Montenegro is the furthest advanced in the European integration process and can achieve its goal of becoming a member of the European Union (EU) in 2028, believes Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar.
At a joint conference with Montenegrin Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović at the Villa "Gorica" in Podgorica, he said that Slovakia supports the Western Balkans in their progress towards the EU.
According to Blanar, the EU will not be complete without the countries of that region.
"Today I can say that we look at Montenegro with optimism, because it has come the furthest in this process. Montenegro can achieve the goal and become an EU member state in 2028," said Blanar.
He said that Slovakia is ready to assist in this process.
"Be more optimistic about your progress and EU entry. Yesterday, when I had a conversation, I had the feeling that there was perhaps more skepticism, but I believe that you are on an excellent path and that there is no room for pessimism or skepticism," said Blanar, who is visiting Montenegro.
He said that they do not recognize any double standards and that everything must be in accordance with the rules that have been in place since the beginning.
Blanar said that they see great efforts by Montenegro to fulfill all the criteria required by the EU.
"The support that Montenegro has is certainly a very important item. We have also helped Montenegro during the expertise in this process and it is an open offer," added Blanar.
He said that bilateral relations between Montenegro and Slovakia are at an excellent level.
Ibrahimović said that they had a very substantive and open conversation.
According to him, the two countries maintain friendly relations and share the same, European values of peace, stability and prosperity for the entire world.
Ibrahimović said that the Government has made a decision to open the Embassy of Montenegro in Slovakia, headquartered in Bratislava, which, as he pointed out, is a confirmation of the desire of both Governments to promote good, friendly relations.
Ibrahimović thanked Slovakia, which, as he emphasized, is a strong partner in the process of Montenegro's accession to the EU.
Montenegro, he said, is strongly committed to completing the negotiation process this year and becoming a full member of the Union in 2028.
"That this is not just a matter of wishes is confirmed by the best report of the European Commission for last year. Likewise, last year we closed six chapters, and at the beginning of January we closed another one. So, we have dynamics, we are keeping the momentum and we believe that we can achieve the set goal," Ibrahimović pointed out.
According to him, the EU must be much stronger and must show unity on those important strategic issues.
"Today's meeting once again confirmed the strong friendship between the two countries, which will be further enhanced in the coming period thanks to the commitment of both governments," added Ibrahimović.
Flights between Bratislava and Podgorica from May 21st
Wizz Air will start new regular flights between Bratislava and Podgorica on May 21st, said Blanar, adding that this will contribute to an increase in the number of tourists from that country.
He said that the flights, which will symbolically begin to mark the 20th anniversary of Montenegro's independence, will operate three times a week.
"This is a great contribution to increasing the number of tourists from Slovakia who will come to Montenegro," said Blanar.
He stated that the number of tourists is increasing, which does not surprise him at all considering all the beauties that Montenegro has.
"For Slovaks, it is in a way a paradise on earth and I am very happy that this will be a way for them to come to Montenegro more simply and quickly," said Blanar.
He stated that he is looking forward to using this great potential for economic work at various levels, including in the commission that will be convened.
"We agreed to hold a joint international commission for economic and trade cooperation this year, where we will have the opportunity to raise other issues related to economic cooperation," Blanar added.
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