparations are underway for the signing of numerous agreements between Greece and Montenegro. When it comes to tourism, the airline Aegean Airlines operates in Montenegro. And finally, Montenegro is sincerely grateful for this visit, as well as for everything that Greece is doing," said Milatović.
Tasulas said he wanted to publicly convey Greece's congratulations for the efforts Montenegro is making to become the 28th member of the EU.
"I would like to express my gratitude for receiving me and our delegation. The symbol of the historical interpenetration of our two peoples is the famous son of Montenegro and the famous hero of the Greek Revolution - Vasos Mavrovunitis, or Vaso Brajović, who fought for my country, or the oppressed peoples of the Balkans under the Ottoman yoke."
Today, as he said, he had the opportunity to discuss with Milatović the prospects of our relations, as well as many aspects of mutual interest - from defense and energy to culture and tourism.
"Our cooperation is also reflected in economic ties. Of course, it is clear that there are still areas such as energy, infrastructure, green transition in which we can strengthen cooperation. Also, when it comes to connecting through cross-border infrastructure projects, I expressed that the Adriatic-Ionian route will improve the flow of people and overall economic cooperation. The Athens-Podgorica flight has increased the number of Montenegrin tourists."
Tasulas said he also briefed Milatović on Turkey-Greece relations. "We want to improve relations with all neighbors, but avoiding rhetoric that could be inflammatory. As for Cyprus, I took the opportunity to say that communication needs to continue. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Montenegro for the participation of your soldiers in the UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus."
He says the common assessment was that the only path to peace was respect for international law.
"Greece and Montenegro, as NATO allies, will continue to promote these values, as they have done throughout history. I thank you once again for your hospitality and I hope to welcome you soon in Athens," said Tassulas.
When asked by Greek journalists how he sees the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries, noting that, 22 years after the Thessaloniki Declaration, the Western Balkans have not "made progress as expected", Tassulas replied that his country has repeatedly emphasized the arguments regarding the need for the Western Balkan countries to join the European Union.
"In 2027, as the presiding state of the Council of Europe, we will make efforts to join Montenegro and other countries. The reasons are not only economic, but also geostrategic and deeply political. To stabilize the situation and prevent the disappointment that exists among the people of the Western Balkans due to the long period after the Thessaloniki Declaration," he said.
As he added, disappointment contributes to demagogy and threatens to turn into an anti-European stance.
Bonus video:
